Rottweiler vs Belgian Malinois

Side-by-side comparison

Choosing between Rottweiler and Belgian Malinois depends on your specific needs and priorities.

When it comes to size, Rottweiler offers Giant compared to Belgian Malinois's Large. When it comes to weight, Rottweiler offers 80-135 lbs compared to Belgian Malinois's 40-80 lbs. When it comes to height, Rottweiler offers 22-27 inches compared to Belgian Malinois's 22-26 inches.

Below is a detailed side-by-side breakdown to help you make an informed decision between these two breeds.

Size
Rottweiler
Giant
Belgian Malinois
Large
Weight
Rottweiler
80-135 lbs
Belgian Malinois
40-80 lbs
Height
Rottweiler
22-27 inches
Belgian Malinois
22-26 inches
Lifespan
Rottweiler
9-10 years
Belgian Malinois
14-16 years
Temperament
Rottweiler
LoyalConfidentLoving
Belgian Malinois
ConfidentSmartHardworking
Group
Rottweiler
Working
Belgian Malinois
Herding
Origin
Rottweiler
Germany
Belgian Malinois
Belgium

Rottweiler

Rottweiler is a giant Working breed from Germany. Known for being loyal, confident, loving. Has an average lifespan of 9-10 years and a weight range of 80-135 lbs.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois is a large Herding breed from Belgium. Known for being confident, smart, hardworking. Has an average lifespan of 14-16 years and a weight range of 40-80 lbs.

Key Differences

AttributeRottweilerBelgian MalinoisVerdict
SizeGiantLargeRottweiler is the larger breed
Weight80-135 lbs40-80 lbsRottweiler is heavier (approx. 79% difference)
Height22-27"22-26"Different heights (22-27" vs 22-26")
Life Span9-10 yrs14-16 yrsBelgian Malinois tends to live longer (14-16 vs 9-10 years)
Breed GroupWorkingHerdingDifferent groups: Working vs Herding
OriginGermanyBelgiumDifferent origins: Germany vs Belgium
TemperamentLoyal, Confident, LovingConfident, Smart, HardworkingDifferent temperaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Rottweiler bigger than a Belgian Malinois?

Rottweiler is the larger breed. Rottweiler weighs 80-135 lbs while Belgian Malinois weighs 40-80 lbs.

Which lives longer, Rottweiler or Belgian Malinois?

Belgian Malinois tends to live longer (14-16 vs 9-10 years)

Are Rottweilers and Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs?

Both breeds can make great family pets. The Rottweiler is known for being loyal, confident, loving, while the Belgian Malinois is confident, smart, hardworking.

What is the difference between a Rottweiler and a Belgian Malinois?

The main differences are in size (Giant vs Large), origin (Germany vs Belgium), and breed group (Working vs Herding).

Which breed is easier to train, Rottweiler or Belgian Malinois?

Trainability varies by individual dog. The Rottweiler (Loyal, Confident, Loving) and Belgian Malinois (Confident, Smart, Hardworking) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.