Is The Belgian Malinois Related To The German Shepherd

Similar Traits Yet Not The Same

As you can see above, both dogs share a lot of the same general traits. Both make for outstanding working dogs, as well as having the potential to be loving and loyal family dogs.

Both need to have opportunities to flourish in their strengths often, to develop good habits, and to burn off some energy- both mental and physical.

Training, physical exercise, and problem-solving exercises will reap fewer problems at home

Though theyre similar in temperament, theyre not the same. Both need attention, but the Malinois needs a bit more throughout the early years.

Taking Care Of Your Belgian Malinois At Home

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.

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Comparison Between Physical Appearance

There are three critical components when were talking about the physical appearance of a dog: the size, weight, and coat color.

• Size: Typically, the size of Belgian Malinois and German shepherds can be anywhere from 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches with females.

That means they are on part with each other when it comes to height, but what about their weight?

• Weight: The weight of male and female are 60 to 80 pounds and 40 to 60 pounds, respectively. German shepherds, however, can weigh from 65 to 90 pounds with males and 50-70 pounds with females.

Another aspect that German shepherds beat Belgian Malinois hands down is the number of coat colors.

• Coat Color: Mals only have 5 variations, namely fawn sable, fawn, red, red sable, and mahogany. This is a bit too few compared to GSDs with variations including black, gray, sable, tan, blue, silver, red, and more.

But Belgian Malinois takes the crown back when it comes to markings.This is because they have black masks that German shepherds do not typically possess.

If you think the difference between German shepherd and Belgian Malinois ends there, they youre mistaken.

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What’s The Difference Between A Belgian Malinois And A German Shepherd

• However, there are a few key differences between these two breeds, as well as some fascinating similarities. 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.

Both The German Shepherd And The Belgian Malinois Are Experienced Police Dogs

German Shepherds were first developed in the 1800s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds.

They were originally meant to be a shepherds companion, trained to herd the sheep without scaring them by nipping at their heels. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective.

Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U.S. since being recognized by the AKC in 1908.

The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring.

Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature.

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How To Figure Out Age Of Belgium Malinois

What’s the average life span of a Belgian Malinois?

• Considering to own a Belgian Malinois Dog and want to know what is the average age for Belgian Malinois to die? According to US breed survey, an average lifespan of Belgian Malinois Dog is 12-14 years with some living 4 years more that what is expected.

Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd: Mans Best Friend Not Always

The main reason that so many people seem to love dogs is for the idea that they can become mans best friend, and the German Shepherd is a perfect example. These dogs have a loyal and soft nature, even though their build is quite massive. They tend to be gentle and affectionate, which sometimes makes them bond so deeply with their owners that separation anxiety quickly settles in.

The Belgian Malinois is much different, thriving on its independent nature. In fact, there are some people who find this breed to be almost unfriendly as they mostly mind their own business. For individuals that may have to travel away from home often, separation anxiety is practically non-existent with this pup. In fact, the hardest part of being away with the wanderlust of the Belgian Malinois he may just try to go on his own journey around the neighborhood instead!

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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.

Why Do Navy Seals Use German Shepherds

Navy seals are sponsored by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, which is what makes this breed so popular. There are many breeds in the country that have raw talent for being a good military dog with traits suitable for any environment or terrain they have to adapt to in order to perform their duties. The noble character and strength required, plus its high level of intelligence make these dogs great companions when looking for a canine comrade who can keep up with them on their job protecting others. At 6-8 years old they are considered senior citizens in terms of working age military dogs but that doesnt mean theyre retired yet! These adorable elderly warriors can still contribute if needed until theyre around 10 years old when most.

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Is A Belgian Malinois Related To A German Shepherd

• What are the best detection dogs?

Is A Belgian Malinois Related To A German Shepherd?

Are Belgian Malinois better than German shepherds? German Shepherds are a larger dog breed and known to exhibit less aggression compared to Belgian Malinois. Malinois are much smaller than GSDs but tend to be more aggressive. Similarly, Belgian Malinois are much faster than German Shepherds and have more energy.

Are most police dogs Belgian Malinois? Belgian Malinois was originally bred as one of the varieties of Shepherd dogs, thats why his background is watching or herding sheep. In general, Malinois may do different jobs. For example, he is a perfect guard or protection dog for a family. However, Belgian Malinois is more often used as a police dog.

Are Belgian Malinois stronger than German shepherds? German Shepherds are a larger dog breed and known to exhibit less aggression compared to Belgian Malinois. Malinois are much smaller than GSDs but tend to be more aggressive. Similarly, Belgian Malinois are much faster than German Shepherds and have more energy.

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.

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When Was The Belgian Constitution Made

• On 7 February 1831, the National Congress had completed its discussions and approved the Belgian constitution. The Belgian constitution was a balanced synthesis of the French constitutions of 1791, 1814 and 1830, the Dutch constitution of 1814, and of English constitutional law. However, it did not become an amalgam.

