Training a Malinois vs a German Shepherd - Which is BETTER?

[sherlock]

GSDs can surprise you with their abilities. They can themselve adapt to understand your day to day words. They can sit down under your table or next to you or near door when you do your office work. They act as a actual guardian when you take them out for walk, and mostly become less reactive until trained for otherwise. Their instinct are just next level. They know someone approach you with bad intentions. Their hearing is superhuman, their smell sense is superhuman. If there ever existed a perfect dog breed that can be used for literally any purpose, they are GSD.

[tbrollini]

Got my first GSD in 1959, currently have 5. Trained Schutzhund & police. Mals are good - for the right person - but for me, there is no other working dog that compare to the GSD. The absolute best for a family, single person, protection etc. GSDs just have a "wise" personality & can tell what to do & when to do it. (with correct training of course).

[zangzang]

This is the first intelligent evaluation of the two breeds I've seen. Much of what I've seen it's pretty clear the individual has never experienced a high end GSD. Your level of experience is refreshing. A quality bloodline GSD is really fairly easy to train and work with overall - with exceptions of course such as tempering high prey drive.

[johncspine]

My GS just turned 5 months old..he has literally invented a pinball game where he puts a firm rubber ball on a bookcase shelf, nudges or punches or licks it into motion where it rolls then drops down underneath and comes out somewhere else, or he has to bat it without seeing it under the shelf to get it to bounce out and listens carefully where it’s going..it’s just crazy and fun to watch his wheels turn..I tell the trainers I’m going to that “I’m the only one holding him back..”..

[lordvoldemort]

Love how fluent you are in all of this. I'm learning and enjoying your videos. I hope you continue sharing with us.

[whiteeagle]

While malinois is by far the most athletic dog, which is quite impressive to watch, GSD actually has the mind of his/her own, is super intelligent and in-tuned, way more versatile than any other dog, and the best looking too. GSD has it all: the looks, the smarts, loyalty and devotion; while they look very regal, they're also super cute, which is a rare combination.

[MikeMacYT]

I think it's important to keep in mind the behavior differences between German Shepherds. I've had three GSDs in my life, one when growing up, one born in '06 and now a 7 month old DDR Working line from the Jipo-me line. The spectrum they were/are on is huge. The first one, an American Show line GSD was a male and an absolute beast. Immensely protective, which was what we needed at the time because of our semi-secluded residence. The second one, an all-black Czech/American male was much gentler and calmer. Extremely social. The latest, a DDR female couldn't be more different from the others, in terms of focus and energy. She is the best bred, sire and dam both imports from one of the biggest Czech breeders. Crazy energy, in desperate need of activity and a job.

I write this to help prospective GSD owners realize that all GSDs are NOT created equal. They're all individuals, of course, but knowing their bloodlines can be essential to your getting the dog you want.

This is a great video, because it shows the differences between GSDs and Malinois. As far as the German Shepherds go, keep in mind the DDR working line dogs can be like the "standard" American German Shepherd on crack, too. As I've learned. :-)

[tacuazinful]

For me the Malinois is indeed like a Ferrari, and the GSD would be like a suv Lambo URUS (good for speed, offroad, and family trips)

[digs]

I always tend to think of the malinois as high prey and a very varying defence.

And the GSD as more balanced, moderate on all fronts.

[jannellmeagher]

I have a Mali X Shepherd mix. His brother is a Lab. I love the balance with the two. My Mali mix is as chill as my Lab. I just got so lucky with both. I feed gently cooked meals on a holistic level with supplements to balance and complete their meals. Great video! Thank you.

[alexandriag]

Love this video. After my first malinois i knew this breed is unlike all the rest, in my eyes.
Here I am two Mals later, started my own k9 training business and still obsessed with their drive. Once you learn how to work 1:1 with one, it’s life changing.

[helicopterpilot]

The production quality of your videos seems to be improving :)

[casihel]

Great analysis, both are great dogs, but as a regular home man family, I own a German shepherd (similar like yours) and I cannot be more happier.

[crankyoldlady]

Yes! My German Shepard is less neurotic but she’s just as drivey. If not more so. My mal is neurotic and sensitive but so easy to train but he’s a harder dog to handle because there is less room for error due to his temperament.

I like having one of both.

[tapioportimo]

Yesterday we took our 13 months young work line GSD bitch to try forest tracking for the first time. No previous tracking training at all: she picked up the scent and found and pointed out 8 out of 9 dropped objects from the 400 yard trail and did the whole thing without hesitation. Perfect animal, very sharp both physically and mentally, likes everybody and not aggressive at all, but with great drive. Totally different from our previous 3 show lines/white shepherds (which were lovely dogs also).

[HailLuzifer]

Personally, I find the working GSD much more asthetically pleasing than the Malinois. They have an imposing and often even a certain regal look to them that I find very appealing. This seems to be an irrelevant factor when comparing them in workability but if it comes to personal protection deterrance is vital. And I find the average working GSD to be much more intimidating than the average Malinois.

[thomashowlin]

The best explanation on the differences of the breeds that l have heard yet. When you cross the 2 what are you looking to achieve, in that what do you want the final result to be, example, more bone on the Malinois, etc….., thank you

[loseyourlife]

Great points, we have Mal/shepherd, very hyper and smart and just all around great dog!

[melissaschlickenmayer]

Thank you for helping me better articulate to others the reasons for or against owning these breeds when they are selecting a dog. Because they look cool and fun, is NOT the reason to get one! 😄 (I'm on my 2nd shep and love that world with her, but they are not to be owned by just anyone).

[carolyngracetoday]

Well said! There is nothing like a GSD!