So, how intensive will your grooming chores be with a Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd Dog? Had to be a GSD for me. I’ve had all kinds of breeds of dogs my entire life but was always drawn to the GSD (my first dog). I’ve raised hunting Labradors my entire life, and these dogs have high drive. I am a Law Enforcement Officer and Canine Handler and my canine partner is a Belgian Malinois. Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Exercise. Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size. If he does get excited with us, he chest bumps vs. paws (previous owner probably trained him). Don't miss out on the perfect companion to life with a purrfect friend. Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Although both require training and socialization to be a happy member of your family, Belgian Malinois are not typically suitable for beginning dog owners, especially those with a family and other pets. Play sessions in a fenced-in area are another fun way to exercise and provide mental stimulation for your dog. German Shepherds come in eleven colors ranging from black to silver and white. Never jumps on guests. The Malinois tends to have a more square appearance, as long as they are tall, while German Shepherds have a longer silhouette. German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois are commonly known as the best military breeds in the world. Finally, in 1959 the Belgian Malinois was granted full AKC recognition as a breed of its own, separate from the other Belgian Shepherd Dog varieties. However, modern canine researchers have discovered that wolves peacefully cohabitate in family groups rather than form packs. German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois major differences and similarities Differences German Shepherds are slightly slower and less aggressive than Belgian Malinois. As per the American Kennel Club (AKC) German Shephered is the 2nd most popular dog breed, whereas Belgian Malinois ranks 52 on the list. But not everybody is quite as well acquainted with the Belgian Malinois. This newfound knowledge is changing how dogs are trained and socialized to live with humans. Remember, the goal of learning about possible health conditions is to have the information you need to select a healthy puppy to share your life! A German Shepherd Dog’s lifespan ranges from seven to ten years and a Belgian Malinois’s is from 14 to 16 years. When you compare the Malinois vs German Shepherd more closely, however, you’ll see that there are some important differences between the two breeds that you should recognize before you make any decisions about which breed is right for you and your family. According to MacKay, the Malinois is energetic, intelligent, and inquisitive. I agree with this wholeheartedly. Most German Shepherds stand close to 24 inches tall.The Belgian Malinois is a few pounds smaller than a German Shepherd. The male Malinois weighs 60-80 pounds and the female weighs 40-60 pounds. The German shepherd is a step below the Malinois, although it's bigger, stronger, and more intelligent, it's better suited foe beong a family dog and is calmer and more laid back. Avoid bathing too frequently, as this can leach out the natural oils that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. In fact, as early as 1908, the AKC Gazette mentioned that two Belgian Sheepdogs had been imported into the United States to work as police dogs in New York City. Our dog came very respectful of household items, furniture etc. Both are extremely loyal and protective and for the rest of my life I’ll always have one of each, Our GSDs were the most loyal loving family dogs, both of them very maternal with the family cat’s, new puppies we brought into the house and more recently our grandson, however both had issues with other dogs (both were rescues). As mentioned above, it is critical to work with a reputable breeder when choosing a puppy of any breed. She was raised with my kids so never towards them however if someone new tries to take a toy she may nip them. There is no definitive answer to the question of Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd, but by comparing the two breeds you can get a better sense of which dog is the right one for you. If you’re looking for a new pet companion or if you’re just curious, there are some notable differences in these two stately, intelligent breeds. We have a Mal as a pet and while I wouldn’t trade her for the world we really should have gone with a GS. However, Mals can also be susceptible to vision problems. What is the difference between Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd? To complicate the decision, some differences between the breeds are so slight it’s hard to tell the two apart, let alone choose one over the other! In fact, their similar coloring and heritage as herding breeds might lead some people to mistake the Belgian Malinois for the German Shepherd. But at this time think we will Both GS and BM are fantastic dogs. The Belgian Malinois came in at number 43 for 2018, up from 44 in 2017, 47 in 2016, 51 in 2015 and 60th the prior two years. The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club included the breed in a group called Continental Shepherd Dogs until the 1890s, when it decided the breed was too different from its Shepherd cousins. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. Read on to learn important similarities and differences between the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd. The AKC recommends genetic testing for elbow and hip dysplasia. However, the debate about the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd is ongoing, from their merits as pets to service dogs and true working dogs. This breed is now prized as an agile military dog, with Belgian Malinois dogs working as service animals and poaching preventers. However, some rescue organizations are willing to allow or even provide genetic testing in an effort to quickly place dogs in good homes. They are high energy,impulsive and an over the top “prey” drive. Degen defines the breed as strong, confident, independent, and usually serious. German shepherds are prone to hip and elbow problems, and so are Belgian Malinois. The German Shepherd was developed in Germany for much the same reason as the Belgian Malinois – as a sheep herding dog. in Education, Malinois LAB. The Dutch Shepherds and the Belgian … Adult male German