What Is A Belgian Waffle Maker

• Waring Belgian Waffle Maker. A waffle is a batter-based or dough-based cake cooked in a waffle iron or waffle maker, which is patterned to give its distinct size, shape, and checkered surface impression. Restaurants that decide to serve waffles in their breakfast menu are sure to attract more customers.

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The 6 Key Differences Between Belgian Malinois And German Shepherd

While the German Shepherd has earned a lot of notoriety as being the top dog for police, both breeds exhibit many exceptional qualities. They look fairly similar in appearance, which is part of the reason that they are confused so often. However, their health issues and personality make them rather distinct from one another. Lets address some of the common differences between these two breeds.

Police & Military Work

As a police or military dog, the Belgian Malinois is known as a vigilant protector. Like their German Shepherd cousins, the Belgian Malinois is trained to stop a fleeing criminal, and they have a bite force that often makes criminals think twice about trying to run from the scene.

Although the Malinois is trained to take down a fleeing criminal if necessary, the Malinois is never aggressive. They are not known to inflict any other harm on a person, and when they are told to release the individual, they do so with no hesitation.

The Belgian Malinois is also often used as a drug dog. This means the dog might be used at the border of a country to sniff out drugs, and they are often used by school resource officers to detect the presence of drugs in a school building.

Children often wish to play with the Belgian Malinois, and Malinois has no problem reciprocating. However, this often interferes with their training, so handlers discourage human interaction with the police dog.

According to CertaPet, the Malinois that is often used for police work in the United States today is a dog that was born in Europe and trained there as well.

There is a kennel in Virginia which breeds the Belgian Malinois for service work, but these dogs are often sent to Europe for training as well.

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Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherdmany people confuse them for each other. If you ask an owner they will easily understand and recognize the differences. But are they two sides of the same coin, or different currencies altogether? If youre looking for a new pet companion or if youre just curious, there are some notable differences in these two stately, intelligent breeds.

From temperament to exercise to, were going to tell you all you need to know regarding Malinois vs German Shepherds. Read on and become even more equipped with some important and Belgian Malinois that make them somewhat similar and somewhat different.

Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd Lifespan

The German shepherd has an average lifespan of 10-13 years. On the other hand, Belgian Malinois have an average lifespan of 10-14 years. German shepherds, however, are prone to major health issues such as elbow dysplasia and canine hip dysplasia , as well as a variety of other issues.

Because of these vulnerabilities, German shepherds, like most other dogs, require routine veterinary examinations. They will need to be tested on their hips, elbows, blood, eyes, and other areas.

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Do Belgian Malinois Bite Their Owners

Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent, strong, adaptable dogs who are not only excellent working K-9s but also wonderfully loyal pets. They are not considered to be any more prone to biting their owners than other breeds of dog.Malinois puppies can be very exuberant and even playful at times which might lead to the occasional nip. But these little episodes wont last if reprimanded early enough by parents. With proper guidance, Belgian Malinois have a good temperament overall and make great family pets due to their intelligence, loyalty and trainability..

Is A Belgian Malinois And German Shepherd Cross A Good Dog

The German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois are recognizable for their intelligence and working dog capabilities.

The high-quality breed standards for both parents means its likely your Malinois X pup will inherit confidence, alertness, and high energy.

Female Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mixes are usually friendlier and sweeter, whereas males are more territorial and often urinate to mark their territory.

They are also prouder. Males are more likely to be aggressive and stubborn but make for better workers.

The Malinois X can be a great family pet with early socialization, but due to their watchdog and guard dog intuition and strong prey drive, they are more fit for life on the field than companionship. This doesnt mean it isnt possible or probable to find a friendly dog.

Its recommended to give this breed plenty of mental stimulation with exercise.

The Malinois X loves to run, jump, swim, jog, chase, and walk with their owners, but they prefer to have a job to do rather than indulge in playtime. They are great swimmers and enjoy hiking.

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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.

German shepherds are prone to hip and elbow problems, and so are Belgian Malinois. However, Mals can also be susceptible to vision problems.

Thats not to say that GSDs have a stronger immune system though. Its just that the genes of Belgian Malinois makes it possible for vision problems to occur.

Additionally, a Belgian Malinois owner may be seeing the vet more frequently than a German shepherd owner.

But thats not the only investment youll need to make when taking care of either one of them.

Is The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix The Dog For You

Also known as German Malinois, or Malinois X for its dog owners, this designer dog is a brilliant canine with lots of energy.

Theres so much more to know about the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix, other than the fact that its a herding canine and a versatile mashup of its purebred parents.

Do you want to meet this crossbreed further? Stay with us and keep scrolling!

• Is a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix right for me?

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What Dogs Are Used As Sniffer Dogs

The top dogs used for sniffing out drugs, according to John J. Ensmingers 2012 book Police and Military Dogs, are English springer spaniels and border collies. Other dog breeds that have shown an aptitude for sniffing out drugs include Weimaraners, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Belgian malinois.

Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Personality

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.

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Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd Comparison Table

Now lets see all the characteristics and traits of each one in detail: