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German Sheperd or Malinois?
- Thread starter Jayjay1
- Start date
I've owned three GSD's in my lifetime. All were fairly well tempered, naturally protective and loyal as you'll ever find in a canine. Puppy months are frustrating, but I can recommend that regardless of what type you end up with, get it obedience trained by someone reputable at a minimum. Best money I've ever spent.
It's hard to beat a German Shepherd for a good family and protection dog.
Malinois = German Shepherd Dog on Speed. You better have a job for him.
Just find a good breeder and tell them what temperament you are looking for so the dog will be somewhat matched to your lifestyle.
Just find a good breeder and tell them what temperament you are looking for so the dog will be somewhat matched to your lifestyle.
Get in touch with @BLKWLFK9 He can point you in the right direction. There's a big difference in what you want and what you need.
Giving them a "job" can't be stressed enough. And don't underestimate how much exercise these dogs need.
If you don't give them a job they will likely assign themselves one and it may not be one you want.
Our GSD's job seems to be "guard the front door" and "keep up with a tennis ball at all times". He takes his jobs seriously. He likes to sit where he can see all members of the family and the front door at the same time. I someone leaves the room he will shift his position to better cover all angles. Amazing dogs.
Working on my second GSD now, never had a Mal. I know the GSD needs to be worked with and most need a job also. Your kids can be their job, especially if they are smaller. Mine has taken on my wife as we don’t have kids at home anymore. It absolutely drives him crazy when she leaves the house alone. Either he or me is suppose to be with her.
Look in your surrounding area for a GSD rescue group. Lots of people don’t understand the work required with them or understand how hardheaded they can be and give them up soon after they bring them home. Too many good dogs need rescue to buy one unless you have a very specific need. Many are old enough to get out of the puppy issues, some old enough to see if they are showing hip dysplasia issues.
Look in your surrounding area for a GSD rescue group. Lots of people don’t understand the work required with them or understand how hardheaded they can be and give them up soon after they bring them home. Too many good dogs need rescue to buy one unless you have a very specific need. Many are old enough to get out of the puppy issues, some old enough to see if they are showing hip dysplasia issues.
Might consider a Doberman as well. I think it's more about finding the right individual dog for you and your lifestyle than anything, though the breed is a pretty accurate general heading.
I went through the same dilemma 2 years a ago and ended up with a Dutch Shepherd. Suppose to be in-between a German and a Malinois. As with any animal, training is everything
Hi,
IMO nobody can answer that question without LOTS of other information, such as but damn sure not limited to the following:
Living condition?
Age and number of family members?
Is your family social or not social? Does everyone come to your house for ballgames, get-togethers, etc?
You and your family work schedule?
You vehicle layout/type?
What type of fence do you have?
What is your EXACT intentions/purpose of the dog? Family protection is not a specific enough answer because there are about a dozen different sectors within that generic description.
What is your anticipated training schedule allowance? 5 days a week, 3 days a week, 7 days a week, etc etc?
What is your family members desires in training participation?
List goes on and on.....
I hate to be this way but I really try and steer most people away from Mals unless they have a very specific need and dedicated program.
Although 1 member here did get a mal and I was glad to help him with it.
Sincerely,
Theis
IMO nobody can answer that question without LOTS of other information, such as but damn sure not limited to the following:
Living condition?
Age and number of family members?
Is your family social or not social? Does everyone come to your house for ballgames, get-togethers, etc?
You and your family work schedule?
You vehicle layout/type?
What type of fence do you have?
What is your EXACT intentions/purpose of the dog? Family protection is not a specific enough answer because there are about a dozen different sectors within that generic description.
What is your anticipated training schedule allowance? 5 days a week, 3 days a week, 7 days a week, etc etc?
What is your family members desires in training participation?
List goes on and on.....
I hate to be this way but I really try and steer most people away from Mals unless they have a very specific need and dedicated program.
Although 1 member here did get a mal and I was glad to help him with it.
Sincerely,
Theis
Just echoing and affirming what has been suggested: Please do your homework and know what you are getting yourself in for with these two breeds. They are not cuddly fuzzballs, by nature, like Golden Retrievers or Labs. They are bred to be working dogs, and that "work" traditional has been as guard/attack dogs. Training is everything
Hi,
Everyone raise their hand IF they can afford a 90-120k CT K9, and a 50 hour a week training schedule to go with it, lol?
Sincerely,
Theis
Only do a mal if you are ready to give it what it needs. They aren’t toys.
Another question could be, do you need your dog to do the fighting for you, or do you mostly need the dog to let you know well in advance that a fight is heading your way & best gear up?
^^^this right there^^^
I have seen to many people get a dog for what they thought it should be, not for what it is.
Dutchies are awesome. A great balance between a mal and a GS.
Now I will offer an alternative when it comes to mals. There is a rescue that saves them from the savages in China from the meat markets and brings them to the US. Those mals aren’t as high drive as the usual ones and make really great companions. Not so much working dogs but are thankful to not be on some ones dinner plate.
Get a Bullmastiff if you want a guard dog tbh. They just do it, all you gotta do is love em. Mals and GSD are not guard dogs, they're shepherds— one of which is literally bred as an attack dog and the other which is just simply territorial. If you want a little of all of it then get a Dobie.
Hi altogether,
wow, this thread went viral.
Well, I grew up with dogs and they never left me.
When I was a little kid the first dog I remember was an old (longhair) German Sheperd.
I loved him and he had to go through something before I became older.
My own dogs always were mixtures, but bigger once, no sissy-dogs.
The dog we have now, and which is 10yo now, is a mixture between an Irish Setter and a Labrador (his mother) and somewhat.
But he almost looks like an Irish Setter, just a bit more muscular.
Our "kids" are 18 and 20, my wifey and I are around 50.
I know someone who has a Malinois, and man, that dog is a blast.
But you are right, he needs a lot of action.
wow, this thread went viral.
Well, I grew up with dogs and they never left me.
When I was a little kid the first dog I remember was an old (longhair) German Sheperd.
I loved him and he had to go through something before I became older.
My own dogs always were mixtures, but bigger once, no sissy-dogs.
The dog we have now, and which is 10yo now, is a mixture between an Irish Setter and a Labrador (his mother) and somewhat.
But he almost looks like an Irish Setter, just a bit more muscular.
Our "kids" are 18 and 20, my wifey and I are around 50.
I know someone who has a Malinois, and man, that dog is a blast.
But you are right, he needs a lot of action.
Like any dog it’s all in how they are introduced. If you bring in a puppy it won’t know the difference and probably won’t be territorial. Older ones are usually a little more aggressive but I’ve personally never seen physical aggression, it’s usually food related. It just takes time to break that. Dutchies are smaller than GSD and don’t tend to have the hip issues in later years and they aren’t as crazy and high drive as a mal. BUT they still require a ton of exercise and if you don’t, just like a mal or any other dog for that matter they will destroy your house or yard. Always remember a good dog is a tired dog.
If your keeping it in the house I'd go with something a bit smaller. A Doxie ain't gonna eat anybody up, but they'll for damn sure not let something sneak up on you, and alert the whole neighborhood at the same time.
I recently fell into a gerberian shepsky and it has been the greatest thing for me. She requires lots of exercise, but she has the alerting and awareness characteristics of her GSD papa but is loving and easy around most new visitors as long as one of us are around to let her know the visitor is okay. She’s great in public, loves car rides, and was miraculously housebroken at 9 weeks when I found her.
The only issues with her temperament are that she loves to dig like her husky mama and she has streaks of stubbornness where she will ignore all commands for a minute or two when she catches a smell she likes.
She’s only 4 months old and anything is possible but it may be a mix that is worth a look if you want a dog that is friendly to people but very smart and aware of its surroundings while being very happy to alert you if it thinks something is off.
The only issues with her temperament are that she loves to dig like her husky mama and she has streaks of stubbornness where she will ignore all commands for a minute or two when she catches a smell she likes.
She’s only 4 months old and anything is possible but it may be a mix that is worth a look if you want a dog that is friendly to people but very smart and aware of its surroundings while being very happy to alert you if it thinks something is off.
Get a cross between both. We had one, best dog I have ever had by far. It would kill anything that came on the farm that wasn't welcome, yet it was amazing with children and familiar faces.
They're really not attack dogs. They have the guard instincts because they're herding dogs.
Treated like any other herding dogs they're easy to train and need a huge energy outlet. They're supposed to be following animals around and protecting them, hence why they need a job or several.
My mutt chases balls, chews on bones, and chases me around non-stop. If I'm not home, she's chasing the kids around.
mostly cause rin tin tin was a shepherd
https://animalso.com/breeds/german-shepherd/belgian-malinois-vs-german-shepherd/ either cause they are both dogs and all dogs need a good home . when your wife and kids leave you your dog will stick by your side through thick or thin , and Its large enough to provide you at least a good mean in a pinch which ever one you decide on , according to the artificial the malinois has less health issues . but good luck puppies are a handful .
https://animalso.com/breeds/german-shepherd/belgian-malinois-vs-german-shepherd/ either cause they are both dogs and all dogs need a good home . when your wife and kids leave you your dog will stick by your side through thick or thin , and Its large enough to provide you at least a good mean in a pinch which ever one you decide on , according to the artificial the malinois has less health issues . but good luck puppies are a handful .
Be careful what you wish for.......Took right out of my hands while running weighs over 8 # took 15 minutes to get from him he ran around bragging on his his new toy ? Had Gs for 40 years but most everyone had some kind of health issue ....Words of advice don't buy showlines.....don't buy from backyard breeders ( your buddy's sister or what ever)..and don't pick the fireball unless you can keep him busy. This dog is 9 now and I think sleeps with one eye open I think with a ball in his mouth ready to go....
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Owned a Mal. You have to be extremely careful on who you get them from. He was trained as a working dog but didn’t like bite work, so the dog was not chosen to work for a PD. The dog was trained in a facility for two years since he was a pup.
My wife and I adopted him because he was going to be otherwise put down. The trainer brought him to us and worked with us and the dog. We walked him and everything was fine.
I came home one week later from work and the dog wanted to bite my head off. He was only not aggressive with my wife. We tried to rebuild a relationship with him and I and he tried to attack me and bit my wife in the leg.
We called another trainer who’s been training Mals for over 20yrs. He said the dog never should’ve been rehomed and it should be put down.
It’s a shame because I really want another Mal but from someone we can trust and much younger. However, my wife is freaked out with them now.
My wife and I adopted him because he was going to be otherwise put down. The trainer brought him to us and worked with us and the dog. We walked him and everything was fine.
I came home one week later from work and the dog wanted to bite my head off. He was only not aggressive with my wife. We tried to rebuild a relationship with him and I and he tried to attack me and bit my wife in the leg.
We called another trainer who’s been training Mals for over 20yrs. He said the dog never should’ve been rehomed and it should be put down.
It’s a shame because I really want another Mal but from someone we can trust and much younger. However, my wife is freaked out with them now.
This.
Mal's are truly a labor of love. But they are not best suited for the average family pooch. I grew up with a GSD/yellow lab mix we got from the local animal shelter/pound. 14 years of awesomeness. Great pooch.
Down side was if you didn't tire the shit out of him playing ball/rope pull/general exercise, etc., he would tear shit up. Energizer poochie.
I have a Shep Lab mix. He's very protective of his boundaries and the family. Off property he's a gentle fun dog. I take him to the dog park and he's fine with other dogs and people. Just inside the yard and house he will kill whatever enters.
He gets regular exercise and has a limitless drive to please.
I tied him to this cast iron kettle that weighs about 80 pounds. He will drag it to wherever he wants to go.
He gets regular exercise and has a limitless drive to please.
I tied him to this cast iron kettle that weighs about 80 pounds. He will drag it to wherever he wants to go.
here is a good thread worth reading... https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/calling-belgian-malinois-owners.6914930/
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I dont care where you get a working dog from, the handlers "your family" may not be able to handle the dog.
If you really want a German Shepherd Dog and are not going to work the dog, find a show line shepherd not a working line as they are usually more laid back.
But remember every dog is an individual and a good honest breeder is paramount as many German shepherd dogs of late are skittish fear biters.
If you really want a German Shepherd Dog and are not going to work the dog, find a show line shepherd not a working line as they are usually more laid back.
But remember every dog is an individual and a good honest breeder is paramount as many German shepherd dogs of late are skittish fear biters.
Oh yea by the way, a "German Shepherd" is the German guy that owns the freaking sheep, the animal that is herding them is a German Shepherd Dog.
I can confirm this as well. I would recommend Greta LeStrange obedience school. Absolutely top tier.
Add a little about my GS. In order to have a GS and especially a Mal you HAVE to know how to be the pack leader. These dogs perform best when there is a strong leader for them. If they think they own the house your gonna hate having one. You have to know how to be stern with them, and when they challenge you, and they will, there must be no doubt who is in charge. If you aren't willing to lay down the law for the dog, and be consistent with it these are not the dogs for you. Most GS dogs are crazy smart, usually too smart for their own good. They are incredibly fast learners and they pick up on everything. You let a couple things slide every now and then and it will always be an issue.
They are big strong animals and you have to be able to know that dog will listen to your commands even when it doesn't want to.
When you are the pack leader they are incredible dogs, great family partners, loyal as hell, and will do anything for you.
They are big strong animals and you have to be able to know that dog will listen to your commands even when it doesn't want to.
When you are the pack leader they are incredible dogs, great family partners, loyal as hell, and will do anything for you.
I voted Mali, I am biased. For the average every day family the GSD is a far better choice. Mali’s have their own special set of needs that TRULY have to be understood and experienced first hand. If you’ve never owned one don’t buy one unless it comes with a gift certificate for training for you AND the dog.
They aren’t all rats on acid, more like coons on coffee......and we have 3.
They aren’t all rats on acid, more like coons on coffee......and we have 3.
Bear is our pup, just turned 3 last month. His job is to protect his mom, and bring back ANY toy that can be thrown across the yard. He has done both most excellently. Smart as a whip, but he has his dopey moments.
I absolutely agree that you must lead the pack. He knows his place in the social hierarch, and does his best to protect his pack.
He can be a real turd, but he's the best turd. So my vote is GSD.
I absolutely agree that you must lead the pack. He knows his place in the social hierarch, and does his best to protect his pack.
He can be a real turd, but he's the best turd. So my vote is GSD.
Are GSD nowdays still sporting totaly fucked up 'structural design' and host of health issues ? . Kinda lost track of GSD state of afairs ,since we had last one some 30y ago . Since then always looked for healthyer breeds and litters as no.1 priority and so far had fair enough luck on past 6 Briards all long lived ,without any issues at all in their lifetime except tickborne Borelia and Relihia almost killing a couple ,courrent Black Russian Terrier is not that lucky since last rabies shot he slowed down considerably.
Anyways get a dog breed that matches your energy/activity level, if unsure go for lower evergy level dog will make your life much easyer.
Anyways get a dog breed that matches your energy/activity level, if unsure go for lower evergy level dog will make your life much easyer.
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Hi,
OP, from the manner you have replied in this thread my suggestion would be for you to hard pass on a mal.
I think you could easily get in over your desires with a normal mal, much less one that is medium to high level.
I almost guarantee you will thank me later!!
A breed that you are way less likely to have control issues with (Not saying it cannot happen) would be a giant schnauzer or giant airedale.
They "typically" are easier to handle yet can do all "protection" things that a majority of dog owners want.
But even those suggestions would need to fall into line in regards to my original questions.
Sincerely,
Theis
OP, from the manner you have replied in this thread my suggestion would be for you to hard pass on a mal.
I think you could easily get in over your desires with a normal mal, much less one that is medium to high level.
I almost guarantee you will thank me later!!
A breed that you are way less likely to have control issues with (Not saying it cannot happen) would be a giant schnauzer or giant airedale.
They "typically" are easier to handle yet can do all "protection" things that a majority of dog owners want.
But even those suggestions would need to fall into line in regards to my original questions.
Sincerely,
Theis
Warning comment coming from a non dog person.....
Only dogs Ive seen that Ive said to myself "Man, what a great dog. Id get one in a heartbeat if I was guaranteed one like that" had something in common.......
Owners that spend a lot of time with the dog so that the animal is engaged socially for the better part of its day.
Truck drivers with American Terriers that were as sweet as sugar spending all day in the passenger seat of their master. The secretary that brings her mutt mix to work and the dog follows here everywhere and sits at her feet anytime she sits down. This dog doesnt come jumping over to paw up on anybody unless called to - he recognizes his space and others space.
My kids often ask for a dog but between work, school, sports commitments, vacations, and my doubts the kids will commit to caring for and spending time with the dog - I honestly dont see it as an option.
It would be unfair to the dog,
The common denominator for "good dogs" I see is that rarely is the dog without family company.
At my house any dog would probably spend 6 hours of the day alone and it seems any dog breed that is worth a damn doesnt do well with that amount of solitary.
Makes me sad when I see tethered dogs just barking and barking - seems obvious they are just looking for a companion.
Whatever dog anyone gets Id suggest committing to spending a lot of time with it.
If anyone thinks its just a cool accessory that is a mess.
Only dogs Ive seen that Ive said to myself "Man, what a great dog. Id get one in a heartbeat if I was guaranteed one like that" had something in common.......
Owners that spend a lot of time with the dog so that the animal is engaged socially for the better part of its day.
Truck drivers with American Terriers that were as sweet as sugar spending all day in the passenger seat of their master. The secretary that brings her mutt mix to work and the dog follows here everywhere and sits at her feet anytime she sits down. This dog doesnt come jumping over to paw up on anybody unless called to - he recognizes his space and others space.
My kids often ask for a dog but between work, school, sports commitments, vacations, and my doubts the kids will commit to caring for and spending time with the dog - I honestly dont see it as an option.
It would be unfair to the dog,
The common denominator for "good dogs" I see is that rarely is the dog without family company.
At my house any dog would probably spend 6 hours of the day alone and it seems any dog breed that is worth a damn doesnt do well with that amount of solitary.
Makes me sad when I see tethered dogs just barking and barking - seems obvious they are just looking for a companion.
Whatever dog anyone gets Id suggest committing to spending a lot of time with it.
If anyone thinks its just a cool accessory that is a mess.
I haven't read the whole thread, but why is it between those 2 breeds? What is the purpose of the new dog? Pet? Friend? Kids to play with? If any of those, i say neither. Get a lab. Best larger breed pet on the planet.
After the news got out that a malinois was present for the UBL raid (He didnt do shit but stay outside the compound), everyone wanted a Mal. As soon as the last piece of shit was killed and the news got out about the mal being a part of the Op, i knew it would happen again. Its called the "101 Dalmatians" syndrome. When that movie came out, everyone in america wanted and got dalmatian puppies. All until they figured out that Dalmatians are damn near retarded as a rule, and the shelters filled up with Dalmatians. Same thing happened with GSD's after Ren TinTin came out (spl?). Same thing that happened after Turner and Hooch.
Bottom line, unless the purpose of the dog is for working of some venue, get neither of these breeds, as they will become more burdensome than a blessing.
Thats just my .02
After the news got out that a malinois was present for the UBL raid (He didnt do shit but stay outside the compound), everyone wanted a Mal. As soon as the last piece of shit was killed and the news got out about the mal being a part of the Op, i knew it would happen again. Its called the "101 Dalmatians" syndrome. When that movie came out, everyone in america wanted and got dalmatian puppies. All until they figured out that Dalmatians are damn near retarded as a rule, and the shelters filled up with Dalmatians. Same thing happened with GSD's after Ren TinTin came out (spl?). Same thing that happened after Turner and Hooch.
Bottom line, unless the purpose of the dog is for working of some venue, get neither of these breeds, as they will become more burdensome than a blessing.
Thats just my .02
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