Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed ComparisonQueensland Heeler is originated from Australia but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium. Queensland Heeler may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Queensland Heeler may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Both Queensland Heeler and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) has almost same life span. Queensland Heeler may have less litter size than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Both Queensland Heeler and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) requires Low maintenance.

History

queensland heeler - historyAnother name for Queensland Heeler is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler.

These dogs have always been known for herding cattle. The term ‘Heeler’ comes from the dog’s working style – nipping and biting at the cattle’s hooves.

He was was an Australian cattle dog for Australian settlers in the 1800s. It is believed that Thomas Hall created one of the foundations of the Australian Cattle Dog breed by crossing crossing sheepdogs with Dingos.

The Blue-colored dogs have been the most popular, being known as the Blue Heeler.

belgian shepherd dog malinois - historyThe Belgian Malinois is one of 4 Belgian Shepherd varieties. The dogs were developed- and hail from Belguim. The Malinois has a short, fawn colored coat. The American Kennel Club recognizes that the Malinois is a separate breed from the other 3 varieties. It was in 1892 that Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, recognizing 3 varieties – dogs with short coats, dogs with long coats and dogs with rough coats.

Today's Malinois goes back to a breeding pair owned by Adrien Janssens. It was in 1885 that he bought a fawn, rough-haired dog, breeding the dog with a short-haired dog named Lise de Laeken. After other breedings, the two dogs were recognized as ancestors of the modern Belgian Shepherd Dogs.

The city of Malines formed a club for the promotion of these fawn short hairs and the name Malinois became synonymous with them. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club received AKC parent club status.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Australia
Belgium
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Colors Available:
mottled blue, Red speckled. Black and tan coloring , Blue
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
Coat:
Short, double coat
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

queensland heeler puppy - descriptionThe Queensland Heeler is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 and 51cm in height, both male and female. The dog weighs in the region of 15 to 22kg.

He has a short double coat with colors being blue, mottled blue and also red speckled. You’ll also find black and tan coloring on this active dog.

He is strong, lean and muscular with medium sized ears that are erect. The eyes are dark and alert, the legs straight and strong. The tail can be docked or left long.

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog that you won’t easily find lying around. The alert eyes are consistently looking around for action and he can’t be bored otherwise he could resort to digging or other destructive behavior.

He is loving to his entire human family, but being particularly attached to just one family member. He is also protective, taking his guarding role of his family seriously.

He gets on well with children and other pets but you’ve just got to keep your eyes on him around children as when excited he can give a nip or two.

Training and socialization will be important for this dog, particularly because he can be strong-headed, willful and stubborn.

Similarities to German Shepherd

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppy - descriptionThe Malinois is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog. People sometimes mistake them for the German Shepherd as they are fairly similar to look at. The Malinois however is a smaller, lighter boned dog with naturally upright ears and a black-masked face. He is shorthaired and fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, although other colors are brown or red too. He is an intelligent and active dog, always having been used for herding-, police- and rescue work.

Reserved or Friendly

You’ll find the Malinois somewhat unpredictable as some are friendly and confident while other can be shy and withdrawn around strangers. This is a dog who loves to be around his human family, but to bring out the best in him, training and socialization classes will be necessary. Well-socialized Malinois are always good with children and other pets, more so if they’ve been raised with them.

Characteristics

queensland heeler dog - characteristicsActive, intelligent, feisty, brave, playful, loving – these are just some of the wonderful characteristics you get when you bring a Queensland Heeler into your home.

True, he is independent, self-willed and stubborn, but training and socialization can take away all the rough edges.

He forms a strong bond with his human owner, and once you’ve had one of these amazing dogs in your life, you’ll be convinced that dogs are truly man’s best friend.

belgian shepherd dog malinois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Malinois makes a wonderful guard dog and he works hard to ensure that his human family, whom he adores, are well protected under his watch. They’re such intelligent dogs too that you may feel inclined to pass over some of your chores to him.

