Introduction
The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd are two popular breeds often used as guard dogs and in police/military work. Both breeds have many similarities but also some key differences that impact their abilities as guard dogs. This article will compare the history, physical traits, temperament, training requirements and guarding abilities of the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd to help determine which breed may be better suited for guard dog work. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive comparison to help inform potential owners interested in either breed as an effective yet loving family guardian and protector.
History
The German Shepherd originated as a herding dog in Germany in the late 1800s. Captain Max von Stephanitz, considered the breed’s founder, wanted to develop the ideal herding dog and began a selective breeding program for intelligence, speed, strength and keen senses of smell. The breed quickly became popular beyond herding, serving as service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and police and military dogs. German Shepherds first came to the United States in 1907.
The Belgian Malinois originated as one of four Belgian herding breeds, and was bred primarily in Malines, Belgium. The breed was used mostly for herding sheep and protecting livestock. When demand for herding dogs declined, the Malinois was crossed with German Shepherds to increase their abilities as military and police dogs. This increased their popularity substantially. The first Malinois came to the United States in 1911. Today the Malinois is still very popular as a working dog for police and military operations (AKC).
Physical Traits
The German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois have similar physical appearances though there are some distinctions. Both breeds have a muscular, athletic build and stand around 22-26 inches at the shoulder. However, the Malinois tends to have a lighter bone structure and finer features giving them a more elegant and agile appearance compared to the Shepherd.
The German Shepherd has a medium-length double coat, with coarse guard hairs over a soft undercoat. Common coat colors include black and tan, black and red, or all black. The Malinois has very short, straight fur with colors ranging from fawn to mahogany. While German Shepherds can have long-haired coats, the Malinois always has a short dense coat.
Overall, the German Shepherd typically has a larger head and more substantial frame than the finer-boned Malinois. Both breeds have erect ears and a bushy tail, though the Malinois’ tail tends to curve upward whereas the German Shepherd’s tail hangs down. Their faces also differ somewhat, with the Malinois having a more elongated muzzle and darker, almond-shaped eyes compared to the German Shepherd’s fuller face and lighter eyes.
Temperament
The Belgian Malinois has a very energetic and driven temperament. They are highly intelligent, active, and eager to have a job to do. Malinois are loyal, protective, and bond very closely with their family. However, they can be aloof or wary of strangers if not properly socialized from a young age.
Malinois need extensive socialization, especially during the first 18 months of life, to prevent territoriality and aggression. With proper socialization and training, the Malinois makes an excellent guard dog and protector. They are alert, confident, and ready to defend their family if necessary. However, they are not prone to unwarranted aggression when properly trained.
The German Shepherd also has a loyal and protective temperament. They bond very closely with their family. German Shepherds are intelligent, eager to learn, and highly trainable. With proper socialization and training, the German Shepherd can make an excellent guard dog. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. German Shepherds have a strong desire to work and need a job to do. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, they can become bored and destructive.
Overall, both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd have loyal, protective temperaments when properly trained and socialized. The Malinois is extremely energetic and driven, while the German Shepherd is eager to learn and highly trainable. Both breeds need extensive socialization to prevent aggression issues.
Activity Level
Both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd need a high level of exercise and mental stimulation. However, the Belgian Malinois typically has a higher energy level and requires more physical activity than the German Shepherd.
A Belgian Malinois puppy needs a minimum of 2 hours of vigorous exercise per day as an adult, but many need closer to 2.5-3 hours per day. This energetic breed thrives when given jobs to do and needs intense play and training sessions to be happy and well-behaved. A 30-60 minute walk is not sufficient. Instead, activities like running, hiking, agility training, playing fetch, and swimming are ideal to burn off their surplus energy. According to one Malinois owner, you need to work a Malinois hard for around 2 hours per day to wear them down.
The German Shepherd also needs plenty of exercise, but tends to have a slightly lower activity requirement than the Malinois. They need 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise per day. German Shepherds love activities like running, hiking, playing fetch, swimming, and learning new tricks. However, a 30-60 minute walk or jog is often sufficient for a well-bred German Shepherd. Their herding origins make them very energetic, but not quite as intense as some of their Belgian herding cousins.
Training
Both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd are highly intelligent breeds that excel in obedience training and working dog tasks like guarding. However, there are some differences in how easy each breed is to train.
The Belgian Malinois is often considered one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They are very focused, driven, and eager to please, which makes them highly responsive to training. According to the AKC, “The Malinois is very sensitive to corrections and handler moods. Harsh training methods are unnecessary and can backfire.” Positive reinforcement training yields the best results. source
The German Shepherd is also an intelligent breed, but they can be more stubborn and independent thinkers than the Malinois. They may question commands more often. German Shepherds still respond very well to training, but require a confident trainer who can establish themselves as the leader. More patience may be required compared to the Malinois. Consistent, firm, and rewards-based training is recommended.
For guard dog training, the Malinois is often easier to mold and shape into the ideal protection dog. Their drive and energy matches the demanding work. The German Shepherd can excel as well with proper socialization and training, but may be slightly more challenging. Overall, both breeds have high trainability and make excellent guard dogs when trained properly.
Health
The Belgian Malinois is prone to several health conditions common in large breed dogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic conditions that lead to arthritis and lameness (https://gallant.com/blog/5-common-belgian-malinois-health-concerns/). Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye disease that causes vision loss (https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois). Other issues include hemangiosarcoma, a malignant tumor of blood vessel cells, and hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder (https://ahcfargo.com/client-resources/breed-info/belgian-malinois/).
The German Shepherd is also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia due to their large size. Other common conditions include cataracts, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy, a neurological disease (https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/). Autoimmune diseases like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hemolytic anemia, and chronic superficial keratitis may also affect German Shepherds.
Cost
The purchase price of a Belgian Malinois puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, with an average cost of around $2,000. Top pedigree lines can cost up to $8,000 or more. Without papers or lineage, expect to pay $800-$1,500. Annual costs of owning a Belgian Malinois, including food, medical expenses, training and license fees, average $2,175. Over the 12-15 year lifespan of a Malinois, expect total costs between $20,000 and $30,000.
Purchase price depends on the dog’s bloodline, health testing of parents, titles and temperament. Show quality Belgian Malinois with exceptional pedigrees from champion lineage cost $5,000 or more. Dogs bred for police, military or protection work can range from $8,000-$20,000.
Food expenses average $500-600 annually for a high quality kibble. Routine vet care like shots, exams, heartworm and flea prevention totals $485 per year. Medical emergencies like injuries or illnesses raise yearly costs to $835. Professional training runs $510 per year. License fees, toys and other supplies add $150 annually.
Due to their high exercise needs, Belgian Malinois are not well suited to apartment living. Plan for a large, securely fenced yard. Avoid buying from irresponsible breeders or pet stores. Purchase from breeders who health test and screen parents for issues like hip dysplasia.
Guard Dog Ability
Both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd excel as guard dogs and protection dogs due to their intelligence, trainability, loyal nature, and physical abilities. However, there are some differences between the two breeds that can impact their effectiveness.
The Belgian Malinois is known for having an exceptionally high prey drive and work ethic, making them highly motivated to perform protection duties (priority1canine.com). Their energetic nature combined with their strength and agility enables them to be effective at apprehension work and taking down suspects. Real world examples of Belgian Malinois successfully working as guard dogs include police K9s and military working dogs (scottsk9.com).
German Shepherds also have strong protection instincts and make excellent guard dogs and police dogs. Their large size can be intimidating to potential intruders. However, some lines of German Shepherds have been bred more for show than for working ability, which can reduce their drive and intensity compared to working line Belgian Malinois (quora.com). But German Shepherds from working lines excel at protection work.
Overall, both breeds have demonstrated themselves to be excellent guard dogs and protectors when properly bred, socialized, and trained. The Malinois may have higher drives and intensity, but a German Shepherd’s size and strength should not be underestimated. Much depends on the individual dog’s lineage, training, and handling.
Conclusion
Both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective breeds that form strong bonds with their owners. When raised and trained properly, they can be trusted to keep their family and property safe.
Some of the key differences to consider are that Belgian Malinois tend to have higher energy levels and more intense exercise requirements than German Shepherds. Malinois are lighter built and more agile, while German Shepherds are larger and stronger.
For most families looking for a guard dog, either breed can be a good choice. German Shepherds may be better suited to a less active household. Malinois need extensive daily exercise and training to prevent problem behaviors from developing. If properly stimulated, both breeds have the potential to be devoted companions and guardians.
When selecting between a Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd, consider your lifestyle and experience with high drive working breeds. Both dogs need dedicated owners willing to provide structure, training, and outlet for their energy. If you can meet their needs, you’ll find either breed to be an intelligent, loyal family guardian.