Hi everyone,
I am currently searching for the best dog breed to add to our family as a guard dog. I have narrowed down my options to two breeds: Doberman and Belgium Malinois. However, I am having a hard time deciding which breed would be the best fit for my family's needs.
We are looking for a dog that can protect us and our home, but also be a loving and loyal companion. We have two children, ages 5 and 7, so the dog must be good with children. We have a large yard and live in a suburban area.
I have heard that both breeds are great guard dogs and have strong protective instincts. However, I have also heard that Dobermans can be more aggressive and harder to train than Malinois. On the other hand, Malinois require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior.
I want to make sure that the dog we choose is not only a great protector, but also a wonderful addition to our family. Can you please provide any advice or insights that could help us make a decision between these two breeds? Thank you in advance!

Hello!
I've had the pleasure of raising a Belgium Malinois and in my experience, they can be a great addition as a family guard dog. However, I would like to stress that Malinois require a lot of training and socialization, especially due to their strong working and protective instincts.
As long as you are able to invest the time and energy required for raising a Malinois, they can be excellent protectors and companions. They are known for their high energy and intense drive, so making sure they have proper outlets for exercise and stimulation is important to prevent destructive behaviors.
In terms of temperament, I found Malinois to be very loyal and protective of their families but do require proper socialization to prevent them from becoming overly aggressive towards strangers. With proper training and socialization, Malinois can be very obedient and trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Ultimately, I believe that both Dobermans and Malinois are great options as family guard dogs as long as you are prepared to invest the time and effort required to raise them properly. Good luck with your decision!