The German Shepherd Dog is always near the top of the most popular breed rankings, and there’s good reason for that. However, there’s a similar breed you might mistake for a German Shepherd – the Belgian Malinois. The two breeds’ close resemblance in appearance and shared herding heritage can lead to some confusion. And similarities in German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois size doesn’t help. Read on to learn about the fascinating differences between these two breeds.
A Shared Herding Heritage
As members of the Herding Group, both the Malinois and German Shepherd can trace their origins to livestock herding dogs. But, as their names imply, the German Shepherd was developed in Germany and the Belgian Malinois was developed in Belgium.
Captain Max von Stephanitz developed the German Shepherd in the late 1800s. He wanted to create the perfect dog breed and was impressed by the variety of sheep herding dogs he saw throughout Germany. Looking for his ideal medium to large sized wolf-like dog with an independent, persistent, and obedient personality, he found and purchased a dog at a show in 1899. This dog became the founder of the breed.
Julie Degen, German Shepherd breeder for over 25 years and a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America for even longer, says, “Although the primary and original purpose of the German Shepherd was herding sheep, in what we refer to as a tending fashion, the breed soon became popular with the military and police. The sport of Schutzhund was developed as a test to choose appropriate animals for breeding when it wasn’t possible to evaluate the dogs by their traditional tending work. In very short time, German Shepherds became one of the best known and most popular breeds in the world.”
Meanwhile, in Belgium the Malinois was one of four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog in use in the late 1800s. The breed was first recognized by Professor Adolphe Reul who characterized the variety as a medium-sized square dog with dark brown eyes and triangular ears. Each of the four types of Belgian Shepherd Dog was named for the area around Brussels where it was developed, with the Malinois being from the Malines region.
According to Ann MacKay, who has bred Belgian Malinois for over 26 years and served as the vice president of the American Belgian Malinois Club, as the agricultural lifestyle declined, the Belgian Shepherd Dog became favored in the development of police dog training. In fact, as early as 1908, two Belgian Sheepdogs were imported into the United States to work with the police force in New York City. More were imported in 1911 and by 1959 the Belgian Malinois was granted status as a breed of its own separate from the other Belgian Shepherd Dog varieties.
Square-Bodied Versus Smooth Curves
When you consider German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois size, the differences are subtle. Both breeds are similar in height with males standing 24–26 inches high at the withers and females 22–24 inches. However, the majority of Malinois are lighter than most German Shepherds. Male Malinois weigh 60–80 pounds and females 40–60 pounds. In contrast, a male German Shepherd can weigh up to 90 pounds and a female up to 70 pounds. Despite their size, Degen is struck by the German Shepherd’s movement, saying, they have “a unique and extremely efficient and effortless gait, covering the most amount of ground with the least effort.”
It’s the shape of the two breeds that makes the differences more apparent. MacKay points out that the Malinois’ ears more closely resemble a triangle than the German Shepherd’s ears. Plus, the German Shepherd has an outline of smooth curves rather than angles and a body that’s longer than tall. In contrast, the Malinois is boxy. “In other words,” says MacKay, “when viewing from the side, the topline, front legs, and back legs should closely approximate a square.”
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- GSD puppies
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- Belgian Malinois puppies
Confident, Loyal, and Hardworking Personalities
The herding background of the two breeds leads to shared personality traits. For example, both breeds are confident. They would have to be to control large flocks of sheep. They are also both loyal to their family but can show some aloofness with strangers. Finally, German Shepherds and Malinois are alert and ready to respond to their handlers. It’s no wonder they have been embraced as pets and working dogs.
The defining characteristic of the German Shepherd is their personality. While they make gentle family pets, they are intelligent and willing to put their lives on the line for their loved ones. Degen defines the German Shepherd as strong, independent, and usually serious.
According to MacKay, Malinois are energetic, intelligent, and inquisitive with a lively character evident in a proud carriage and sparkling, attentive eyes. Malinois possess an intense desire to work, a trait that is usually directed at the owner. She adds, “The Belgian Malinois is an exceptional watchdog. Vigilant yet responsive, he balances all the qualities needed in a stock dog, protector, and sensible working partner.”
Healthy Companions
The German Shepherd and the Malinois are both healthy breeds. Ensure you choose a responsible breeder who conducts health screening for elbow and hip dysplasia. It’s also recommended that Germans Shepherds receive temperament testing and Malinois receive an evaluation from an ophthalmologist. Finally, Germans Shepherd Dogs are at risk of bloat which is a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen, so it’s important to understand the symptoms if you own one of these dogs.
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- German Shepherd Dog
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- Belgian Malinois
Easy to Groom Breeds
The German Shepherd’s medium length double coat is easy to maintain with a quick brushing every few days. But be aware that they shed heavily once or twice a year, so more frequent brushing during those times can help control the fur around your house.
The shorter, waterproof coat of the Malinois is even easier to take care of. Occasional brushing is all that’s required with either a bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt. But these dogs also shed their coat twice a year, so daily grooming with a slicker brush can help remove the loose fur.
Plenty of Exercise Leads to a Happy Dog
Not a breed for lounging around, German Shepherd Dogs need plenty of mental and physical exercise. Dog sports are a great way to give both their bodies and brains a workout. Degen believes German Shepherds excel in their versatility. “Besides being shown in conformation, German Shepherds compete in herding, obedience, agility, working dog sports (such as Schutzhund), tracking, Diving Dogs, Disc Dog, Barn Hunt, and even coursing. It has been said that the German Shepherd may not be the best at any particular sport, but they are second best at all of them.”
The key to a Malinois’ happiness is also plenty of exercise, preferably with their human at their side. Daily walks and time alone in the backyard are not enough. Consider the same dog sports that suit the German Shepherd, or if you’re active yourself, take your Malinois along when you go running or hiking. You might even consider bikejoring, dog-powered mountain biking, as an activity for you and your Malinois.
You might be wondering if a German Shepherd is right for you. Or maybe you think a Belgian Malinois might be your match. Both are great dogs for the person or family willing to provide the right environment and activity level. Either way, now you know the distinctions between these similar looking breeds and can recognize the difference when you’re lucky enough to meet one on the street.