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

The Belgian Malinois is 40–80 lbs, 22–26 in sized while the Whippet is 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in sized. They differ in size (40–80 lbs, 22–26 in vs 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Belgian Malinois or Whippet?

Belgian Malinois is generally good with kids. Whippet is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Belgian Malinois or Whippet?

The Belgian Malinois has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Whippet has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Belgian Malinois vs Whippet — 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 Whippet

The Whippet was developed in Victorian England by coal miners and mill workers who bred small Greyhounds with terriers to create an affordable racing and rabbit-coursing dog — earning the nickname "the poor man's racehorse." These elegant sighthounds stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with a streamlined, aerodynamic build capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually any color or pattern and lies close to the body, accentuating their graceful, muscular contours.

Temperament & Personality

Whippets are gentle, quiet, and remarkably calm indoors — often spending hours draped elegantly across furniture in poses that would make a greyhound proud. They are affectionate and sensitive with their families, good with children (though their slender build makes them vulnerable to rough play), and generally friendly with other dogs. Despite their sprinting ability, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy at home and are often described as the ideal apartment dog for owners who enjoy outdoor exercise.

Pros

Extremely calm and quiet indoors — one of the most unobtrusive housemates
Short, low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odor
Gentle, affectionate nature — rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs
Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years

Cons

Intense prey drive — will chase and potentially catch small animals including cats
Thin skin and low body fat make them sensitive to cold and prone to scrapes
Cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas — once they run, they cannot hear you
Susceptible to anesthesia sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias

Whippets are the perfect blend of couch companion and outdoor athlete — find one looking for a home on Puplister.

Belgian Malinois vs Whippet