▲ 31 r/DutchShepherds+1 crossposts

What are the main differences between a Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd?

Hey everyone! I’m currently exploring and researching both the Malinois and Dutch Shepherd breeds, and do plan to get one or the other a few years down the line.

Unfortunately, I’m having a hard time determining key differences between these two cousin breeds. I’ve done countless Google searches but still can’t find solid information to narrow down into a list.

I do know that with KNPV lines, the only difference between the breeds are colouring. Brindles are labelled as Dutchies, and Fawns/Black Masks are labelled as Mals. According to FCI lines, the breeds are distinct and individuals are completely purebred— and this is what I’m trying to understand on a deeper level.

Aside from slightly different builds and the Dutch Shepherd’s coat variations, what else differentiates the breeds? I’ve heard that Dutchies can be, in general, slightly less intense, more independent and stubborn, and have a better off-switch— and that Mals are more relentless, with extreme handler focus, and constant readiness and craving for work. I’m especially interested in hearing about their different temperaments!

I’d love to hear your experiences with either breed. I’m very open to hearing anything you may have to say! If any of my research is wrong, please let me know as well. Thank you!

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u/Flat-Specific-2317 — 9 days ago

Why’d you choose a Malinois?

I absolutely adore the Belgian Malinois, but honestly am unsure if I could actually handle one after looking at all of your questions, comments and experiences on this sub-Reddit 😳 I’m still researching the breed, since that’s just my hobby, and would love to hear more about what made up your decisions.

A lot of people have told me that all my personal reasons, that I thought were valid, could be fulfilled through other breeds. I’d love to know your reasons for choosing a Malinois! What about the Malinois specifically made them stand out from other similar breeds that are also high-drive and high-energy (e.g. GSD, Dutch Shepherd, Border Collie)? What does your typical daily routine with your Malinois look like? I’m curious 🤭!

Also, feel free to add a picture of your pup in your response. I love nothing more than a cute picture 🫶🏽

NOTE: The picture about is not my dog ‼️

u/Flat-Specific-2317 — 1 month ago
▲ 16 r/DogBreeds101+2 crossposts

what breed / line do you think my dog is?

This is my dog, Bambi. He’s 9 years old, and we got him from a BYB when I was very young, and my family wasn’t that educated about dogs. He was listed as a Shih Tzu x Yorkie. I think that’s pretty believable, but would love to hear all your thoughts!

I also wonder if he’s from a working or show line. I know Shih Tzus don’t have working lines since they were bred to be lap dogs, but I have a feeling his Yorkshire Terrier side has working history. He’s insanely active and has high energy for his size and breeds, and well as high food drive. He’s learned over 70 tricks throughout his life and excels in obedience. We also dabble in agility, which he’s also pretty good at. That being said, he also is very calm and quiet when we’re not training, and is perfectly fine lounging around all day as long as we have some sort of training session throughout the day. On days we don’t train, he’s typically fine but will pick up toys, have a lot of energy, and want to play before bed time. Also, his coat isn’t the same texture and doesn’t grow as long a show line Yorkie (or Shih Tzu for that matter).

What do you guys think? Could he have other breeds in him, considering his “go, go, go” energy and attitude? Do you think his ancestors could be from working lines? Let me know!

u/Flat-Specific-2317 — 1 month ago

What’s Malinois ownership really like?

Hey everyone! I’m a 17 y/o and have had my heart set on owning a Malinois in my mid 20s - 30s (after I’m finished with my education). I’ve done a LOT of research on the breed— looking for ethical & registered breeders in my province, training & lifestyle videos, even contacting Malinois owners on Instagram and asking them about their experiences.

Recently, I’ve been second guessing if I could give a Malinois what it needs in the future while having a 9-5 job, and as an aspiring physician I have no idea if it would actually be possible to fulfill such a dog. I’ve asked around, and some people say that it works out fine for them while others say they don’t have a day job and that’s the only way they’re able to own a Malinois. What are your thoughts/opinions/experiences?

A Malinois would be my second dog. I currently have my family dog who’s a tiny Shih Tzu x Yorkshire Terrier (yes, a mutt— my family was uneducated and I was 8 years old 😭). He’s obviously not on the level of a Malinois, but has a lot of energy and passion regardless. I’ve done a ton of training with him. When the 2 of us were younger, we worked a lot on trick training and he currently knows over 70 tricks. In the past 2 years we’ve focused more on obedience and it’s going very well. A friend who I showed our training to and previously asked for advice on owning a Malinois, told me the same techniques applied to a Malinois would get a me an incredibly trained dog. I’m not sure if this training experience will really make a difference, but let me know what you think!

I’ve also got a few more questions! Feel free to answer whichever ones you choose :) I would truly appreciate it!

  1. What kind of diet is your Malinois on? Raw, kibble?
  2. Do you do any sports with your Malinois?
    — Having looked in the sports, I’m considering IGP and dock diving in the future, so reference to those would be great!
  3. What's the hardest thing about owning your Malinois that nobody warned you about?
  4. On a daily basis, how do you fulfill your dog’s physical and mental stimulation needs?

To anyone who takes the time to read this and respond, thank you SO much. You’re in fact helping a girl out with her future LOL 🤞🏽💕

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u/Flat-Specific-2317 — 2 months ago

mc master health sci application advice 🙏🏽

Hey everyone! I’m going to Grade 12 this September, and Mc Master Health Sciences has been my dream program since the 5th grade. I’ve done some research on the program already, and know acceptances are highly dependent on the supplementary application and that a high average is helpful. If you were accepted, what was your average when applying? Also, how did you write your supplementary application? My writing style is naturally very creative, but I’ve heard that may be a negative when it comes to the Health Sci supp-app. I’d appreciate any advice on what they may be looking for!

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u/Flat-Specific-2317 — 2 months ago

fasting tips for someone with binge eating problems‼️

hey everyone!! for a couple months i’ve struggled a lot with binge eating and honestly just want to do a water fast for around 5-7 days as a reset. every time i attempt this, i end up binging in the middle of the day and regretting it later, saying “i’ll try again tomorrow.” this has been going on for 4 months 😭 does anyone have any advice/tips on how to really stay committed? i’ve done a 3 day fast before for religious reasons, but otherwise am quite inexperienced. any help would be so so appreciated! 🫶🏽

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u/Flat-Specific-2317 — 2 months ago