Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs American Bulldog - Breed ComparisonAmerican Bulldog is originated from United States but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium. Both American Bulldog and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) are having almost same height. American Bulldog may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Both American Bulldog and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) has almost same life span. Both American Bulldog and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) has almost same litter size. Both American Bulldog and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
undefined
United States
Belgium
Height Male:
55 - 70 cm
21 - 28 inches
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
52 - 65 cm
20 - 26 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 54 kg
70 - 120 pounds
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
10 - 12
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald.
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Colors Available:
Brindle, mostly white, white with brown or red and piebald.
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
Coat:
Short and smooth
short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american bulldogFollowing World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct.

Thanks to John D. Johnson from Summerville, Georgia the breed is still with us today. He gathered the best dogs he could find throughout the rural South and bred them back into popularity among his family and other rural families. His father bred the American Bulldog before John did and they have bred them longer than any other in any part of the world. His dogs were regularly used for tracking, hunting, guarding, watchdog and weight pulling. At some point Alan Scott joined Johnson breeding other bulldogs to Johnson's and forming the Standard American Bulldog.

The American Bulldog/ is popular today as a family pet and companion as well as a working dog.

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.

Description

american bulldog puppy - descriptionThe American Bulldog is a powerful and muscular dog in a sturdy and compact frame. The female is more refined than the heavy boned and stocky male, but both genders are athletic, agile and quick. The have large heads, strong jaws, a muscular neck and with a moderately deep and wide chest.

They have a square head, with muscular cheeks and a clearly defined furrow between his eyes. With broad, square and strong muzzles, they have a reverse scissors, scissors, moderate underbite and an even bite. Ears come in a variety of shapes and sizes and eyes can be any color as well. The nose however should be black and lips black as well. Their legs are strong, heavy boned and straight with well-defined muscles in the hindquarters. Finally ,they have a thick, low set tail that comes to a point at the end.

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.

Characteristics

american bulldog dog - characteristicsThe American Bulldog is characteristically loyal, brave and reliable. It is a friendly, gentle dog that truly loves children. There is not a hostile bone in his body despite his history and reputation for bull baiting. Though he is protective of its family and affectionate with most, he still needs a human companion who is strong willed and a genuine pack leader. Without this he might become aggressive around other dogs and pets. They are immensely self-confident and they do slobber and drool and will become excited and hard to handle without daily exercise of both their body and their minds.

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.

Health Problems

american bulldog puppies - health problemsThough generally healthy, the American Bulldog is prone to a few problems.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a serious issue in many breeds of dogs and is especially prevalent with the American Bull Dog. This may seem ironic in such a short legged dog but it is unfortunately very common. It is a genetic disorder that causes the bones in the joint to separate and causes the dog much pain and lameness.

Skin and Ear Issues

Due to skin folds you need to be care and watch for irritation and infection in the folds. They are also prone to ear infections.

Obesity

The American Bulldog is prone to overeating and all the health issues that presents. With short legs and a genetic predisposition to arthritis and hip dysplasia, obesity is a real health risk for your bulldog.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding Puppies

american bulldog dogs - caringThree times a day from 12 weeks to a year for a total of 3 cups per day.

Feeding Adults

After 6 months cut back to one cup twice a day of high quality dry dog food.

Bulldogs will eat anything at anytime and are prone to obesity. Don't overfeed them.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Bulldog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. American Bulldog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. American Bulldog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. American Bulldog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. American Bulldog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American Bulldog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Bulldog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American Bulldog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Bulldog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American Bulldog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American Bulldog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American Bulldog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American Bulldog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American Bulldog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American Bulldog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Bulldog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American Bulldog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American Bulldog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Bulldog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American Bulldog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American Bulldog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American Bulldog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American Bulldog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American Bulldog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American Bulldog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison