Belgian Malinois vs Havanese
Herding · Large vs Toy · Small
Belgian MalinoisLarge
A confident, smart, hard-working Belgian shepherd — top choice for Navy SEAL military units worldwide.
Weight: 60–80 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
HavaneseSmall
An intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat.
Weight: 7–13 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Belgian Malinois is the larger breed at 60–80 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
- • The Belgian Malinois has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Havanese sheds less.
- • The Belgian Malinois is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Belgian Malinois | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Toy |
Size | Large | Small |
Origin | Belgium | Cuba |
Height (male) | 24–26" | 8.5–11.5" |
Height (female) | 22–24" | 8.5–11.5" |
Weight (male) | 60–80 lbs | 7–13 lbs |
Weight (female) | 40–60 lbs | 7–13 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–16 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a confident, smart, hard-working Belgian shepherd — top choice for Navy SEAL military units worldwide. Originally from Belgium, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–80 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, hardworking.
About the Havanese
The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.
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Belgian Malinois health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Eye problems
Havanese health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Heart problems