Belgian malinois vs german shepherd
When it comes to selecting a loyal, intelligent, and capable working dog, two breeds often come to the forefront of discussions: The American Kennel Club in the first place set the standards for two breeds, and they were the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd. They have been traditionally employed for household purposes and equally for the service animals used in the military, police, and security-related agencies. Here it finally is: the full Belgian malinois vs german shepherd, in which we reveal the comparison of the characters and the differences as well as the information about the main features of each race.
Physical Characteristics
But it is necessary to emphasize that the differences are usually initiated by aspects of physical traits. However, as much as both types appear to resemble each other in numerous ways, there are some features that set them apart.
Size and Build:
Comparing German shepherds and Belgian Malinois, the former are relatively large animals, heavier than the latter, and they also possess quite different tempers. Generally, a normal German Shepherd stands from 22 to 26 inches at the shoulders; he also possesses a body weight of 50 to 90 pounds. Belgian Malinois are slightly smaller in size than that of GSDs; their size standards indicate that they have a height of between 22 and 26 inches and a weight of between 40 and 80 pounds. They really differ much in terms of physical build; for instance, the German Shepherd is muscular and heavier compared to the Malinois.
Coat and Color:
By checking the coat characteristics that you are going to observe here, you will find some of them in this Belgian malinois vs german shepherd, as explained below. They have a coat of medium to long length and is made out of two layers of fur; these may include black and tan, sable, or even solid black. Belgian Malinois, on the other hand, has a short, stiff, glossy coat that is fawn to mahogany colored, while the face mask and ears are black.
Temperament and personality
Both are smart and obedient and were created to work, thus implying that they need to be employed. However, they have different temperaments, and the client should consider the difference between the Belgian malinois vs german shepherd debates.
Energy Levels:
It is also important to note that, as much as Belgian Malinois is considered highly strung, German Shepherds are even more strung. Most of the time, they are more playful and require more stimulation in the brain and body, to be well-behaved.
Sociability:
The GSDs are very friendly and can easily be regarded as family members, hence their ability to become accustomed to the family. Most of the breed is friendly to all the family members, and if well trained, they are excellent with children. Compared to the first breed, another Belgian shepherd breed is the Belgian Malinois, which can also be more suspicious of strangers and might require more effort to make this breed a family dog.
Working Drive:
As much as they are the best breeds, both are unrivaled in their working capabilities. Nevertheless, it is written that young Belgian Malinois are reported to have a higher work drive and may be more single-minded, obsessively so when it comes to tasks or training, for that matter.
Training and intelligence
It is also a fact that most breeds used in working roles are intelligent and easy to train, and both of these qualities are apparent in this breed. However, These differences are expected to be observed later in their learning approaches and training needs.
Training Approach:
That is why, with the selected breed, the German Shepherds, the force can be used or other types of actions that would include holding or not feeding a dog as a punishment and giving a dog a treat or praising as a reward if training is consistent. They have high intelligence and the intent to be occupied with acquiring new abilities, as well as obedience to the handler. Intelligence: Both kinds of dogs, Belgian Malinois, are equally smart; however, it can be difficult to make them get through a training session because they lose interest quickly.
Versatility:
Regarding this versatility factor, both breeds are equally matched in the comparison. They include search operations, detection responsibilities, and guard responsibilities, among others. However, in some specialized military and police operations, the Belgian Malinois are used for their gentleness and speed.
Exercise and activity needs
Exercise requirements are among the several areas where special focus should not be lacking in the Belgian malinois vs german shepherd discussion.
Daily Exercise:
Physical activity is a requirement for both breeds, but their intensity and frequency are and should be different. The Belgian Malinois normally requires more exercise in this regard. The two are designed for high-energy use and are suitable for activities like agility, exercising the dog’s running capability, and an intensified ability to fetch. German Shepherds also need extensive exercise, but not to the extent of what is needed for Belgian Shepherds.
Mental Stimulation:
As with any dog, both breeds must be taken for physical activity besides brain work to avoid getting bored. These dogs also require their heads to be worked, and toys, training, play, and exercise should not be a problem with these Belgian malinois vs german shepherds.
Health and Lifespan
That is why, in the case of comparing Belgian malinois vs german shepherd health profiles, there are some similarities as well as some differences.
Common health issues:
It is a disease that affects many breeds, although most commonly in German shepherds, and makes the ball joint of the limbs develop arthritis. Belgian Malinois may also develop some problems related to bones, such as hip and elbow dysplasia; however, this breed is almost immune to most of the ailments typical for the dog’s species.
Grooming and Maintenance
Aside from that, however, grooming requirements differ slightly between the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd.
Shedding:
This is a breed of dog that drops fur, and this is mostly during spring and other seasons that may be available. Their coat is thick and double-layered, which means that it is necessary to brush them regularly. It should be mentioned that Belgian Malinois do not shed as much as many other breeds, but they are to be groomed constantly to have their coat look perfect.
Bathing:
Both breeds should only be bathed when desirable; however, the German Shepherds might need more frequent bathing because of their heavy coat.
Nutrition and Feeding
It is a well-known fact that all varieties need feeding; however, slight differences should always be considered in the Belgian malinois vs german shepherd feeding.
Caloric Intake:
Due to the high level of activities that these Belgian malinois expose themselves to, the dog will require a tad more calories per its body size than, let’s say, the German Shepherd. People should increase their fiber intake in their diet, but certain individual conditions could be ascertained through factors such as physical activity and metabolism.
Diet Composition:
It is a requirement that both breeds be fed high-quality protein foods. However, it is believed that Belgian Malinois may require diets higher in protein content, especially due to their high activity level and muscular mass.
Suitability as family pets
With this in mind, one has to consider the ability of the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd to be proper family pets, as their adaptability to one’s lifestyle is of paramount importance.
Family Integration:
The German Shepherds are preferred by those who have families, for they appear to adapt to the family, especially those with children. Mostly, they are slow in handling themselves physically but assertive enough to repel those intruding on their torched area or endangering the lives of the members of the family. Belgian Malinois can also be family dogs, but one should take time to watch them grow so as not to become too protective of the kids, aggressive, or too energetic to control.
Space Requirements:
Like any other breed, both require an opportunity to be taken out to run and play to channel their energy in the most productive manner. Although, when using Belgian Malinois, a person might feel that they are more suitable for houses and yards than apartments because of their energy production and their need for an active practice.
Conclusion
Regarding the Belgian malinois vs german shepherd controversy, it can be specified that the two breeds are diverse and have their own strengths and weaknesses. The German Shepherds seem to be more malleable to family life and will most likely be a good type for first-time owners. However, any person who would wish to adopt a Belgian Malinois has to know that these are active dogs and would therefore be more suitable for someone with prior experience as a working dog or as someone willing to put in a lot of work.
FAQs
Is a Belgian Malinois more expensive than a German Shepherd?
Regarding the changes in price, they can only be described using words because they are individual, based on the breeder and the ancestors of the dog; however, the Belgian Malinois are expected to be more expensive because they are used working breeds, and the breed is not common.
Comparing the two breeds, which of the two breeds is more friendly with kids?
Both are needy, and their good manners make them appear as fantastic dogs to take care of children, but from birth, German Shepherds are considered to be friendly with children.
