Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: How Are They Different?

This Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd The breed debate is a contentious topic for many dog ​​owners. Some owners prefer one or the other. However, many soon-to-be dog owners also struggle to choose between the two breeds.

Part of the reason this debate has received so much attention is that Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are very similar dogs, with similar physical characteristics and personalities.

In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) uses very similar words to describe the two breeds:

German Shepherds are described as “Confident, Brave, Smart,” while the Belgian Malinois is characterized by “Confident, Hardworking, Smart. “

But while both breeds are great pets and exhibit most of the characteristics you’d want in a dog, there are significant differences between them that new owners consider wisely.

Below, we’ll explain some of the most important similarities and differences between German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, and recommend the best options for different types of families.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Breed Basics

Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are herding breeds, originally developed to protect and escort a variety of livestock. As a result, both breeds have incredible intelligence, plenty of energy, and a strong work ethic.

In fact, these characteristics make the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois the most popular working breeds in the world.Some owners still use them to graze and protect livestock, but they are more commonly used for Policemensearch and rescue, military, protection and treatment environments in the modern world.

Still, both breeds can make great family pets, provided they are given enough exercise and stimulation. Boring members of any one breed often become destructive and develop a range of bad behaviors.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Similarities and Differences

Because they both come from the same basic part of the dog family tree, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds share many similarities. However, since they were developed in different places (Germany vs. Belgium), by different people, and work in slightly different situations, they also exhibit a number of important differences.

For example, both breeds have typical sheepdog builds, including long noses, large ears, and long tails.

However, German Shepherd is slightly larger And has a larger size than the Belgian Malinois. The German Shepherd is between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 75 and 95 pounds. Belgian Malinois often reach a similar height, but they are usually between 60 and 80 pounds.

Collies also have a more pronounced curve on their backs, and their hind legs look a little smaller. Shepherds have generally longer hair than their Belgian counterparts, which makes them more suitable for cooler temperatures.German Shepherds also tend to heavy shelving, And the Belgian Malinois doesn’t shed much more than many other breeds.

Because they have slightly lighter feet and are better suited to warmer climates, Belgian Malinois have become the first choice of many military units and police departments.

Both breeds have relatively long lifespans, occasionally reaching a life expectancy of 14 or 15 years.However, Belgian Malinois tend to have fewer health problems than collies, And are usually at least 12 years old; many shepherds are only about 10 years old.

Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois come in a variety of colors. Most are some combination of brown, gray, and black, but vary widely.some german shepherds are full blackbut this is relatively rare in Belgian Malinois.

related: White German Shepherd: Breed Information and Pictures

German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois Temperament

although Both breeds are vibrant, Belgian Malinois are usually the energetic of the two breeds. They both enjoy work, play, and swimming, and because they bond so closely with their owners, neither breed tolerates long periods of time alone very well. Separation anxiety is common in both breeds.

Malinois are generally considered to have a more alert demeanor, and they are more responsive than collies, who are a little more considerate. Malinois are also more sensitive than their German counterparts, although neither breed will cope well with demanding training methods.

Collies are more vocal than Malinois, and they are more prone to annoying barking behavior. They are also more prone to chewing on their owner’s hands and fingers than Belgian Malinois, so this behavior must be stopped at an early age.

Collies and Malinois are both very affectionate dogs who tend to form strong bonds with their families.Both are somewhat friendly to kids, strangers, and other dogs, but German Shepherds are clearly more outgoing and gregarious of both. They both enjoy learning new skills and are easy to train.

None of these breeds are particularly fond of rushing out the front door and wandering around, but the Belgian Malinois is the more likely of the two breeds to do so. German Shepherds are rarely interested in places far from their family.

The perfect family for every dog ​​breed

Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are both popular family pets, but the German Shepherd is the most 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.

German Shepherds have also been popular for longer than Belgian Malinois. German Shepherds became popular before World War I, while Belgian Malinois began to appear in the United States after the war and remained rare for many years thereafter.

Because of their eventual size, it is important to expose both breeds to large numbers of people and pets when they are young, and basic obedience training imperative. This will help prevent the dog from becoming nervous or aggressive when encountering other people on walks or family outings.

While both breeds make great family pets, German Shepherds are the better breed for novice ownersThe drive and intensity level of Belgian Malinois shows can make them challenging for those who have never owned a dog before. It can also be difficult for new owners to adjust to the Malinois’ sensitivities and provide enough stimulation to keep them entertained.

Neither breed is a good choice for families who spend a lot of time away from home, as they will want to accompany you on most of your trips away from home. You need to supervise young children of both breeds, as even the sweetest example of either breed can inadvertently knock over or injure a child.

However, they usually learn to treat your child as a beloved playmate and protect them wherever they go. In fact, both breeds often display a slightly disturbing tendency to “graze” children and family members to keep them in the same place.

Both breeds prefer living with extended families over single adults, but that doesn’t mean they can’t excel in such situations. It’s important to make sure they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them focused. A bored collie or Malinois is often a destructive pet.

You’ll need to plan two or three long walks a day for any of these breeds, but this is especially important for Belgian Malinois. In fact, you may find it necessary to get about 30 minutes of vigorous exercise each day to keep your Malinois happy and satisfied.

German Shepherds are a poor choice for those with allergiess Or don’t like the idea of ​​dog hair covering everything they own. Malinois are not “hypoallergenic“Anyway, but because they have shorter hair and shed less, they’re less irritating to allergy sufferers.

Summarizing the German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois Debate

Do you have a Belgian Malinois or a German Shepherd? What is your position on the Malinois Vs GSD debate?

Are you satisfied with your choice? We’d love to hear your thoughts on these two breeds.

Let us know your experiences with Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds in the comments below.

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