Is the Belgian Malinois or the Black Mouth Cur better for families with children?

The Black Mouth Cur tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Belgian Malinois or the Black Mouth Cur?

The Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Belgian Malinois or the Black Mouth Cur?

The Belgian Malinois is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Belgian Malinois or Black Mouth Cur bigger?

Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Belgian Malinois or Black Mouth Cur?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Belgian Malinois or Black Mouth Cur?

For apartment or apartment living, Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Belgian Malinois vs Black Mouth Cur: Which Trains Easier?

Belgian Malinois vs Black Mouth Cur: full comparison

Trait	Belgian Malinois	Black Mouth Cur
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Very High	Very High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Belgian Malinois is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Black Mouth Cur is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Belgian Malinois is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Black Mouth Cur is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Belgian Malinois needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Black Mouth Cur needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Black Mouth Cur is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Belgian Malinois is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct, whereas Black Mouth Cur is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Black Mouth Cur has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Belgian Malinois has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Black Mouth Cur has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Belgian Malinois if you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Black Mouth Cur if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Belgian Malinois or the Black Mouth Cur better for families with children?: The Black Mouth Cur tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Belgian Malinois or the Black Mouth Cur?: The Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Belgian Malinois or the Black Mouth Cur?: The Belgian Malinois is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Belgian Malinois or Black Mouth Cur bigger?: Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Belgian Malinois or Black Mouth Cur?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Belgian Malinois or Black Mouth Cur?: For apartment or apartment living, Belgian Malinois and Black Mouth Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Belgian Malinois vs Black Mouth Cur