Belgian malinois or German sheperd

[anna84]

So i'm graduating in a few months and doing that whole well what comes next freak out that college students go through, But one thing I am excited about is that sometime in the far far future i'm going to get to have a new dog.

So after ridiculous amounts of research and I do mean ridiculous I now know at least a little about almost every breed registerd to the AKC.

K it's narrowed down to two breeds a german sheperd and a belgian malinois. whether i'll go to a breeder or rescue is still undecided. Right now i'm looking for opinions on these two breeds. I've heard and read that belgian breeds are a little more intense and sharper then gsd's that they require more socialization and have a longer fear period. I do like the fact that they have far less health issues

does anyone have any experience with, or knowledge about these two breeds. any info would be really appreciated

 

[PFC1]

My brother in law's family had a Belgian Sheep dog, (Very closely related, in fact, was once considered the same breed). It was sweet and very, very smart, though mischevious. Not a good dog to leave at home alone a lot unattended.

 

[oriondw]

Belgian Mal is a GSD on Steroids. They have insane drive, you have to always work with them.

Not for the faint of heart.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Some of the strictly working line Belgian Malinois do indeed have extreme drive.

IMO this is not correct for this breed. It is supposed to be a herding breed. You can find dogs with more balanced drives if you don't want a dog specifically for dog sport.

Of the 2 breeds, for me personally, I'd pick the Mal every time.

 

[Rubylove]

I don't know anything about Belgian Malinois, other than they are beautiful looking dogs.

I had two GSDs years ago and they have to be in my top three all-time favourite breeds. Stunning dogs, beautiful, loyal, intelligent, just incredible.

Very high-maintenance (although both breeds will be) and must have a job to do and be a real part of your life. You cannot leave these dogs along to stew in their juices.

You've picked a couple of tough breeds particulary if you only have limited experience. But do well by these dogs and you will be rewarded with a lifetime of love and devotion.

 

[Caroleg]

Love my malinois. Shortly after I got my second I found the Malinois Rescue. There are so many dogs there that tug at my heartstrings. After a couple of years maybe I'll get a third.

http://www.malinoisrescue.org/

I just want to add that I got the second partly to keep the first company. Until I got the puppy I didn't know that my other dog ever slept. If I moved so much as a finger he was there ready to go. Play, play, play. Now the puppy wears him out a little. They both nap on weekened afternoons.

 

[anna84]

thanks for the opinions you guys. I did a lot of research on these two and they both fit what i want. I love my aussies and was looking for a dog that also had a lot of energy that would make a good hiking and jogging partner. I like the intelligence of these two breeds as well as the fact that their more naturally protective then a lot of the herding breeds but still very trainable. now the problem is they both have the qualities that i want and i can't pick =). thanks for all the help please keep it coming

 

[rottiegirl]

I do not know much about belgians, but I do know a little about GSDs. I personaly like GSDs better, because I grew up with them. I think they are one of the most beautiful breeds in the world. Every time I see one that was well bred, it takes my breath away.

Another big reason why I have a soft spot for the breed is because of what they have accomplished durring war time. They saved so many lives, and I think that is amazing. I watched this documentary... http://www.war-dogs.com/ and I cry every time.

 

[SummerRiot]

If you get a GOOD working line of GSD, the health issues shouldn't be a problem. Although some are prone to hip dysplasia.. the mallys are prone to elbow dysplasia.

The malinois need CONSISTANT socilization. Having a Belgian myself(Terv variety) I know this from personal experience.

The Mals are becoming more popular in the Police line of work because they are quicker to respond then the GSD(at least in this area).

It takes a VERY "strong" handler to keep the Belgians as a good safe dog. You can NOT be forceful with them at all though, they tend to go the oposite way and ignore you.

Males are "harder" to train then females I have found as well. Males go through the "i'm the boss" stage (which Riot is going through right now).

They are definately WAY different then the Aussie in personality and training plus socilization.

If you can, get out to the show ring this season and scout out breeders, watch the dogs work with their handlers in the ring and out. This is the ONLY WAY to do solid research. Speak to the breeders, ask them specific questions about how they trained their dog, what steps they took, if there were any difficulties in any area.

