Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeNewsIs A Belgian Malinois A German Shepherd

Is A Belgian Malinois A German Shepherd

Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Personality

BELGIAN MALINOIS VS GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG – WHO IS KING?

We can not say for sure what features the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd breed has, however, it is a very safe bet that this cross will give the hard working dog.

The German Malinois are athletic, loyal and protective by nature, all with the same personality traits as the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds.

The Belgian Malinois have a natural desire to protect their family members, which makes this hybrid a good family pet.

However, the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd breed needs socialization and training from an early age.

This will give you a better chance of having a happy, level-headed and balanced dog.

Reasons To Get A German Shepherd:

Subsequently German Shepherds make great family pets. They are currently the third most popular dog breed ranked by the American Kennel Club. GSDs possess the wit and trainability of the Belgian Malinois with a bit more calm demeanor. They still require ample exercise but dont quite need the amount of attention and dedication Mals do.

GSDs are beautiful animals that excel in many different areas. They can help you do chores around the house and they are great with children. They are instinctively protective and completely loyal to their owner and family. This breed is commonly used as a guard dog and can compete in multiple sports including Rally Obedience or Dog Shows.

Characteristics Of The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix

Like all mixed breeds, the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd breed does not guarantee what traits each parent will inherit.

Their coat color reflects the two species, combining shades of black, brown, fon, blue and white.

The brown, almond-shaped eyes with ears are high and erect, reflecting the alert appearance of both parents.

  • A Malinois X should have a relatively long muzzle with a black nose.
  • The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix features a double coat.

Read Also: What Age Do German Shepherds Stop Growing

Dutch Shepherd Vs Belgian Malinois

When comparing the Dutch Shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois, you are essentially comparing two working dog breeds. This means that you are likely to see more similarities than differences. For example, both dog breeds are energetic and do best when they have lots of daily activities or a job to do. Both are large dog breeds that will have longer puppyhood. And both will bond closely to you.

So the only question is which dog breed is the best fit for you?

No Other Dog Breeds Get Commonly Mistaken For One Another As Often As The German Shepherd And Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd.: State The ...

They have similar builds, facial features, breeding histories, and perform many of the same functions.

It takes keen attention to detail and some basic knowledge to be able to tell them apart.

In this article, we are going to be discussing the similarities and the differences between German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois.

The goal is not only to help you gain an in depth knowledge of both dog breeds but to help inform your decision if you are thinking of getting one or the other.

In fact, you may have thought that you wanted a German Shepherd since they are the better-known breed of the two. In reality, what you may have actually been coveting all along was a Belgian Malinois.

Distinguishing by Physical Attributes

At a glance, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois look the same. But there are some key differences to keep an eye out for that will help you differentiate between them. The first is their coloration.

German Shepherds are largely tan with a black saddle. While some German Shepherds can be pure white or pure black, by and large, you will see them with earthen tones.

The majority of the trained Belgian Malinois for sale have tan fur that is very similar to the German Shepherd. The differences to look for though, are the lack of black fur on the back and whitish fur around the snout and possibly on the chest.

Their coats are different too. The German Shepherds fur is longer and more kinked. The Belgian Malinoiss fur is shorter and straighter.

Read Also: What Kind Of Dogs Are German Shepherds

Grooming: Do Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mixes Shed

If youre wondering whether Malinois Shepherds are hypoallergenic, theyre not. They can be considered as moderate shedders all-year-round, but they shed heavily when the seasons are changing.

Reduce the amount of dog hair from your clothes and furniture by brushing your German Shepherd & Malinois cross with a firm bristle brushtwo to three times a week.

If your Malinois X has a GSD parent with a long coat and inherited it, you should brush daily.

You can expect minimal drooling and odor, which means bathing should only be done when necessary.

Dont forget other grooming routines like checking and cleaning her ears once a week, brushing her teeth at least three times weekly, and trimming those toenails as needed, especially if your canine friend is not wearing them down naturally.

The Multiple Coat Options For The Malinois X

The Malinois X has a dense, coarse coat thats harsh and rough. Their fur is typically a flat and straight, medium-length double coat.

However, their coats length can vary from long to short, depending on what parent breed the Shepinois takes after.

A Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix varies significantly in coat color.

Standard coat colors range from fawn, black, and brown, but blue and white are typical. Tan, red, silver, cream, and grey are rare colors that could show up if the Malinois X favors one parent over the other.

This designer breed will usually have a dark overlay for markings, which either means their coat will be darker than average, or their marks will be black or brown but never white.

