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Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.
Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.
- AKC group
Herding
- Size
Medium
- Height
55–65 cm (FCI)
- Weight
22–40 kg (FCI)
- Energy
High
- Energy notes
High. The AKC describes a very active and athletic breed that needs plenty of exercise for body and mind, and suggests agility, herding, tracking and dock diving as outlets.
- Trainability
Very high
- Coat
The coat is double, with a dense, straight, harsh outer coat lying close to the body over an undercoat.
- Origin
Germany
- Temperament
The AKC standard gives the German Shepherd a distinct personality: a direct and fearless but not hostile expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not make immediate or indiscriminate friends. It should be approachable, quietly standing its ground and meeting overtures without making them, and it treats timidity or nervousness as a very serious fault.
- AKC group
Herding
- Size
Medium
- Height
56–66 cm (AKC/FCI)
- Weight
20–30 kg (FCI)
- Energy
Very high
- Energy notes
Very high. The FCI describes a dog bursting with energy and always ready to leap into action, and the American Belgian Malinois Club credits the breed with inexhaustible energy, which let it work long hours in harsh weather.
- Trainability
Very high
- Coat
The coat is comparatively short, straight and hard enough to resist weather, over a dense undercoat.
- Origin
Belgium
- Temperament
The AKC standard calls correct temperament essential to the Malinois's working character. It describes a dog that is alert, intelligent, inquisitive and confident, showing neither fear nor aggression; energetic and ready for action, yet highly responsive to its owner.
