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    🐩 G - M

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    More Articles on Breeds

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    10 Best Dog Foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    10 January 2022
    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds Featured Image

    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds

    10 January 2022

    Stages of Husky Puppy Development

    10 January 2022
    german shepherd belgian malinois featured on dogstruggles

    German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois – Traits & Comparisons

    10 January 2022
    boxer beagle

    Beagle Boxer Mix – The Complete Boggle Dog Guide!

    10 January 2022
  • DOG FOOD
    • BY BREED
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      • For Jack Russells
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      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
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      • For Pugs
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      • For Shichons
      • For Saint Bernards
      • For Weimaraners
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    • COMPARISON
      • Annamaet
      • Bil-Jac
      • Canine Caviar
      • Evolve
      • Instinct
      • Brands on a Budget
      • Organic Brands
      • Nature’s Logic
      • Nulo
      • Orijen
      • Performatrin Ultra
      • Pro Pac
      • Royal Canin vs Blue Buffalo
      • Sojos
      • Taste of the Wild vs Blue Wilderness
      • Victor
      • Victor Dog Food vs Diamond Naturals
      • Weruva
      • Whole Earth Farm
    • FOR A PURPOSE
      • For Arthritis
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      • Legume Free
      • Limited Ingredient Foods
      • Low Protein
      • Low Sodium
      • Ollie Dog Food Reviews
      • To Prevent Gas
      • Puppy Milk Replacer
      • For Picky Dogs
      • For Seizures
      • For Sensitive Stomachs
      • For Skin Allergies
      • For Yeast Infections
    • TREATS
      • Dentastix vs Greenies: Which is Better?
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Puppy Training
      • For Yorkies
  • DOG MEDICINE
    • Antihistamines for Allergies
    • Aspirin
    • Benadryl
    • Dewormers
    • DNA Tests
    • Dramamine
    • Ear Cleaners
    • Gabapentin
    • Glucosamine
    • Heartgard
    • Melatonin
    • Nexgard vs Frontline
    • Prednisone
    • Toothpastes
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    • Trifexis vs Comfortis
    • Xanax
    • Zyrtec
  • DOG SUPPLIES
    • BEDS
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      • For Australian Shepherds
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      • For Boston Terriers
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Cockapoos
      • For Cocker Spaniels
      • For Corgis
      • For Coton De Tulears
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
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      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Great Danes
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      • For Labradoodles
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      • For Miniature Schnauzers
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      • For Pomeranians
      • For Rhodesian Ridgebacks
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      • For Vizslas
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      • Heated Beds
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    • BRUSHES
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Boxer Dogs
      • For Corgis
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Maltese
      • For Maltipoos
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    • COLLARS
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    • CLIPPERS
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      • For Australian Shepherds
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      • For German Shepherds
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      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Lhasa Apso
      • For Maltese
      • For Matted Hair
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Old English Sheepdogs
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Portuguese Water Dogs
      • For Shih Tzus
    • CRATES
      • Crate Covers
      • For Beagles
      • For Border Collies
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      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
      • For English Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Huskies
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • Revol Crate
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Separation Anxiety
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Weimaraners
      • Crate Water Bottle
      • Wooden Dog Crates
      • For Yorkies
    • HARNESSES
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Beagles
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For French Bulldogs
      • Freedom No Pull
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • K9 Harness
      • For Pugs
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Siberian Husky
      • For Yorkies
    • LEASHES
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Running
      • Retractable
    • MUZZLES
      • Basket Muzzles
      • For Chihuahuas
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    • NAIL CLIPPERS
      • For Cockapoos
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    • TOYS
      • Balls
      • Chew Toys for Pit Bulls
      • For Border Collies
      • For Corgis
      • For Dalmations
      • Frisbees
      • Interactive Toys
      • Playpens
      • For Pomeranians
      • Pools
      • Puppy Chew Toys
      • For Shih Tzus
      • Squeaky Toys
      • Tug Toys
    • SHAMPOO
      • For Bulldogs
      • Flea Shampoos
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Huskies
      • Hypoallergenic Shampoos
      • For Maltese
      • Natural Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
      • Oatmeal Shampoos
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Puppies
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Yorkies
    • Boston Terrier Sweater
    • Dog Camping Tents
    • Hunting Vests
    • Flea Carpet Powder
    • Strollers
    • Training Books
    • Pet Hair Vacuums
  • BLOG
    • Can My Dog Eat That?
      • Biscuits
      • Cheerios
      • Chia Seeds
      • Cinnamon
      • Crackers
      • Dairy
        • Cheese
        • Vanilla Ice Cream
      • Eggs
      • Falafel
      • Fruit
        • Apples
        • Avocado
        • Bananas
        • Blackberries
        • Coconut
        • Mangoes
        • Strawberries
        • Tomatoes
        • Zucchini
      • Honey
      • Hot Sauce
      • Instant Noodles
      • Meat
        • Chicken Bones
        • Chicken Skin
        • Ham Bones
        • Salami
        • Sausage
        • Steak
        • Trout
        • Tuna
        • Turkey
      • Oatmeal
      • Peanut Butter
      • Pink Salt
      • Pita Bread
      • Pizza Crust
      • Popcorn
      • Potato
      • Sunflower Seeds
      • Vegetables
        • Beans
        • Brussel Sprouts
        • Carrots
        • Green Peppers
        • Lettuce
        • Onions
        • Truffles
        • Yellow Squash
    • Cats vs. Dogs
    • Exotic Dog Breeds
      • African
      • Chinese
      • Cleanest
      • Curly Haired
      • English
      • Fastest
      • Long-Legged
      • Small White
      • Smartest Small Breeds
    • Guides
      • Benefits and Risks of a Raw Diet
      • Can I Give My Dog Aspirin?
      • Does CBD Work for Dogs? 
      • Dogs Insurance Will Not Cover
      • Fixing Your Dogs Fear of Bathing
      • Guide to Crate Training a Puppy
      • Guide To Dog Digestion
      • How Long Does It Take To Groom a Dog?
      • How Often Can I Bathe My Dog With Flea Shampoo
      • How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
      • Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
      • Why Does My Dog Pee On My Bed?
    • GPS Chips
    • How To Guides
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      • Make a Leash Out of Paracord
      • Make a Leather Collar
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      • Put a Dog Tag on a Collar
      • Sedate a Dog for Grooming
      • Sharpen Nail Clippers
      • Stop Dog from Digging
      • Store Dry Dog Food Long Term
      • Train Dog for Protection
      • Train Dog to Sit Down
      • Wash a Dog Bed With Stuffing
    • Superpowers Dogs Have
    • Why Do Dogs
      • Cough
      • Eat Grass
      • Eat Socks
      • Hump The Air
      • Keep Licking Their Paws
      • Look Sad
      • Penises Stay Out
      • Put Their Ears Back
      • Sleep So Much
      • Wag their Tail
      • Watch TV
    • Why Walking Your Dog is Good for You
  • ABOUT US
  • HOME
  • DOG BREEDS

