Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Miniature Pinscher |  Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Germany | Belgium |
| Group | Toy | Pastoral |
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Coat | Short, smooth and glossy | Short, straight, dense double coat, usually fawn to mahogany with a black mask and overlay |
| Weight | 3.5 to 5.5 kg | 18 to 30 kg |
| Height | 25 to 30 cm | 56 to 66 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 yrs | 14 to 16 yrs |
| Exercise need | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Affection | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Grooming needs | 1/10 | 3/10 |
| Barking | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with children | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Trainability | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Prey drive | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Copes alone | 4/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 6/10 |
| Flat fit | 8/10 | 3/10 |
| Running cost | €47 / month | €95 / month |
Miniature Pinscher verdict
The fearless 'king of toys': tiny, bold and always on the move
Get one if
- · Active adults wanting a small but lively dog
- · Families with older, respectful children
- · Owners who enjoy training and games
Think again if
- · Homes with toddlers
- · Gardens with gaps or low fences
- · Anyone wanting a calm lap dog
Belgian Malinois verdict
An extraordinarily driven working breed that needs a real job, secure fencing and an experienced handler, not a casual family home.
Get one if
- · Experienced handlers with a genuine working outlet such as sport, herding or detection work
- · Owners with secure outdoor space and the time to train daily
- · People drawn to problem solving and willing to manage a dog that thinks constantly
Think again if
- · First-time owners hoping for a trainable dog without a serious time commitment
- · Households wanting a relaxed family pet rather than a working partner
- · Owners without secure, tall, dig proof fencing at home