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Q:

What dog should I buy between Doberman and Belgian Malinois?

Hello everyone,

I am currently in the market for a new dog and have narrowed it down to either a Doberman or a Belgian Malinois. I have done some research on both breeds and they both seem like great dogs, but I am having a hard time deciding which would be a better fit for me and my lifestyle.

A little about me: I am single and live in a small apartment, but I also have access to plenty of outdoor space for exercise. I am an active person and enjoy going on long hikes and runs. I also work full-time, but my schedule is flexible and I am able to come home during the day for dog walks and playtime.

I am looking for a dog that is loyal, intelligent, and protective, but also good with people and other animals. I want a dog that will be able to keep up with my active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities with me.

If anyone has any experience with either breed or has any advice on which would be a better fit for me, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you in advance.

All Replies

fabian64

Hey there,

I have personal experience with both the Doberman and Belgian Malinois and would recommend the Doberman for your lifestyle. While both breeds are intelligent and active, the Doberman tends to be more adaptable to different living situations.

Dobermans are loyal and protective, making them great watchdogs. They are also good with people and children if socialized properly. In terms of activity level, they tend to be more laid-back than the Malinois and are happy with moderate exercise, despite being athletic.

Living in an apartment, I would recommend crate-training your Doberman to provide a safe space for them while you are not home. Dobermans thrive with routine and structure, so having a set exercise and training schedule will keep them happy and well-behaved.

Ultimately, the decision between the Doberman and Belgian Malinois depends on your specific lifestyle and what you're looking for in a companion. Do your research and interact with both breeds to determine which one is the best fit for you. Remember, whichever breed you choose, it's important to give them lots of love, attention, and exercise to ensure they live a happy and healthy life.

javier.kertzmann

Hi there,

While the Belgian Malinois is an excellent breed with many great qualities, I would personally recommend the Doberman over the Malinois for your lifestyle. I have owned several Dobermans over the years and have found them to be great dogs for active individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

The Doberman is also an intelligent breed and are quick learners, which makes training them a breeze. They are also known for their loyalty and protective nature, which makes them great watchdogs. However, they do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors from developing.

In terms of living in an apartment, the Doberman is adaptable and can do well in smaller spaces as long as they are given enough exercise and attention. They also tend to be more laid-back and less high energy than the Malinois.

Ultimately, it's important to do your own research and interaction with both breeds to determine which one is the best fit for your lifestyle and personality. Consider your daily routine, activity level, living situation, and what you want in a companion. Whichever breed you choose, be sure to give them lots of love, attention, and training to ensure they are happy and well-behaved.

prosacco.raymundo

Hello,

I have personal experience with both breeds and would recommend the Belgian Malinois over the Doberman for your lifestyle. The Malinois is a highly intelligent and trainable breed that excels in agility and obedience training. They are also very high energy dogs that thrive in active households.

In terms of their loyalty and protective nature, Malinois are known to be very devoted to their owners, but they can also be wary of strangers. Proper socialization and training from a young age can help mitigate any potential aggression towards new people and other animals.

While living in a small apartment, Malinois may require more effort to provide enough exercise and stimulation. However, they are adaptable dogs that can do well in different living situations as long as they receive sufficient exercise and attention.

Ultimately, the decision between these two breeds depends on your individual priorities and lifestyle. If you are primarily looking for a loyal and protective companion that needs moderate exercise, the Doberman may be a better fit. But if you're up for the challenge of a more high-energy dog that is highly trainable and protective, the Malinois may be the right choice for you.

bradtke.kyleigh

Hello,

I have personal experience with both breeds and in your situation would recommend the Belgian Malinois rather than the Doberman. While the Doberman is a great breed, the Belgian Malinois is an excellent breed with a versatile personality that makes her suitable for various lifestyles.

The Malinois is known to be an intelligent, loyal, and energetic dog. Although she needs quite a bit of exercise to be happy, she is still adaptable and can quickly adjust to her living environment. The Malinois is also a relatively healthy breed and doesn't need lots of grooming. She will be an excellent companion for your outdoor activities as she does well in activities such as agility and obedience.

The Malinois can be protective, so early socialization and training will be necessary to manage any potential aggression. Additionally, Malinois require an experienced owner who is willing to put in the time and effort required to train and work with them.

In conclusion, depending on individual preferences, both breeds are excellent options but in your current living condition, the Belgian Malinois would be a great choice. I hope this helps you make an informed decision.

tito66

Hi there,

I have had experience with both breeds and would suggest that it ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a dog. The Doberman and Belgian Malinois are both great breeds but differ in temperament and energy level. In my experience, in a small apartment, the Doberman is likely to be more manageable than the Malinois.

The Doberman is known to be loyal, protective and a great companion. I have found that they have a more laidback personality than the Malinois making them well-suited as apartment dogs. They require a reasonable amount of activity each day, but nothing too high energy. They are intelligent and require moderate training and socialization to prevent potential aggressiveness.

On the other hand, the Belgian Malinois is high-energy and hyper-alert. They are an intelligent breed that excels in areas such as search and rescue, agility and law enforcement. They require extensive training, and lots of physical and mental stimulation. Due to this elevated activity level, the Malinois might feel constrained and discomfited in a confined space like an apartment, especially if left alone for long periods.

In conclusion, I would suggest that a Doberman be the better choice if you’re looking for a companion that is more relaxed and willing to settle for a modest amount of activity each day. If you have the patience and time to commit to training and exercising a high-energy dog daily, then the Belgian Malinois could be an appropriate option.

sheldon.rosenbaum

Hi,

I have experience with both breeds, and if you live in a small apartment, I would suggest the Doberman over the Belgian Malinois. Although both are great breeds, in some ways, the Doberman is better suited to small spaces.

The Doberman is a smart, loyal, and affectionate breed that doesn't require as much exercise as the Belgian Malinois. They still need plenty of activity, but they are generally a low to medium energy breed, making them very adaptable. They are great watchdogs and defensive animals who only need gentle training and socialization to prevent any issues.

Additionally, Dobermans can adjust well to small spaces with proper training and socialization. Crate training can help with providing a sense of security and comfort while you’re away at work. They prefer homes that provide regular schedules and routines.

The Belgian Malinois, on the other hand, is an intelligent and active breed with a higher stamina level than Dobermans. They can easily become bored and restless living in a confined space, such as a small apartment. With their high energy level, Malinois require extensive exercise, mental stimulation, and an experienced owner to deal with their overall potential.

In summary, if you plan to live in a small living space, then a Doberman is likely to be the appropriate choice. They still require plenty of activity to stay healthy and happy, but they are more adaptable and more low-energy than Belgian Malinois.

ihartmann

Hello,

I personally have experience with both breeds and would recommend the Belgian Malinois over the Doberman for your lifestyle. While both breeds are intelligent and active, the Malinois is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise and activity. They excel in activities such as agility training and can keep up with long runs and hikes.

The Belgian Malinois is also known for its loyalty and protectiveness, but can also be good with other animals and children if socialized properly. They make great family dogs and are eager to please their owners. However, they do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors from developing.

The Doberman is also a great breed, but they tend to be more suited for homes with larger outdoor spaces and are not as high energy as the Malinois. They are also known for their loyalty and protective nature, but may require more training and socialization to prevent aggression towards strangers and other animals.

Overall, I think the Belgian Malinois would be a better fit for your active lifestyle and living situation. But as always, it's important to do your own research and interact with both breeds before making a final decision.

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