He responds well to training, and to get the best from this breed, start with training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Socialization is excellent as it introduces your puppy to different people, animals as well as situations.

He is an adaptable dog and can live in an apartment if he is well exercised. He can be your devoted and loyal friend for a good number of years but you will have to do your part in providing him with the best care possible.

Health Problems

queensland heeler puppies - health problemsAustralian Cattle Dogs are healthy. Every dog, even the most healthiest breeds, can succumb to some of the common dog illnesses there are.

Deafness:

This is an inherited condition, so if you’re looking for a puppy, be careful about the breeder you buy from.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another inherited condition where the thighbone of the dog doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog is usually so active but with this problem he may well be in pain and actually be lame. Your pet can even develop arthritis . The idea is to get your pet to the vet because it can be unbearable to see him in pain and unable to get around.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye disease can mean deterioration of the retina. You'll recognize the signs when you see your dog unable to navigate around your home during the night. He is night blind but later on he can’t see during the day either.

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppies - health problemsBelgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs. However every dog, regardless of breed, can pick up illnesses, and it is always wise to be aware of some of the diseases your Malinois might face.

Hip Dysplasia

An inherited condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Dental problems

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to remove tartar build-up. Too much plague leads to inflamed gums, bad breath, pus inside the mouth and even loss of teeth.

Caring The Pet

queensland heeler dogs - caringTo cope with his life on the Australian Outback, the Queensland Heeler is known to be a low maintenance dog.

The thick coat does shed and it can get dusty so a good brush twice a week is all that is basically required for this dog. If his nails don’t wear down naturally, you will need to have them trimmed. As with every dog, you will need to give attention to his ears and teeth.

Exercise:

This is an extremely active dog. He is going to be needing both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom, after all he is used to an active lifestyle herding cattle. Hikes, swimming, running – you name it – he’ll join you with all your activities.

Diet:

Your Queensland Heeler is such a vibrant dog, full of the joys of living, and you want to ensure he has good food to eat to ensure he stays like that.

For convenience you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods. Your Blue Heeler is such a wonderful companion dog that you want to spoil him a bit and give him some delicious home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple just like dogs love it. Chop it up and add it into the high quality dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Regular Brushing as he’s a Shedder

belgian shepherd dog malinois dogs - caringBecause the Malinois is a constant shedder, with a couple of heavy shedding periods during the year, you’ll need to be conscientious with his grooming and brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to give his thick coat a glossy, healthy look to it.

Exercise

Because of their high energy, Malinois aren’t recommended for couch-potato type owners. It will be cruel to buy such a dog and to leave him to waste away with boredom and frustration in your back yard. He’ll want lots of rough and tumble, ball games, runs in the park or in the country and long walks.

Feeding

Belgian Shepherd Malinois puppies are vulnerable when they’re tiny, and it would be wise to speak to your vet about superb nutrition to build up a puppy’s immune system.

An excellent way to ensure the health of your growing Malinois is to give him a home prepared meals along with commercially manufactured food recommended by your vet. You can’t just put a bowl of commercially manufactured dog food in front of him day after day month after month.

Apart from what your vet recommends, give him some brown rice, some cooked vegetables and some raw meat. Raw meat will ensure he can fight of skin infections. The age of the dog, emotional state and environmental influences can all play a role in skin diseases with dogs, but by ensuring some raw meat in his diet, the immune system is strengthened and skin disorders are eliminated. Always ensure a steady supply of fresh water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  2. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  5. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  10. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  11. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  13. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  14. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  15. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  16. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  17. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  18. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  20. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  21. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  22. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  24. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Queensland Heeler vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Queensland Heeler vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  30. Queensland Heeler vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  32. Queensland Heeler vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  34. Queensland Heeler vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Queensland Heeler vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  37. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  38. Queensland Heeler vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Queensland Heeler vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Queensland Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  41. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  42. Queensland Heeler vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  44. Queensland Heeler vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  46. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  47. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  48. Queensland Heeler vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  49. Queensland Heeler vs Norwegian Buhund - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds