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Q:

What is the best for family guarding, a Doberman or a Belgium Malinois?

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!

All Replies

obradtke

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!

ubeier

Hi everyone,

I've owned a Doberman Pinscher for many years, and I can say with certainty that they make excellent family guard dogs. Dobermans are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts, which make them great companions for families who want a dog to both protect their home and be a loyal friend.

Dobermans are highly trainable and obedient, which means that they respond well to obedience training and can be taught to obey commands with ease. They also make great watch dogs, barking to alert their owners of any potential intruders.

While Dobermans are strong and confident dogs, they can also be affectionate and gentle, especially with children. They love to be part of the family and crave attention and affection. However, like any other breed, they need to be socialized and trained from an early age to prevent aggression towards strangers.

Overall, Dobermans are excellent family guardians, and their affectionate and loyal nature makes them great companions. They are versatile and highly trainable dogs that require proper exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy.

consuelo25

Greetings!

I would like to add my two cents on this topic as I have experience with both breeds. In my opinion, Dobermans are generally better suited for being family guard dogs. They are loyal and protective of their families while still being laid back enough to be loving companions.

In my experience, Dobermans are easier to train than Malinois, especially when it comes to obedience training. They are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them receptive to training. Additionally, Dobermans are typically not as high-energy as Malinois, which means they may be more suitable for families who have a more relaxed lifestyle.

That being said, it is important to note that Dobermans can have a tendency to be aloof towards strangers if not properly socialized. Therefore, it is critical to start socializing them from an early age to prevent any aggression towards strangers.

In conclusion, both breeds can make excellent family guard dogs, but Dobermans may be the better option for families who want a lower maintenance dog with a more relaxed temperament. However, whether you choose a Doberman or Malinois, make sure to invest the necessary time and resources to train and socialize your dog for the best results.

nathen.schmidt

Hi there,

I have experience with both the Doberman and Belgium Malinois breeds and have found that they both make excellent guard dogs. However, I personally prefer the Doberman as a family guard dog. From my experience, Dobermans are very loyal and affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers, making them great protectors.

In terms of aggression and trainability, I have found that it really depends on the individual dog and their upbringing. I have known Dobermans that were aggressive and Malinois that were easy to train, and vice versa. It's important to socialize and train your dog from a young age, regardless of the breed you choose.

That being said, both breeds can require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so it's important to make sure you have the time and resources to provide for them. In my experience, Dobermans tend to be a bit more laid back and easier to manage in terms of exercise needs compared to Malinois.

Ultimately, I think either breed can be a great fit for a family guard dog, as long as you prioritize training, socialization, and exercise. It's important to do your own research and find a reputable breeder or rescue organization to make sure you're getting a healthy and well-adjusted pup. Good luck with your decision!

pedro.weissnat

Hi there,

I just wanted to share my personal experience with you. I have owned both a Doberman and a Malinois, and while both breeds were great guard dogs, I found that the Malinois was a better fit for my family's needs.

Malinois are incredibly intelligent, trainable, and eager to please. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation, making them great partners for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. Due to their strong drive, Malinois make excellent working dogs, and they are often used in law enforcement and military roles. This means that they are effective at keeping an eye on the property and protecting the family.

However, it is important to note that Malinois do require a lot of attention and training to prevent them from becoming aggressive, overly protective, or easily bored. They can be high-strung and need careful socialization from early on. Furthermore, their coats can be a bit difficult to maintain, and they shed quite a bit.

In contrast, Dobermans are generally easier to maintain, and they are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families. However, they can be more reserved around strangers than Malinois. They also require regular exercise and obedience training to ensure that they remain well-mannered and obedient.

Ultimately, both breeds can be great family guard dogs as long as they are trained, socialized, and provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation. I hope my personal experience has given you some helpful insight into these breeds.

cbayer

Hello,

I just wanted to chime in with my opinion on this topic. I have had experience with both breeds and am familiar with their temperaments and characteristics. Based on my experiences, I would recommend the Doberman as the better option for a family guard dog.

Dobermans are very loyal and affectionate with their families, as well as intelligent and trainable. They have an innate desire to protect their family, and their bark alone can be enough to scare off any potential intruders. They are also easy to groom and maintain compared to Malinois.

While Malinois are great guard dogs, they require a lot of exercise and attention to keep them stimulated and happy. If you have a busy lifestyle, it may be difficult to provide them with the required amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Additionally, Malinois can be more high-strung and intense, which may not be suitable for families with young children.

However, it's important to remember that every dog is different, and it is crucial to choose a dog that fits your individual needs and lifestyle. It's a good idea to do your own research and speak to breeders or rescue organizations to get a better idea of what breed would be the best fit for you and your family.

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