Belgian Malinois vs. Pit Bull – A Detailed Comparison

Over hundreds of decades, dogs have been man’s best friends. They are significant as they offer companionship, love, and security.

In short, they are always there when you need them.

However, did you know that there is more information about dogs than meets your eyes?

Here, you are about to understand everything in regards to Belgian Malinois vs. Pit Bull.

These two dog breeds are not similar to each other, from their physical appearance to their way of doing things.

In this comprehensive guide, let’s discuss the differences between them.

[wpsm_toplist]

Belgian Malinois – Dog Breed Information

In most ways, this breed resembles the German Shepherd.

Temperament

Belgian Malinois is a breed for people attracted to obedience, eager, and intelligent dogs.

However, because of their constant desire and intensity to work, Malinois are usually best as a working dog rather than as a pet.

For years now, the breed has been a perfect choice for rescue and search, narcotics and bombs, as well as tracking dogs.

Problems will set in if this people-oriented breed is neglected and underemployed.

To make Belgian Malinois happy you need to give them many exercises, not to perform them alone, but side by side with you.

This highly energetic breed has a sharp mind that calls for daily physical workouts and mental stimulation.

However, if not well channeled, its energy levels can be a bit of a problem.

It’s an elegant breed whose entire impression is powerful without heaviness with an easy and smooth gait that is seemingly effortless.

As a result, it becomes hard for the dog to show signs of tiredness.

Well, did you know that Belgian Malinois would instead run in a wide circle than a straight line?

Now you know!

Appearance

Also, it has a reasonably short, challenging, and straight coat and a dense undercoat.

Its coat colors vary from mahogany to a rich fawn. The black mask and ears accentuate bright and questioning eyes that are dark chocolate.

The Belgian Malinois is proud and squarely built.

Its height is between 22 to 26 inches. They are well-muscled and fit, made to be hard-working for their food.

Food

It does well on top-notch quality dog food as a hard-working dog, be it home-prepared or commercially manufactured.

For homemade dog food, it’s recommendable to involve a vet to supervise and approve.

The diet given is supposed to be appropriate to your dog’s age. Otherwise, some dogs get overweight; therefore, watch out for calorie consumption and weight gains.

You could feed it with treats, a substantial meal that helps during training, but in moderation to avoid obesity.

Pit Bull – Dog Breed Information

There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding the pit bulls.

If you didn’t know, a pit bull is not a specific breed; a pit bull is an umbrella name used for various species.

To be precise, these breeds are incredibly loyal, loving, gentle, eager to please, and playful with the family members.

The fear and rampant misinformation created by ignorant people, have provoked the law against this breed in most countries and cities worldwide.

As a Pit Bull owner, always be ready to face hostility and anger from the misinformed public regarding your fantastic and friendly dog.

However, it’s not everyone’s breed, mainly if you are unwilling to invest sufficient time to train, socialize, and give consistent guidance.

Routinely, some societies deem pit bulls as unsuitable for one to adopt.

Belgian Malinois vs. Pit Bull – What are the Differences?

Belgian Malinois	American Pit Bull Terrier
	American Pit Bull Terrier by Stacy (CC BY 2.0)

Now that we have had the first look at each breed, let’s delve into the difference between Belgian Malinois vs. Pit Bull.

Lifespan

The Belgian Malinois breed has a lifespan of between 12 to 14, while Pit Bull’s have 12 to 16 years to live.

Therefore, the Pit Bull’s have an average of two years more than Belgian Malinois.

Intelligence

Though the two breeds are intelligent, Malinois is more brilliant than the Pit Bull.

Belgian Malinois is one of the most intelligent breeds globally.

Friendliness

Pit Bull, also known as American Pit Bull Terrier, loves kids.

Though Belgian Malinois does well around them, it isn’t as tolerant as American Pit Bull.

The same goes for strangers. The Belgian Malinois character isn’t allowed to befriend strangers since it works as a guard dog, but the pit bull could befriend them.

Belgian Malinois is good with other animals but keeps a distance from other dogs; Pit Bull is more friendly and open.

Novice Owners

Belgian Malinois is knowledgeable and highly energetic; it has traits that a novice owner cannot handle; therefore, it isn’t suitable for newbies.

A better option for such owners is the pit bull.

Easy To Train

The massive deal of energy in Belgian Malinois calls for a lot of training to get there.

Belgian Malinois is an intense dog breed that needs sensitive training and is play-oriented, making it easy to train them, unlike Pit Bull’s.

Therefore, always provide the time for exercise with Belgian Malinois.

Barking And Howling

It’s hard for a Malinois to howl; instead, it barks a lot since it’s a potential watchdog.

A Pit Bull is much quieter.

Weather

Physically, Malinois has longer hairs that cover it; therefore, it can tolerate the cold weather.

For hot weather conditions, both dog breeds can handle it.

However, the Pit Bull would prefer average to warm while Belgian Malinois would do better in cold and warm weather conditions.

Conclusion

Through this guide, you can choose the dog breed that would suit your needs.

However, note that Belgian Malinois is not the best option for people living in apartments.

It has vast energy that doesn’t fit in an enclosed location, but for Pit Bull’s, it nicely fits there.

While Malinois is more of a guard dog than a family dog, it can tolerate loneliness for a few hours; therefore, as you decide on the dog to settle with, understand their benefits and use.

Better still, since they differ, you could opt to have both, one for companion and another one for security purposes.