Belgian malinois or German sheperd

[BigDog2191]

Ok, a Belgian Malinois compared to a REAL working-line GSD has only 2 differences... the BM is smaller and faster. That's it.

If it were me, I'd pick the GSD. Just cause I've got experience with one with a very high drive and I feel I can rely on their intelligence more.

Also, Rocky's father was 120 pounds. My vet says Rocky's going to be more or less in that area.

 

[BigDog2191]

DOuble Post.

 

[tessa_s212]

I have a HUGE respect for Malis. Wonderful dogs! But most CERTAINLY not for everyone.

As for working, I think if there were more handlers that were more knowledgable and experienced this dog would be THE best working/police dog. Their responsiveness, speed, agility, and bite(they don't call them maligators for nothing!) make them a superb working dog.

 

[RD]

I've heard a breeder describe a malinois as a cross between a GSD and a border collie. anyone agree or disagree?

As far as temperament goes, I suppose that could be accurate. The Malinois seems to have the intensity, extreme drive and excitability of the Border Collie. They seem more bitey than the GSD, though, and much more difficult to handle due to their extreme energy and excitable temperament.

 

[anna84]

and the excitability is why im 99% sure that im going to end up with a GSD i want a high drive dog but in the end i think a malinois is a little to extreme for me.

Thanks you guys for all the opinions and information

 

[Jynx]

you'll enjoy a gsd, they can be buttheads at times, but in the end, they are pretty stable dogs and even high energy ones can be easy to live with.

There are alot of "smuck" breeders of gsd's out there, so do your homework, there are just as many good ones to. And you don't want one that will end up being 120lbs. That is way over standard, and a 120lb dog is not going to "go the distance". Males are typically around 85lbs and females 55-65 lbs.
(I've had "big ones", not by choice, and sure they are beautiful, but they break down to early for me)

Anyhow, good luck!
diane

 

[IliamnasQuest]

anna84, from what you describe you would be best off with a GSD.

Be aware, also, that there are American lines that are bred for performance (usually adding in German lines to help keep things evened out). My Trick is American performance and German lines combined and has been the most amazing dog. She'll be ten in May and is still sound and active. I can't fault her temperament or intelligence - or patience, she's the one in my signature laying on the ground while the puppy pulls her tail!

There have been some malinois's (plural spelling? *L*) through some of my training classes and they are truly much more of a handful than a shepherd. I would say start with a shepherd and then later on when you have more experience you might consider a malinois.

Also keep in mind when you're looking for a GSD - the large ones look impressive but the rule of thumb is the larger they are, the younger they break down. There's a reason why giant breeds don't tend to live as long as the smaller breeds. If you want a dog to live with you a nice long time, go with a reasonable size and avoid those big ones.

(I absolutely adored my big male shepherd who was 105#, but he was gimpy at nine years old .. the girls I have now (nearly 9 and 10) are still sound and going full force).

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

 

[fillyone]

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.

This is the exact difference between Dante and a Mal that was in the Attention class with us!!