I know, personally with Riot - When he was a puppy, I took him to every dog area i could, hes now completely fine with any other dog (unless they start the fight, he may continue it). Riot was taught manners since he was a baby, he never got away with anything - so right now, he walks better on leash then other Tervs I have met where they waited a bit longer.
THe only thing I wish I had done more was get more strangers to handle him for him. He is just not getting over his "stranger problem" (where he growls or snaps at someone who reaches to touch him).
He actually made fabulous progress in class monday. A strange man came up to pet him, he let him sniff his hand, Riot actually wagged his tail(YAY).

Make sure there are small kids around your dog as much as you can as its growing up from a puppy. Riot only got a little bit of that when he was a pup and hes a bit child shy now (another thing we are working on).

Also, the difference between the mallys and GSD is that the Mals are a lot more sensative when it comes to training.
Yes, they are extremely smart which is good and bad they pick up bad habits very quickly if not corrected properly.

An example would be - I was walking Riot downtown, i stepped on the seware lid and it shock and slapped on the ground. Now b/c of that Riots shy of them(to walk over) even though it has been months since that happened and i've gotten him to walk over them.. still skitish of them.

you can PM me if you'd like

 

[Jynx]

ahh my favorite breeds *vbg*...I have "always" had GSD's, and always will, I defected to aussies a few years ago, love them to, but my next dog will be a malinois.

I have the luxury of a really light work schedule otherwise I really wouldn't contemplate one.

I love my GSD's, but no matter what lines you go with, you will find health problems, it won't stop me from having another tho. I find them easy trainers and adaptable to whatever you throw in front of them IF you are lucky to find a sound dog.

My aussies, well what can I say, they don't take life to seriously but they are alot of fun. and smart as well.

I like the mal's work ethic and their "on the edge" energy. Mals' are a tricky breed tho, while not as popular as GSD's, it can be tough finding one you can live with. They are high maintenance, can be "skitzy", and have some weird quirks. I do like the fact that they have less health issues than say the GSD's, but then again, they can have temperament issues that a normal person would not want to deal with.

Ok done with my rambling
Diane

 

[Rubylove]

I think they are one of the most beautiful breeds in the world. Every time I see one that was well bred, it takes my breath away.

My thoughts exactly

There will definitely be another GSD in my future....definitely.

Here's a pic of my two beautiful boys, and one of my cats, and me, a few years ago!

How I miss them...divorce is a horrible thing!! Lol...

 

[rottiegirl]

My thoughts exactly

There will definitely be another GSD in my future....definitely.

Here's a pic of my two beautiful boys, and one of my cats, and me, a few years ago!

How I miss them...divorce is a horrible thing!! Lol...

Very beautiful! I love it!!

 

[Caroleg]

Summerriot is so right about training. When I first got my Black Malinois** I inadvertently taught him 2 more "release" commands. He was my practice dog and he had some training before I got him. The little puppy is very quick to catch on, but she still lets me know when she doesn't like something with a nasty little snarl. I give her a deep throated "no" and she's all kisses. We are in puppy class right now working on socialization.

There were only a couple of things that kept me from getting a GSD. One is I wanted a smaller sized dog, seems like they're breeding GSDs bigger all the time, or just the ones I see. Another thing is I can't look at an American line GSD without thinking "that's gotta hurt". Sorry, but they just look deformed to me. I might be interested in a small German line GSD, though.

Also, I was originally looking at Tervurans or Groendaels but was having a hard time finding them and I thought the prices were very high for a pet. The short hair of the Malinois was also a plus.

If you really decide you want a Malinois, as with any dog, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder. He should be asking you about your experience with dogs, what you want to do with the dog, and questions regarding temperament. My puppy is from working lines, but she's multipurpose. I specifically looked for a breeder that had the dog I wanted, not a dog he happened to have. Even though the sire has SDA protections titles, the selection of the dame made a difference in the temperament of the puppies. Though the father, "Joker", lives up to his name. He's very family friendly. But you'd probably find what you're looking for from a conformation breeder.

Okay, sorry for the ramble. Just adding more of my thoughts. I did tons of online research before buying both of my dogs.

** See my introduction on how I ended up with a black Malinois.

 

[DanL]

I'm not sure where breeders are going with this bigger is better thing with the GSD. A full grown adult male should be between 77 and 87lbs and 24-26" at the shoulder- not really a big dog, more like on the plus side of a medium size dog. The people breeding 100lb dogs are not doing the breed any service, though I'm sure that some of those bigger dogs can be real nice. My breeder had one big guy in the 100lb range who was gorgeous, but he'd had some kind of accident and had only part of his tongue so she couldn't breed him since he was not up to the standard. I have a feeling my 1 year old German show line is going to be close to 100lbs when he's done growing as well, he's over 85lbs now, but he's been a great dog for us so far. He can go full bore at the drop of a hat and give you 100% when he's training and playing, but he's also nice and mellow in the house.

I don't think all American bred dogs are bad but there definitely are some out there. I think an American dog might be better for someone who wants the intelligence and companionship of a GSD but doesn't want the higher drive issues of a German line dog. Same goes for a Mal, they haven't been hit by a show/work split like the GSD and they can be harder to deal with if you are not experienced with the demands of that type of dog.

I read a good comparision between the GSD and Mal- if both are chasing a suspect, the GSD will search for a way in. The Mal just runs thru the wall.

 

[RD]

I really like both, although in general my preference is the GSD. From what I have seen/met, the GSDs tend to be more level-headed and not as excitable as the Malinois. The drive and energy of the Mals remind me quite a bit of Border Collies on steroids... I like an intense dog, and a Mal would be fun to have one day, but they absolutely aren't for an inexperienced owner.

What do you want a dog for? Anything in particular besides companionship? Both the Malinois and the GSD are working dogs, I hope you are planning to give them a job (or two, or three) to do.

 

[anna84]

RD i do like the level head of german sheperds i also like the fact that if i go decide to get an adult from rescue their are a lot more young adult GSD's to choose from as the malinois has been lucky enough not to suffer from popularity at least not yet. i'm looking for a companion dog that will keep up with me and my 2 hour a day walks and full day hikes. I think i was a nomad in another life =). I also want to take some training classes for fun and possibly in the future be interested in search and rescue. I've heard a breeder describe a malinois as a cross between a GSD and a border collie. anyone agree or disagree?

 

[Dobiegurl]

Do you want a dog with show lines or working lines? I do not like American show line GSD's because their knees are almost dragging the ground and I could imagine how many health risks that causes. I prefer the Mal because they are more of a challenge. They are hyper and from what I've seen very intense dogs. The GSD are more laid back but still intense depending on what lines your dog is from. It's all about personal preference but they are both beautiful dogs. Talk to breeders and compare the two and see which one fits your lifestyle more.

 

[anna84]

i wont be getting a gsd from show lines. the slop of their backs and the way they walk it just looks uncomfortable. If i do get a gsd he will either be a rescue dog or one from working lines

 

[Dobiegurl]

I'm not sure where breeders are going with this bigger is better thing with the GSD. A full grown adult male should be between 77 and 87lbs and 24-26" at the shoulder- not really a big dog, more like on the plus side of a medium size dog. The people breeding 100lb dogs are not doing the breed any service, though I'm sure that some of those bigger dogs can be real nice. My breeder had one big guy in the 100lb range who was gorgeous, but he'd had some kind of accident and had only part of his tongue so she couldn't breed him since he was not up to the standard. I have a feeling my 1 year old German show line is going to be close to 100lbs when he's done growing as well, he's over 85lbs now, but he's been a great dog for us so far. He can go full bore at the drop of a hat and give you 100% when he's training and playing, but he's also nice and mellow in the house.

I don't think all American bred dogs are bad but there definitely are some out there. I think an American dog might be better for someone who wants the intelligence and companionship of a GSD but doesn't want the higher drive issues of a German line dog. Same goes for a Mal, they haven't been hit by a show/work split like the GSD and they can be harder to deal with if you are not experienced with the demands of that type of dog.

I read a good comparision between the GSD and Mal- if both are chasing a suspect, the GSD will search for a way in. The Mal just runs thru the wall.

I have seen so many people brag about their 130lb GSD and I just look at them like their stupid because that's not a "german Shepherd". GSD are not as big as people think and they breed for size. That is happening with alot of dogs. Like my puppy and I just got back from a dog show and he was huge compared to the "true" Dobermans. People who only breed for size are ignorant and know nothing about their breed.

 

[Rubylove]

I wasn't aware that this was going on with GSDs. What a terrible shame, they are such lovely dogs the way they are. Ours were quite big, in fact, probably the biggest I've seen, but not in height - they were just a little overweight because my husband `loved' them too much! Lol... They were super fit, though, they got SO much exercise...