You May Like: How Much Dog Food To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Appearance

There will be some leeway in the size of the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix. The variables come from the size of each adult parent. For example, if the Belgian Malinois is on the smaller size, you can expect the full-grown dog to be shorter if any puppies favor those genes. You would generally expect the mix to be between 22 and 26 inches tall and weigh 40 to 85 pounds.

Its impossible to know with any certainty what genes and from which parent a Malinois X will inherit. The coat can be a mixture of colors and textures from either or both parents. Some features the puppies will undoubtedly inherit because both parent dogs are so similar in those regards and thats the high and erect ears, brown eyes, long muzzles with a black nose and a thick double coat that sheds all year. One trait that might pass from the Malinois parent is longer hair around the neck.

So Which One Is Right For Me

German Shepherd VS Belgian Malinois

This question is one that anyone with interest in these breeds will face. If you’re still unsure, trying to look at where a Belgian Malinois excels and where a German Shepherd excels. That may help you decide what is more fitting for your lifestyle.

Belgian Malinois dogs are often the preferred choice for military and police K9s for a few reasons: they have better overall health, they’re smaller and face less wear and tear on their bodies when jumping out of cars and planes, they have a lot of natural aggression, and they’ll work 24/7 if their handler would allow it.

Of course, you can always find variations within Belgian Malinois breeding as well. If you want to experience the personality of a Malinois without the crazy level of drive, a great option is to utilize a Malinois rescue. This way, the rescue can pair you with a dog who fits your needs.

Overall, Belgian Malinois are typically ideal for a working dog or an experienced trainer, not a family pet.

If you don’t want to own the type of dog known to be even more energetic, more reactive, and more aggressive than a German Shepherd – steer clear of a Belgian Malinois.

If you’re ready to take on a firecracker and know that you have the tools and resources to train a Malinois properly, this breed may be your match made in Heaven.

Are you a dog owner who wants a great working dog, a companion who can both train and chill, and are you prepared to handle the potential of health issues? A German Shepherd may be your best fit.

Also Check: Why Does My German Shepherd Bark So Much

Why Dominance Training Doesnt Work For Gsds

Do not punish your dog or practice the outdated theory of dominance training.

While the concept of the alpha wolf certainly exists in nature, dog dominance is a poorly understood concept in the modern age.

It is not beneficial to try to dominate your dog or punish him for bad behavior.

In many cases, this can backfire, particularly with potentially aggressive breeds.

To train your Malinois or GSD, the key is to start early and train often.

Use positive reinforcement traininggiving treats and verbal praiseto create a sense of trust and enjoyment for your pup.

You want your dog to be excited to learn. These breeds are naturally eager to please, if treated well.

Socialization is also vital for these breeds.

Both can be hesitant to meet new people and dogs. However, they are friendly and outgoing if they are socialized from a young age.

Finding A Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix Puppy

You wont be able to have behavioral testing done if you get a puppy. But you will be able to ask about temperament of the parents and early socialization of the breeders pups. You can read our guide to finding a breeder here.

Look for a home breeder if you can. Theyre more likely to:

  • actively breed to avoid genetic disease
  • maintain health testing records for a pups parents
  • be experienced and know how to care for the breed

Whatever you do, avoid pet stores and puppy mils those large-scale breeders that are just out to make money.

Because early socialization is so important for the Malinois Shepherd mix, thats a chance you dont want to take.

Read Also: How To Train A German Shepherd To Protect

Do Belgian Malinois Bite Their Owners

Belgian Malinois are considered one of the most aggressive dog breeds. However, careful training and socialization can see them become loving and loyal family members.

These dogs are extremely smart and due to their strong physical capabilities, they are often trained to be working dogs for the police or the military. While these dogs excel in such environments, they are highly trained.

If a Belgian Malinois is untrained, it can develop bad behavioral problems with one being, biting.

Belgian Malinois dogs are known to destroy items within properties and show signs of an array of negative neurotic behaviors. But is it safe to assume that these dogs are born aggressive?

While it is possible, many aggressive personality traits come from the way the dog is brought up.

A Belgian Malinois needs to be your partner and companion in life. They do not do well when in the company of other dogs or family pets.

With affection and love, there should be a much lower risk of a Belgian Malinois biting you or others.;;

Taking Care Of Your Belgian Malinois At Home

German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix

Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us at or call a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Malinois. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.

You May Like: Is A German Shepherd Considered An Aggressive Breed

How Important Is Diet

You can help your dog live as long as possible by feeding him or her a healthy diet with lots of protein to keep their bones and muscles growing strong. Check out our guide to the best food for German Shepherd puppies.