Shepherds weigh up to 90 pounds while adult females typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. German Shepherds have a positive temperament and they are not at all shy which means they will like going around new people and exploring new and different activities. Belgian malinois Protection Dogs – For Home, Family and Livestock. He is our “good-Boy”! Unless you are active for extended periods of time on a daily basis, have time to train daily, and are experienced handling high drive dogs with the propensity to bite, you really should not have a Belgian Malinois. Both Breeds are active, highly trainable dogs that are used for breeding, military and police, work for sheep and other livestock, and work best with experienced dog owners. “. • German shepherd is larger and heavier than malinois. A German Shepherd costs double the price of the Malinois at $1000. Dedicated training and positive reinforcement may be required to overcome this urge. Malinois are short-haired dogs, and they have a Short double coat in rich fawn to mahogany tones. Named for the Belgian city of Malines, the Belgian Malinois was born. Find similarities and differences between Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Belgian Malinois. Energy Level. The first step to picking a healthy puppy is learning about the health conditions that affect the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Dogs. Breeders should provide information on the puppy’s health and allow you to visit their facility and your puppy’s parents. Don’t even consider getting a Malinois. A dog that bites out of fear or nerves has a defective temperament. The German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois both require similar training and socialization to live happily as a family pet. It later gained popularity as a pet and an enduring legacy in the show ring. in Malinois LAB. Make sure that you meet the parents before committing to a puppy. Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size The German Shepherd tends to be a bit heavier than the Malinois. Go to a reputable breeder and get a dog with a stable temperament. Check out our Puppy Search guide, which can help you spot good breeders from bad, and ask the right questions when meeting them. She describes the breed as having a unique, extremely efficient, and effortless gait. If you encounter any resistance or vague answers, that is not the breeder to choose! How do you find a reputable breeder? To learn more about scientific research into wolf and dog group life and why positive training is a must, we invite you to read this informative article. German Shepherds are prone to … It’s a tough choice, owners of each will claim their dog’s breed is the finest. The under layer is short and thick for insulation, while the outer layer is longer, coarse, and water-repellent. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. To keep the GSD looking neat and tidy, commit to weekly grooming and brushing sessions, perhaps more frequent during the seasonal sheds. in Behaviour, Malinois LAB. MacKay, former vice president and over 25-year member of the American Belgian Malinois Club, points out that the Malinois’ ears more closely resemble a triangle than the German Shepherd’s ears. Both breeds have height ranges from 24–26 inches (60–65 centimeters) for males, and 22–24 inches (55–60 centimeters) for females. Also dating back to the late 1800s, the German Shepherd was developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz. Great addition to our family. However, that doesn’t mean one breed is superior to another. Bathing too frequently can strip out the natural oils that repel moisture and keep the skin healthy. This includes all family members as well as people and pets outside of your family to moderate the breeds’ strong protective instincts. Thankfully, there are many healthy GSDs and Malinois living in good homes with loving families! In fact, these breeds are so similar that the choice between them is often as hard for police dog handlers as it is for pet owners! Similarly, Belgian Malinois are much faster than German Shepherds and have more energy. 8 to 7. “The Belgian Malinois is an exceptional watchdog,” she adds. Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Health Conditions It might not come as a surprise to say that Belgian Malinois and German shepherds suffer from the same health issues. When comparing Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd as family pets, the GSD may be better suited. I choose GSD’s because I prefer the bulkier look. This new type of training is critical with powerful dog breeds like the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois! On the exact same checklist is the Belgian Malinois. These traits also would have served them well protecting livestock. Malinois and German Shepherds are both 22 to 26 inches in height, males being about 2 inches shorter than females. Even as “designer” dogs are skyrocketing in popularity around the globe, the breeds that consistently rank among the top ten most popular breeds are purebred household names to most of us. Not a breed for lounging around, these dogs need plenty of exercise. A number of high-quality resources exist to help you screen a puppy for possible serious health conditions before you make a commitment, including the AKC’s list of recommended breed-specific genetic health tests. The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd served the same purpose in their continental European origins. Buy a Trained Malinois for Sale or a Puppy? The Belgian Malinois’s roots herding livestock translates into a high prey drive, meaning this breed tends to “hunt” moving objects. Research indicates GSD have classifications? Both breeds have the potential to be born with the iconic sable-colored coat. Either breed will enjoy and excel at agility, tracking, herding and obedience training and competitions. Yes, there are exceptions in which some pet owners get a low-drive Malinois without any behavioral issues . over time he has gotten better (now 8 yrs old). We lost our beloved Loki in may, after 21 years of being GSD owners we sadly decided as we were getting older to choose a less stressful couch potato dog, so we chose lurcher, we already have one so know the character well. The breeding line similar level of prey drive in five standard colors, mostly browns... 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