    🐕 A - F

    • Australian Shepherd
    • Beagle
    • Boxer
    • Border Collie
    • Cocker Spaniel
    • Corgi
    • Dachshund
    • French Bulldog

    🐩 G - M

    • German Shepherd
    • German Shepherd Wolf
    • Goldendoodle
    • Greyhound
    • Havanese
    • Husky
    • Labradoodle
    • Maltese
    • Mastiff
    • Miniature Husky
    • Miniature Schnauzer
    • Morkie

    🐶 N - Z

    • Pitbull
    • Pomchi
    • Pomeranian
    • Pomsky
    • Poodle
    • Shih Tzu
    • Shorkie
    • Yorkie

    More Articles on Breeds

    Best Dog Food for Rhodesian Ridgebacks DogStruggles

    10 Best Dog Foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    10 January 2022
    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds Featured Image

    11 Smartest Small Dog Breeds

    10 January 2022

    Stages of Husky Puppy Development

    10 January 2022
    german shepherd belgian malinois featured on dogstruggles

    German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois – Traits & Comparisons

    10 January 2022
    boxer beagle

    Beagle Boxer Mix – The Complete Boggle Dog Guide!

    10 January 2022
  • DOG FOOD
    • BY BREED
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Basenjis
      • For Beagles
      • For Blue Heelers
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boxer Puppies
      • For Bull terriers
      • For Cavalier King Charles
      • For Chihuahua Puppies
      • For Cocker Spaniels
      • For Corgi Puppies
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dalmations
      • For Dobermans
      • For French Bulldog Puppies
      • For German Shepherd Puppies
      • For German Shorthaired Pointers
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Havanese
      • For Hunting Dogs
      • For Jack Russells
      • For Maltipoo
      • For Maltese Puppies
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Morkies
      • For Pomeranians  
      • For Poodles
      • For Husky Puppies
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pugs
      • For Rhodesian Ridgebacks
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shichons
      • For Saint Bernards
      • For Weimaraners
      • For Yorkies
    • COMPARISON
      • Annamaet
      • Bil-Jac
      • Canine Caviar
      • Evolve
      • Instinct
      • Brands on a Budget
      • Organic Brands
      • Nature’s Logic
      • Nulo
      • Orijen
      • Performatrin Ultra
      • Pro Pac
      • Royal Canin vs Blue Buffalo
      • Sojos
      • Taste of the Wild vs Blue Wilderness
      • Victor
      • Victor Dog Food vs Diamond Naturals
      • Weruva
      • Whole Earth Farm
    • FOR A PURPOSE
      • For Arthritis
      • For Bad Teeth
      • Dehydrated Dog Food
      • High-Calorie
      • High Fiber for Anal Gland Problems
      • Hypoallergenic Foods
      • For IBD 
      • Legume Free
      • Limited Ingredient Foods
      • Low Protein
      • Low Sodium
      • Ollie Dog Food Reviews
      • To Prevent Gas
      • Puppy Milk Replacer
      • For Picky Dogs
      • For Seizures
      • For Sensitive Stomachs
      • For Skin Allergies
      • For Yeast Infections
    • TREATS
      • Dentastix vs Greenies: Which is Better?
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Puppy Training
      • For Yorkies
  • DOG MEDICINE
    • Antihistamines for Allergies
    • Aspirin
    • Benadryl
    • Dewormers
    • DNA Tests
    • Dramamine
    • Ear Cleaners
    • Gabapentin
    • Glucosamine
    • Heartgard
    • Melatonin
    • Nexgard vs Frontline
    • Prednisone
    • Toothpastes
    • Tramadol
    • Trifexis vs Comfortis
    • Xanax
    • Zyrtec
  • DOG SUPPLIES
    • BEDS
      • Bedding for Kennels
      • Bedding for Puppies
      • Chew Proof beds
      • Elevated beds
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Beagles
      • For Bernese Mountain Dogs
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boston Terriers
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Cockapoos
      • For Cocker Spaniels
      • For Corgis
      • For Coton De Tulears
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
      • For English Mastiffs
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Rhodesian Ridgebacks
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Siberian Huskies
      • For Weimaraners
      • For Whippets
      • For Vizslas
      • For Yorkies
      • Heated Beds
      • Luxury Beds
      • Orthopedic Beds
      • Waterproof Beds
    • BRUSHES
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Boxer Dogs
      • For Corgis
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Maltese
      • For Maltipoos
      • For Poodles
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Saint Bernards
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Yorkies
    • COLLARS
      • Bark Collars
      • For Chihuahuas
      • Citronella Bark Collars
      • For Dobermans
      • For German Shepherds
      • Leather Collars
      • Reflective Collars
    • CLIPPERS
      • For Airedale Terriers
      • For Australian Shepherds
      • For Bichon Frise
      • For Border Collies
      • For Coton De Tulears
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Havanese
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Lhasa Apso
      • For Maltese
      • For Matted Hair
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Old English Sheepdogs
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Portuguese Water Dogs
      • For Shih Tzus
    • CRATES
      • Crate Covers
      • For Beagles
      • For Border Collies
      • For Boston Terriers
      • For Boxers
      • For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For Dobermans
      • For English Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Great Danes
      • For Greyhounds
      • For Huskies
      • For Labradoodles
      • For Mastiffs
      • For Miniature Schnauzers
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • Revol Crate
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Separation Anxiety
      • For Shih Tzus
      • For Weimaraners
      • Crate Water Bottle
      • Wooden Dog Crates
      • For Yorkies
    • HARNESSES
      • For American Bulldogs
      • For Beagles
      • For Boxers
      • For Bulldogs
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Dachshunds
      • For French Bulldogs
      • Freedom No Pull
      • For German Shepherds
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • K9 Harness
      • For Pugs
      • For Rottweilers
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Siberian Husky
      • For Yorkies
    • LEASHES
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Running
      • Retractable
    • MUZZLES
      • Basket Muzzles
      • For Chihuahuas
      • For Pitbulls
    • NAIL CLIPPERS
      • For Cockapoos
      • For Golden Retrievers
    • TOYS
      • Balls
      • Chew Toys for Pit Bulls
      • For Border Collies
      • For Corgis
      • For Dalmations
      • Frisbees
      • Interactive Toys
      • Playpens
      • For Pomeranians
      • Pools
      • Puppy Chew Toys
      • For Shih Tzus
      • Squeaky Toys
      • Tug Toys
    • SHAMPOO
      • For Bulldogs
      • Flea Shampoos
      • For French Bulldogs
      • For Goldendoodles
      • For Golden Retrievers
      • For Huskies
      • Hypoallergenic Shampoos
      • For Maltese
      • Natural Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
      • Oatmeal Shampoos
      • For Pitbulls
      • For Pomeranians
      • For Poodles
      • For Puppies
      • For Shih Tzu
      • For Yorkies
    • Boston Terrier Sweater
    • Dog Camping Tents
    • Hunting Vests
    • Flea Carpet Powder
    • Strollers
    • Training Books
    • Pet Hair Vacuums
  • BLOG
    • Can My Dog Eat That?
      • Biscuits
      • Cheerios
      • Chia Seeds
      • Cinnamon
      • Crackers
      • Dairy
        • Cheese
        • Vanilla Ice Cream
      • Eggs
      • Falafel
      • Fruit
        • Apples
        • Avocado
        • Bananas
        • Blackberries
        • Coconut
        • Mangoes
        • Strawberries
        • Tomatoes
        • Zucchini
      • Honey
      • Hot Sauce
      • Instant Noodles
      • Meat
        • Chicken Bones
        • Chicken Skin
        • Ham Bones
        • Salami
        • Sausage
        • Steak
        • Trout
        • Tuna
        • Turkey
      • Oatmeal
      • Peanut Butter
      • Pink Salt
      • Pita Bread
      • Pizza Crust
      • Popcorn
      • Potato
      • Sunflower Seeds
      • Vegetables
        • Beans
        • Brussel Sprouts
        • Carrots
        • Green Peppers
        • Lettuce
        • Onions
        • Truffles
        • Yellow Squash
    • Cats vs. Dogs
    • Exotic Dog Breeds
      • African
      • Chinese
      • Cleanest
      • Curly Haired
      • English
      • Fastest
      • Long-Legged
      • Small White
      • Smartest Small Breeds
    • Guides
      • Benefits and Risks of a Raw Diet
      • Can I Give My Dog Aspirin?
      • Does CBD Work for Dogs? 
      • Dogs Insurance Will Not Cover
      • Fixing Your Dogs Fear of Bathing
      • Guide to Crate Training a Puppy
      • Guide To Dog Digestion
      • How Long Does It Take To Groom a Dog?
      • How Often Can I Bathe My Dog With Flea Shampoo
      • How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
      • Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
      • Why Does My Dog Pee On My Bed?
    • GPS Chips
    • How To Guides
      • Keep Dog Off Bed
      • Leash Train a Dog That Won’t Walk
      • Make a Leash Out of Paracord
      • Make a Leather Collar
      • Measure a Dog For a Muzzle
      • Put a Dog Tag on a Collar
      • Sedate a Dog for Grooming
      • Sharpen Nail Clippers
      • Stop Dog from Digging
      • Store Dry Dog Food Long Term
      • Train Dog for Protection
      • Train Dog to Sit Down
      • Wash a Dog Bed With Stuffing
    • Superpowers Dogs Have
    • Why Do Dogs
      • Cough
      • Eat Grass
      • Eat Socks
      • Hump The Air
      • Keep Licking Their Paws
      • Look Sad
      • Penises Stay Out
      • Put Their Ears Back
      • Sleep So Much
      • Wag their Tail
      • Watch TV
    • Why Walking Your Dog is Good for You
  • ABOUT US
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Home Dog breeds

German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois – Traits & Comparisons

Sarah Robinson by Sarah Robinson
10 January 2022
in Dog breeds
german shepherd belgian malinois featured on dogstruggles
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You could be forgiven for at first glance getting confused between the two handsome, large-sized dogs that are the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd.

Indeed, the malinois is also known as the Belgian shepherd dog, and with so much shared ancestry it’s easy to see where confusion might creep in.

However, the differences are there so if you’re tossing up between which of these highly trainable, working dogs to take on, let’s look at some of the features that set these two apart from each other.

German Shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois

Popularity Stakes

Do you prefer a breed that’s loved by many or a breed that’s more unusual? Popularity is one factor that sets the German shepherd vs Belgian malinois apart.

Whilst the German shepherd is arguably one of the world’s most recognizable breeds and is regularly in the top 10 most popular dog breed lists in the US, the Belgian Malinois is more of a rarity.

As the name suggests, the latter originated from Belgian and is one of four native shepherding breeds. Unlike the Gerberian Shepsky or the Wolf Shepherd!

A testament to how recently the malinois arrived in the US is that they’ve only been recognized by the US Kennel Club since 1959.

Vital Statistics

Let’s now look at Malinois vs German shepherd dog vital statistics to find out which is bigger and stronger.

Although easily confused with the German shepherd, the Malinois is actually a smaller dog with a lighter build than his more robust cousin.

Whereas the German shepherd tips the scales at 75 – 95 pounds, the malinois is a more petit 40 – 80 pounds.

This difference in the build is also reflected in their height with both dogs standing tall at 2 ft. 2 inches to the shoulder, but the malinois weighing in lighter.

german shepherd vs belgian malinois image 1

When you see a malinois vs German shepherd standing side by side, you’ll appreciate they have different body shapes, with the malinois standing square but the German shepherd having a sloping back.

The coloration of the two dogs also helps to tell them apart, with the malinois having a fawn coat with a black mask and the German shepherd having a longer coat that is black, or black and tan.

Best Guard Dog

What are your reasons for getting a dog? Both the Belgian malinois vs German shepherd are intelligent that are descended from herding dogs, but one wins paws down in the guarding stakes.

The superior weight and robustness of the German shepherd, plus his character which is sometimes aloof and perhaps slightly suspicious, fits him perfectly for the job of guarding his family or protecting his owner’s property.

Meanwhile, the Malinois are quick agile dogs who prefer to nip at heels to round people up, rather than intimidate and protect.

That said, a poorly socialized Malinois is liable to be anxious and this could manifest itself in aggressive behavior that is a sign of insecurity, rather than good training to guard.

Ease of Training

Both dog breeds are quick-witted and intelligent, however, as well as making them highly trainable it also means the owner needs to be experienced in how to handle large powerful dogs with a mind of their own.

In the Belgian malinois vs German shepherd stakes, it is the malinois who those in the know say is the quicker to learn and to respond to commands.

Treated right, the Belgian Malinois is eager to please his trainer and reward-based training click right into his psyche.

However, get things wrong and come down heavy-handed, trying to dominate the dog and he could well become frustrated which may then turn to aggression.

german shepherd vs belgian malinois image 2

The German shepherd has an awesome reputation for being highly trainable in the right hands.

Again, these dogs do need an experienced handler, not least because they can be highly strung or anxious, and they require the steadying influence of an owner who knows that expecting to be obeyed is a much better remedy for highly-strung behavior than petting or fussing.

Neither breed is considered a ‘beginners’ dog and first-time owners could rapidly find themselves being run ragged by a clever dog who out-smarts them to get their own way.

