What is the difference between a Belgian Malinois and a Great Pyrenees?

The Belgian Malinois is 40–80 lbs, 22–26 in sized while the Great Pyrenees is 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in sized. They differ in size (40–80 lbs, 22–26 in vs 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 10–12 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Belgian Malinois or Great Pyrenees?

Belgian Malinois is generally good with kids. Great Pyrenees is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Belgian Malinois or Great Pyrenees?

The Belgian Malinois has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Great Pyrenees has a lifespan of 10–12 years.

Belgian Malinois vs Great Pyrenees — Breed Comparison

About the Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois hails from the city of Malines in Belgium, where it was developed in the late 1800s as a versatile herding and working dog. Standing 22–26 inches tall and weighing 40–80 pounds, the Malinois is a lean, athletic dog with a square build and an alert, intelligent expression. Their short, straight double coat comes in rich fawn to mahogany with a distinctive black mask and ear tips, and while they shed year-round, grooming needs are minimal.

Temperament & Personality

Belgian Malinois are driven, intense, and extraordinarily intelligent — they are the breed of choice for military, police, and protection work worldwide. They form incredibly strong bonds with their handler and are always eager to work, making them outstanding training partners for experienced owners. However, their intensity and high drive are not for casual pet owners — without proper outlets, a Malinois can become neurotic, destructive, or reactive.

Pros

Unmatched work ethic and trainability — excels in virtually every canine sport and job
Fiercely loyal and protective without being unnecessarily aggressive
Athletic and agile with exceptional speed and endurance
Lower incidence of hip dysplasia compared to similar-sized breeds like the German Shepherd

Cons

Extremely high energy and drive — requires several hours of physical and mental exercise daily
Not suitable for first-time dog owners or sedentary households
Can become reactive or fearful without extensive, early socialization
Prone to progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, and sensitivity to anesthesia

The Belgian Malinois is a remarkable breed for the right owner — find adoptable Malinois on Puplister who are looking for their forever mission.

About the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees — named for the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain where they guarded flocks for centuries — is a majestic, powerful livestock guardian with roots stretching back thousands of years to ancient Asia Minor. Standing 25–32 inches tall and weighing 85–115 pounds, these imposing dogs wear a thick, weather-resistant double coat that is predominantly white, sometimes with markings of badger, gray, reddish-brown, or tan. Their calm, regal bearing and abundant white coat give them an almost bear-like appearance that commands respect.

Temperament & Personality

Great Pyrenees are independent, patient, and serenely confident — bred for millennia to make their own decisions while guarding flocks without human direction. They are gentle and affectionate with their families, particularly protective of children, whom they tend to view as part of their "flock." However, their independent guardian nature means they are not eager-to-please dogs — they will consider your commands and decide whether compliance serves their protective mission.

Pros

Exceptional livestock and property guardian — naturally protective without aggression training
Gentle and patient with children — instinctively nurturing toward young family members
Calm, low-energy indoors — content to rest and observe during the day
Thick coat insulates against both extreme cold and moderate heat

Cons

Notorious wanderers — will roam far from home if not contained by secure fencing
Heavy nocturnal barking — bred to bark at predators through the night, which disturbs neighbors
Extremely independent and stubborn — among the most difficult breeds to obedience train
Massive shedding — the thick undercoat blows seasonally and produces enormous quantities of loose fur

If you have the space and patience for a noble guardian, find Great Pyrenees on Puplister today.

Belgian Malinois vs Great Pyrenees