Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Which is Better?

This video is going to pit one breed against another, the Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd, to identify common, different, good, bad, or dangerous traits.

There are many things to unpack about both breeds, and all of the information in the video will assist you in determining whether or not either breed is right for you.

German Shepherds haven’t ranked the #2 most popular breed out there for nothing, though.

Despite it being less known, the Belgian Malinois is nipping at the heels of the German Shepherd. Often, they compete against each other (whether they know it or not) for jobs.

Is the Belgian Malinois better than a German Shepherd?

#belgianmalinoisversusgermanshepherd #belgianmalinois #germanshepherd #k9 #policedogs

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[dogbreedsFAQ]

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to comment on my videos. Your feedback and support mean a lot to me and help me to improve and create even better content in the future. I appreciate everyone and am grateful for your engagement on my channel. Thank you for being a part of this community!

[URanInTheUglyForest]

I owned German Shepherds for 20 years. Two of them were protection trained. I have also watched Malinois in training. Shepherds, being larger, bite harder and hit training vest a lot harder. On the flip side, the Malinois is more agile due to it's smaller size. Working bloodline Shepherds have a lot of energy and the Malinois have even more. They both require daily attention and exercise in order to keep out of trouble, i.e. shredding your shoes or doing other damage. I've downsized to Norwegian Elkhounds simply because I'm older now. It would be a toss up between a Shepherd and a Malinois if I were younger. I highly recommend professional obedience training for first time owners of working dog breeds. They have strong instincts that have to be handled properly.

[BreckoniousMaximus]

As a Former Marine Corps MP K9 handler and now a current Sheriff's Deputy, the trend is swinging back towards the GSD. We often refer to the "Mal" as a "land shark, " they love to bite! Mal's remind me of a toy you can wind up, then let it go! Except when you wind this toy and let it go, it bites everything in it's path! However, GSD's are better able to determine friend from foe and think rationally and clearly when in action. Mal's have a reputation for biting other Officers if they get in the way. If the agency is planning on only making the Mal a "Patrol Dog" or bite dog, then the Mal is a good choice. But if they want a dual purpose dog, as in a Patrol Dog and Drug or Bomb dog, the GSD is the better choice. The mal's also did much better in Iraq and Afghanistan due to their light coat. These are just my opinions from my experiences and others might think differently. In the real world, dog handlers are very judgmental of other handlers and each thinks they are the best. K9 handlers tend to have an elitist mind set and can be quite arrogant at times. But in all actuality, its the dog that is the better trained of the two. :)

[remycallie]

I've had 5 Malinois. My old girl who basically raised my children just passed away at 3 months shy of 18 years old. She was playing ball on her last day. What an amazing dog. But I could say that about all my Mals.

[Rajeeve]

German Shepherd working line owner, loyal, agile, beautiful and protector. All around the best for a family member with an intelligence to match.

[lsbraz]

I have a mal, almost 3 years old. Have had her since she was 8 weeks old. Wouldn't trade her for ANYTHING in the world! I will say this video is pretty accurate. She loves to be the attention spot, she is SUPER HIGH energy, and involves CONSTANT and CONSISTENT training every day. One time she brought home an 8' branch that was on the ground at the park, after a walk. That was hilarious! Throw a ball and she's your best friend. She has NEVER been a problem as far as accidents, chewing, etc. She is MY MOTIVATION to keeping me active and in shape, that's for sure!

[My_You_Tube]

After 7 mts of owning Belgian Mal...I can honestly say that just about all above in your video is pretty much spot on. We had Swissy before...and boy oh boy what a difference 🤣😁😆. We/I walked this morning me 3 miles and dog 2-4 of that were without the leash...so I did 3 and he did 4-5 miles total. We get back home, he drinks water I'm trying to catch my breath...after he finished drinking water he is looking at me " what are we doing now"...I still have not taken off my walking sneakers 😀. We are fortunate that we have a great relationship with our European Kennel and their owners who wonderful and always willing to help. Today also we had 20-25 min video call with their owner/trainer and he broke down some additional things we should be doing. Spot on. He is 11mts now and (we) are still learning 😂. Very loyal, like velcro. Protects our backyard like a boss. I would truly feel sorry for someone attempting to enter our home uninvited. Other than that before going to his crate for the night he will come and either put his head in my lap and/or my wife's and have that loving feeling that only dogs/Mals can. If I stop petting him he will remind me 🙂 and then it's a bed time. If you do not have time, patience, space please do not get this dog. It is not everyone. Other then that no offense to GS owners I would never consider another Dog 💘.

[williamaltimari]

I came across this video by accident, and I’m happy to say that I consider it a superb piece for potential dog owners who might be interested in the similarities and differences between these two superficially alike but actually quite different breeds. I’ve been privileged to have owned and trained both of these amazing breeds over a period of many years, and that has blessed me with that rarity among the dark and gaseous clouds of the internet, namely, an informed opinion. As a result, I think this is one of the most illuminating and level-headed comparative videos out there. That’s not to say I agree with every word here, because I do not, but I’d give it a 99% rating without hesitation. Prospective owners of either—or both—of these exceptional breeds will find it of interest and of value.

[edmundneethling]

I own both the German Shepherd and Malinois. I am slowly fazing out the German Shepherd as they have become a bit to soft and health issues more. I love the energy and intelligence of the Malinois. With proper training methods the Mals are super dogs.

[WhiteMinorityWorld]

I have a 3yr old female Belgian malinois and a 3yr old male German Shepard. Both are great dogs. The Belgian is a very serious dog and doesn't "play" as much but is very focused when chasing tennis balls!

[valstorm]

I have both and I would say this is pretty accurate. Personally, I prefer malinois. Easier to train, smarter on many levels, and unwavering dedication. While GSD shadow their owners, malinois are velcro. The devotion is next level. They do require significantly more time than GSD though and are definitely a full time commitment.

[Bosniangamer]

i have belgian malinois/gsd mix, amazing dog, he is 5.5 months, very territorial, but when we are outside our garden, he is amazingly good to others, very loyal to me, and my family, i love him so much!!❤❤

[flashpan]

Great video. I own 2 Czech GSD's and I love mine, they are great dogs and super smart. I have trained mine many tricks, and it seems like they read my mind I litterly have to spell ball or walk or farm as they know if I say those words they are going somewhere, but they don't even have to hear me say that they can tell by my body language I am getting ready to do something that they want in on lol. As far as energy levels, I play ball with mine twice a day and take them for walks in the woods a couple of times a week and that seems to work. I take mine backpacking and I take them with me when I target practice with my guns to get them use to the sound of a gun. They do shed a lot, but It's nothing my iRobot vacuum cleaner can't handle, then i vacuum the corners and under stuff once a week. GSD's are great companions and big goofballs. I never laughed so much as when mine was a puppy, in many years. I have found my Ideal dog with the working line of GSD's I will keep one for the rest of my life. For me, no other dog breed can beat the GSD for what I need and want in a dog.

[ChewyVangPYSH]

I’ve own both in the Past 25 years and at the moment own a GSD… They’re both the same and I can’t tell the difference except the looks… Both awesome

[ZhpyYT]

I have 3 German Shepherds, and one of them are 16 years old, my Malinois died at 14 and my German Shepherd is still living at 16.

[lieslswanepoel]

I had a GSD and have a Malinois now. I am in love with both breeds, but the Malinois is a better fit for our family. Because like the Mal our family doesn't have an off switch 😅

[jom]

We've had one of each. Love them both and they were both easy AND difficult in different ways.

[geraldinesubrida]

I'm a Belgian Malllinois owner. They are good as a family dog and a guard dog too.. ❤️❤️❤️

[rkhanna]

I had a GSD that i adored and now have a malinois. And I will say I would go in for either of the two breeds !equally! My male Malinois knows when to relax and stay calm and has not done any more damage than the malinois. It is ALL A QUESTION OF TRAINING. FULL STOP

[barbarav]

If you want a Belgian shepherd who is a little less aggressive then look into the groenendael, who is a little more social, stunning dogs!