Finnish Hound vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Finnish Hound vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium but Finnish Hound is originated from Finland. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Finnish Hound are having almost same height. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Finnish Hound. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Finnish Hound has almost same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Finnish Hound has almost same litter size. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Finnish Hound requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Molosser dogs
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Belgium
Finland
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Finsk Stovare
Colors Available:
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
Black, tan and white tri-color
Coat:
short and dense
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

belgian shepherd dog malinoisThe Belgian Malinois is one of 4 Belgian Shepherd varieties. The dogs were developed- and hail from Belguim. The Malinois has a short, fawn colored coat. The American Kennel Club recognizes that the Malinois is a separate breed from the other 3 varieties. It was in 1892 that Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, recognizing 3 varieties – dogs with short coats, dogs with long coats and dogs with rough coats.

Today's Malinois goes back to a breeding pair owned by Adrien Janssens. It was in 1885 that he bought a fawn, rough-haired dog, breeding the dog with a short-haired dog named Lise de Laeken. After other breedings, the two dogs were recognized as ancestors of the modern Belgian Shepherd Dogs.

The city of Malines formed a club for the promotion of these fawn short hairs and the name Malinois became synonymous with them. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club received AKC parent club status.

finnish houndAs one of Finland’s most popular dogs, the Finnish Hound isn’t particularly well known outside of Finnish borders. Known also as the Finsk Stovare, the Finnish Hound, known for its hunting skills, came about because of a breeding effort which started way back in the 1800s, mixing dogs such as different French, Swedish, and German hounds.

These hounds were used with the idea being to develop a dog that could do well in Finland’s terrain. The Finnish Hound is a great hunting dog but isn’t looked upon as an particularly awesome pet, although some pet owners would beg to differ.

Description

Similarities to German Shepherd

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppy - descriptionThe Malinois is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog. People sometimes mistake them for the German Shepherd as they are fairly similar to look at. The Malinois however is a smaller, lighter boned dog with naturally upright ears and a black-masked face. He is shorthaired and fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, although other colors are brown or red too. He is an intelligent and active dog, always having been used for herding-, police- and rescue work.

Reserved or Friendly

You’ll find the Malinois somewhat unpredictable as some are friendly and confident while other can be shy and withdrawn around strangers. This is a dog who loves to be around his human family, but to bring out the best in him, training and socialization classes will be necessary. Well-socialized Malinois are always good with children and other pets, more so if they’ve been raised with them.

finnish hound puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog who stands between 52 – 62cm in height and weighs in at 20 to 25kg. The Finnish Hound can have between 4 – 8 puppies.As a scent-hound, the Finnish Hound has a short, smooth double coat which is usually in a tri-color pattern of black, tan, and white.

The attractive dog has an athletic, lean, muscular body full of energy and stamina. The eyes are brown and the dog has a peaceful expression. The medium length ears are floppy and the tail is long and carried low.

Temperament:

The Finnish Hound is friendly, calm and never aggressive. He is an intelligent dog nd will respond to the training and socialization he will require to turn him into an obedient, amicable pet, especially since he tends to be stubbon, independent and strong-willed. He isn’t recommended for small places in the city but will do better in the country with a fairy large piece of ground. The Finnish Hound is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and does best with at least an average-sized yard.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog malinois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Malinois makes a wonderful guard dog and he works hard to ensure that his human family, whom he adores, are well protected under his watch. They’re such intelligent dogs too that you may feel inclined to pass over some of your chores to him.

He responds well to training, and to get the best from this breed, start with training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Socialization is excellent as it introduces your puppy to different people, animals as well as situations.

He is an adaptable dog and can live in an apartment if he is well exercised. He can be your devoted and loyal friend for a good number of years but you will have to do your part in providing him with the best care possible.

finnish hound dog - characteristicsThe Finnish Hound has always been a working dog and so he will require being well exercised.

He makes a good pet with homes where there are other dogs as well as children. As a hunting or working dog, these days the Finnish Hound is also regarded as a companion animal, fitting into family life well, and turning out to be a loving, loyal pet.

Health Problems

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppies - health problemsBelgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs. However every dog, regardless of breed, can pick up illnesses, and it is always wise to be aware of some of the diseases your Malinois might face.

Hip Dysplasia

An inherited condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Dental problems

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to remove tartar build-up. Too much plague leads to inflamed gums, bad breath, pus inside the mouth and even loss of teeth.

finnish hound puppies - health problemsThe Finnish Hound is looked upon as a generally healthy breed who can get to 12 years of age if looked after well. Good nutrition plays a huge role towards excellent health.

Check out common health ailments that can affect most dogs such as dental disease, obesity, hip dysplasia and a serious condition for which these dogs are particularly known – cerebellar ataxia. Lesions in the brain affect the dog’s coordination and sight. Get him to the vet as soon as you detect anything unusual with your pet.

Caring The Pet

Regular Brushing as he’s a Shedder

belgian shepherd dog malinois dogs - caringBecause the Malinois is a constant shedder, with a couple of heavy shedding periods during the year, you’ll need to be conscientious with his grooming and brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to give his thick coat a glossy, healthy look to it.

Exercise

Because of their high energy, Malinois aren’t recommended for couch-potato type owners. It will be cruel to buy such a dog and to leave him to waste away with boredom and frustration in your back yard. He’ll want lots of rough and tumble, ball games, runs in the park or in the country and long walks.

Feeding

Belgian Shepherd Malinois puppies are vulnerable when they’re tiny, and it would be wise to speak to your vet about superb nutrition to build up a puppy’s immune system.

An excellent way to ensure the health of your growing Malinois is to give him a home prepared meals along with commercially manufactured food recommended by your vet. You can’t just put a bowl of commercially manufactured dog food in front of him day after day month after month.

Apart from what your vet recommends, give him some brown rice, some cooked vegetables and some raw meat. Raw meat will ensure he can fight of skin infections. The age of the dog, emotional state and environmental influences can all play a role in skin diseases with dogs, but by ensuring some raw meat in his diet, the immune system is strengthened and skin disorders are eliminated. Always ensure a steady supply of fresh water.

Diet:

finnish hound dogs - caringAs a medium-sized dog breed, you want to make sure to feed your dog a high-quality commercial dog food – one that has been formulated with the right amount of vitamins and minerals for the type of dog he is.

He is a high-energy hunting breed, so you wan to find a food that is appropriate to his needs. Home cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken can be added into his kibble as a change and a treat from time to time as well as some raw meat occasionally. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

Physically active and mentally balanced and intelligent, the Finnish Hound will require both physical and mental stimulation to prevent him from becoming bored and frustrated.

Grooming:

As an average shedder, your pet's smooth, short-haired coat is easy to keep in tip top condition. All that is really required is to brush the coat down twice a week to keep it in peak condition.

Don’t neglect to check the inside of the dogs ears, as too much dirt and wax can cause nasty ear infections. Also, the teeth need to be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week with special canine toothpaste and toothbrush. This will ward off tooth decay and lots of other problems within the body brought about by bad teeth.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison