The Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd both breeds are very similar in their appearance and abilities, but there are some differences that you should be aware of. You must know these differences before deciding on which is the right dog for you and your family.
German Shepherds and the Belgian Malinois are used for herding sheep and military and police work. Both breeds are very active and can be easily trained.
Below you will find all the information you need about the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd.
History of the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds
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Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer in the 19th century, worked on mixing different breeds of herding dogs into one uniform breed. In this way, the German Shepherd, as it is known today, was born.
This highly intelligent and versatile dog quickly became a popular breed, arriving in the United States in the 20th century. In World War I, the popularity of this dog declined because it was associated with the enemy. From that moment, they are called Alsatians and until now so with calls in Great Britain.
On the other hand, the Belgian Malinois was also a breed created for herding sheep. They are part of a group of Belgian dogs that are known as Belgian Shepherds. The Malinois dog is the only one that has short hair. These dogs are called Belgian Shepherds.
In the list of the most important breeds made each year, the German Shepherd is always in second place. In this list, the Belgian Malinois is ranked 50. When looking at the Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd, it can be said that the Belgian Malinois is gaining popularity, but the German Shepherd is still at the top.
Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd: which is better?
Both breeds are very similar in size; males can be between 24 and 26 inches tall and females between 22 and 24 inches. Belgian Malinois dogs are lighter than German Shepherds; a male Malinois can weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and the female between 40 and 60 pounds.
In contrast, the German Shepherd can weigh up to 90 pounds, and the female can weigh up to 70 pounds. In a good home, the German Shepherd is a breed that will be very beneficial because it has it all. The same happens with the Belgian Malinois, who will have an intelligent and energetic dog with the right owner. Both breeds are loyal and have a lot of enthusiasm.
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Energy and temperament
When you observe a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois, you will not see a very marked difference in temperament and energy. They are both very bright dogs and enjoy any activity that can please their owners.
Both dogs are easy to train and are very loyal. Since German Shepherds are very protective, they are used a lot in security and the military. You should put in a few hours a week so that you can get the training you need.
If you want a dog with lower energy levels, a German Shepherd may be better off than a Belgian Malinois. These two breeds have a very similar training ability in their training and will make good companions.
The Belgian Malinois must sometimes have a lot of stimulation to prevent them from becoming destructive and neurotic. If you love being outdoors and have an active lifestyle, this dog will be the one for you.
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Health
One of the things to consider in the Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd is health. As these dogs’ age, certain problems can develop, such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
Before bringing a dog to your home, you can take him to a veterinarian to determine any problems with your dog’s health. German Shepherds can also develop allergies and diabetes as they age. At the same time, the Belgian Malinois is prone to cancer and diabetes.
Difference Between Belgian Malinois And German Shepherd
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Size
German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois Shepherds are very large dogs. As already mentioned, female German Shepherds can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. This weight will also depend on the activity and diet of the dog. Generally, a German Shepherd can be around 24 inches tall.
The Belgian Malinois is lighter and slightly smaller than the German Shepherd. A male can weigh 80 pounds and a female between 50 and 60 pounds. In terms of height, both breeds are very similar. The difference can be seen because the German Shepherd is heavier.
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Weight
German Shepherds can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. While a male Belgian Malinois can weigh 80 pounds, a female can weigh between 50 and 60 pounds.
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Fur
The Belgian Malinois looks a lot like a German Shepherd but is slightly smaller and blonder. Belgian Malinois dogs have short hair and have a fawn hue with a black coat. He has black ears and a mask. They have the finest bones, they are graceful, and they are also strong.
How to care for Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd?
The Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd must have correct grooming. With the German Shepherd, you will notice that he has a protective double coat that keeps him warm, and the outer coat sheds seasonally, usually in the winter and fall months.
Since German Shepherds’ outer coat is water repellent, it may take some time for you to bathe them. If you want to keep a clean and loose coat, you should give it weekly grooming. It is not good to bathe them too often because the natural oils can be affected, and the German Shepherd’s coat will start to look dull.
The Belgian Malinois has a thick coat and should be groomed at least once a week. They shed more hair than the German Shepherd; this is something you must consider to keep this dog inside your home.
The Belgian Malinois ear is deeper and should be examined for mites, wax buildup, and other debris that can affect the ear canal.
