Belgian Malinois and Pitbulls are large and powerful dogs. Both are affectionate, loyal, and intelligent dogs. They are known for their strong protective instincts and high trainability. Despite being similar in many ways, the two breeds are pretty different.
Belgian Malinois were originally bred for herding. They bear a striking resemblance to German Shepherds. Pit bulls were bred for bull baiting, but when these sports were outlawed, people started using these dogs for herding and farm work. They also serve as police dogs and sniffers.
Belgian Malinois vs pit bull, the final decision depends on your personal preferences and the individual dog traits you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a sappy family dog or a fierce guard dog, one of these two breeds can be a perfect fit!
Here are the key differences between these two breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Belgian Malinois
Size and Weight Differences
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are larger dogs who stand 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 45 to 75 pounds. The size of the dog breed you are going to adopt determines three things: cost, guarding instincts, and handleability.
Larger dogs tend to have an imposing structure and can easily scare away potential threats. Due to this, they can serve as excellent guard dogs. In this case, Belgian Malinois have strong guarding instincts due to their larger size.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American pit bull terriers are relatively small, having a height of 17 to 21 inches and weighing around 30 to 60 pounds. For this reason, these dogs can be handled more easily as compared to Mals.
Temperament and Personality Traits Comparison
Belgian Malinois
The American Kennel Club describes Belgian Malinois as confident, smart, and hardworking. These loyal and affectionate dogs make great companions. They excel in activities like obedience and agility. Mals are not aggressive— they are friendly around children.
Belgian Malinois are alert and intuitive dogs. They thrive when they have a job. Mals also like getting a lot of stimulation. They form strong bonds with their owners. However, they are not as loving or friendly as pit bulls. Mals make excellent family dogs, but do well in households with one or two people only.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Pitbulls are incredibly smart dogs who make dependable companions. They are known for being hyper and loving. They love people and develop firm bonds with their owners. Unlike Mals, they do equally well in households with large families.
Pit bulls tend to have a high prey drive. If not exercised or socialized properly, they can exhibit predatory behavior, which can be difficult to manage sometimes. Pit bulls are the perfect family dogs who love lying on the couch as much as they like evening walks.
Trainability and Intelligence Evaluation
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They can learn more than 100 words and learn dozens of commands in merely a few repetitions.
Intensive training can help train your Belgian Malinois for different jobs. Mals excel in a variety of tasks. You can teach them to be a guard dog, train them in agility, and more.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit bulls are also responsive to training, but they are not as trainable as Mals. Pit bulls require intense socialization. Therefore, it is important to start socializing your pit bull at an early age. Introduce them to various situations, including strangers, kids, and other dogs.
A properly trained pit bull is well-mannered and calm. Pit bulls can learn basic commands easily, but they cannot learn tasks as complicated as a Belgian Malinois.
Dietary Needs and Weight Management
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois have a low to moderate risk of getting obese. To keep your dog happy and healthy, feed him high-quality dog food. To keep your Mal active, try to establish a balance between exercise and feeding.
Omit unhealthy food and snacks from your Mal’s diet and measure their weight regularly. An adult Mal requires 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food, divided into two meals, every day.
Apart from food, these dogs also require ample physical and mental stimulation to fulfill their needs. Mals need more exercise and mental stimulation than pit bulls. PetMD recommends 40 minutes of daily exercise for a Belgian Malinois.
Exercise can include long walks, running, biking, hiking, agility training, and more.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit bulls are at a relatively higher risk of getting obese compared to Belgian Malinois. To keep your pit bull fit and active, balance food and exercise. Give your pit bull around 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Pitbull terriers are high-energy dogs and require exercise to burn their excess energy every day. However, unlike Mals, they can become couch potatoes as they age.
They can do well in a yard and need simple walks. They do not need much mental stimulation as Belgian Malinois do. American pit bull terriers need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day.
If you notice any weight gain in your Pit bull terrier or Mal’s weight, get your dog a diet plan from a licensed vet.
Bite Force and Jaw Characteristics
Belgian Malinois
Mals have a bite force between 100 and 200 psi. Mals are one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. Their bite may be weak, but remember, any dog bite can be dangerous if not managed properly.
Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody. If you train your Mal not to bite at an early age, they can be a wonderful addition to your family.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers have wide and powerful jaws. They have a strong tendency to nip, chew, or play bite. Pit bulls have a higher chance of biting somebody as compared to Mals.
These are the dogs with a strong bite force of 200 to 400 psi. Although this bite force is ordinary as compared to other breeds, it is still quite powerful. A pit bull terrier’s bite can cause bite wounds.
However, you do not need to worry about a pit bull’s bite if your dog is well-trained. Teach your pit bull not to bite from an early age. Pit bulls have a fearsome presence because of their significant jaw strength.
Health Issues and Lifespan Expectations
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is generally a healthy dog breed, but is vulnerable to certain health problems. Common issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye problems. They have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American pit bull terriers are more vulnerable to health issues as compared to Belgian Malinois. Common health issues include hip dysplasia and demodectic mange. They have a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years.
Allergies and Grooming Needs
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois’ water repellent coat is vulnerable to allergies, but this is rare. Due to their active lifestyle and love for the outdoors, it is important to keep your Mal on yearly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
Giving your dog a bath with a high-quality dog shampoo after playing outdoors. It helps reduce allergen exposure and keeps their coat clean. Brushing can help reduce shedding. Cutting by a professional trimmer is not a must.
Consider trimming your Mal’s nails after a bath. Regularly clean their ears and eyes to prevent infections. Belgian Malinois are not an ideal pet for individuals vulnerable to allergies.
American Pit Bull Terrier
American pit bull terriers are relatively more susceptible to allergies. Allergies can cause skin irritation, itching, and hair loss. Their short and dense coat requires minimal grooming. Treatment is required for seasonal fleas. Clean your dog’s eyes and ears to prevent infections.
Conclusion
Choosing the right breed between Belgian Malinois vs American pit bull terriers depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you need a protective and loyal pet with low exercise needs, adopt a Belgian Malinois. However, if you are looking for an athletic and affectionate canine companion, a Pit Bull is the right fit.