Better Family Dog

When weighing up a malinois dog vs German shepherd you need to consider the bigger picture such as your living accommodation, children, and activity level.

Both breeds are descended from working dogs and have a great deal of stamina.

They need an outlet for this energy or their boredom could be diverted into unwanted behaviors such as destructiveness, digging, barking, or aggression.

So be certain that your lifestyle can match their need to run and run and run every day.

How much space do you have? If you live in an apartment then a Belgian malinois is a bad choice as they are used to wide-open spaces and will find the confines of apartment dwelling more like a prison than a palace.

german shepherd vs belgian malinois image 3

Another consideration is the breed like the stimulation of constant company and can find it hard to enjoy their own company for long periods of time.

Add the two factors together, an apartment dog that’s left while you’re at work, and you could be heading for neighbors complaining bitterly about your malinois’ barking.

Contrast this with the German shepherd, who although not radically different in attitude, may cope a little better in a house without a yard as long as they are given plenty of attention and are exercised well every day.

Reliable Temperament

If you have children then you need to know that every dog is an individual.

Whilst the Belgian malinois that is well-raised is devoted to the children in the family, a malinois that as a puppy never met kids may be spooked by their loudness and unpredictable actions.

Another consideration is that whilst friendly with family they can be suspicious of strangers and if your children have regular visitors to the house then you will need to supervise the dog at all times.

A more family-friendly option is the German shepherd who when socialized well as a youngster, will be a devoted and loyal fur family member, even if he remains suspicious of other dogs which is a minor failing in the hands of a skilled trainer.

Grooming Care

Which dog, German shepherd vs malinois, is the easiest to groom and take care of?

The German shepherd has a coarser outer coat with a fluffy undercoat which is prone to shedding.

A German shepherd that is shedding will quickly turn your house into hairball central, so be prepared to brush your dog daily to get those hairs onto the brush rather than wafting around the house.

german shepherd vs belgian malinois image 4

That said, the thick luxurious coat of the German shepherd looks superb when in good condition and will reward your efforts with the dog’s stunning good looks.

If the idea of wading ankle-deep through shed dog hair does not appeal, then consider a Belgian malinois in preference to the German shepherd.

This dog’s shorter coat is less prone to shedding and a quick brush over is usually sufficient to keep your house largely dog hair-free.

Health Considerations

To create a purebred dog means a certain amount of breeding related dogs together to produce the desired look.

Unfortunately, this also magnifies the genes for any inheritable health conditions, and neither breed is immune to more than its fair share of genetically linked diseases.

Of the two breeds, the German shepherd wins the unenviable prize of suffering from a greater number of health issues.

Whilst both breeds share a raised risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, the German shepherd is more likely to suffer from a digestive disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

This means the dog’s pancreas does not produce all the digestive juices it needs in order to digest fat and he struggles to harvest all the goodness from his food.

This leads to tummy upsets and weight loss, and a German shepherd with this condition needs a lifelong supplement of pancreatic enzymes.

german shepherd vs belgian malinois image 5

In contrast, the Belgian Malinois is linked to a progressive degenerative condition that affects eyesight and leads to premature blindness.

This is a distressing possibility in such an active breed, but fortunately, the dogs do adapt and learn to use their other senses to compensate.

If a malinois is your choice then try to source a pup from a breeder who screens the eyes of the parent dogs prior to breeding.

Bottom Line

And finally, when measuring up a Belgian malinois vs German shepherd know that both dogs must be well socialized as puppies in order to make good-natured adults.

Also, only consider either breed if you have the time and energy to exercise them regularly, and are a confident trainer, in which case you will have a fabulous fur-friend on your hands.

Sarah Robinson

Sarah Robinson

Dr Sarah Robinson attended veterinary school at Oklahoma State University receiving a D.V.M. in 2008. Sarah’s longtime interest is to help people to better communicate with their pet companions, and in doing so, to help them to strengthen their relationships with their dogs and cats. Sarah has published numerous articles on canine feeding in pet related magazines, veterinary journals and leading natural health web sites.

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