The Happy Cat Handbook – A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!

They also need lots of good fat to keep their skin and fur healthy, but make sure you feed your dog the right amount for his or her age and size.

Your vet can help with that.

Are Belgian Malinois Related To German Shepherds

Both the Malinois and German Shepherd are members of the Herding Group and can trace their origins to livestock herding dogs. As their names imply, the Belgian Malinois was developed in Belgium and the German Shepherd in Germany. The Malinois was one of four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog in use in the late 1800s.

You May Like: How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

Perfect Families For Each Dog Breed

Both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are popular family pets, but the German Shepherd is the much more commonly kept of the two breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed, while the Belgian Malinois is the 47th most popular breed.

German Shepherds have also been popular for longer than Belgian Malinois have. German Shepherds became popular before World War I, while Belgian Malinois only began appearing in the United States after the war was over, and they remained rare for years thereafter.

Because of their eventual size, it is important to expose both breeds to plenty of people and pets when they are young, and basic obedience training is imperative. This will help prevent the dogs from becoming nervous or aggressive when they encounter others during walks or family outings.

Although both breeds make great family pets, the German Shepherd is a better dog breed for novice owners. The drive and intensity level Belgian Malinois exhibit can make them challenging for those whove never owned a dog before. It can also be difficult for new owners to accommodate the sensitivity of the Malinois and provide enough stimulation to keep them happy.

However, both will usually learn to treat your children as beloved playmates and protect them wherever they go. In fact, both breeds often exhibit a mildly troubling tendency to herd children and family members to keep them in the same place.

Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Health And Life Expectancy

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Difference – Which Breed Is Better?

One of the biggest drivers for modern crossbreeding programs is to improve the genetic diversity of many purebred dog breeds.

The Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd dog breed lines both have some serious genetic health issues. These have arisen because of hyper-focused breeding for appearance or show standards.

So you always want to make sure that any breeder you work with has done the required and recommended pre-breeding health tests on the parent dogs.

Here are the health issues your breeder should test for in German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois dogs, according to the Canine Health Information Center :

  • Dysplasia .
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Degenerative myelopathy.

When choosing a new companion canine, its nice to know how long you and your new dog can plan on being together.

The Belgian Malinois has a surprisingly long life expectancy for a large dog breed. The Mal typically lives between 14 and 16 years.

The German Shepherd typically lives between 9 and 13 years.

Therefore, a German Malinois will probably live longer than a purebred German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois German Shepherds average life will span 14 years.

Also Check: How Long Does It Take To Train A German Shepherd

Belgian Malinois And German Shepherd Health

Many dogs bred for specific purposes have developed breed-specific health conditions. German Shepherd and Malinois dogs are no exception.

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 AKCs list of recommended breed-specific genetic health tests.

The first step to picking a healthy puppy is learning about the health conditions that affect the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Dogs.

The German Malinois Can Be Trained Much Earlier In Life Than Most Other Dog Breeds

The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier.

Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy.

Also Check: How Many Vaccinations Does A German Shepherd Need

Belgian Malinois Or German Shepherd For My Family

Both breeds are capable of being good family dogs. Still, more caveats come with the Belgian Malinois than with the German Shepherd.

When it comes to the family, the German Shepherd takes the lead. Though the Malinois is known to be easier to train, they are not easier to manage.

Super high energy, more aggressiveness, and the potential of being more anxious around small children make the Belgian Malinois a lesser choice in this regard.

The Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd

Is the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix the dog for ...

Do you want to adopt a new furry friend, but you cant decide between a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois? Dont worry, after reading this post you can choose between the two amazing dog breeds.

What is the breed difference when it comes to the Belgian Malinois vs the German Shepherd?

Although the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd have a similar appearance and some of the same abilities, you should consider some differences before deciding which dog is right for your family.

Look at each dog and what it has to offer. Consider the dynamics of your household as well as the time it will take to train the dog you are bringing into your home.

Both dogs are members of the German Shepherd family and are referred to as military dogs. Because of their similar appearance and fur coat, they are often confused with each other. However, they also differ in several ways, especially in behavior, lifestyle, and physical characteristics.

See also:;Top 10 facts about;german shepherd wolf mix

In general, German Shepherds are less aggressive and have a slower attack speed than Belgian Malinois. Belgian Malinois also tend to be smaller. In this post we will discuss some important differences between the two breeds, but first lets get familiar with each.

Don’t Miss: Can German Shepherds Eat Tomatoes

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular