Hello and welcome to Cosmo Aurora! This week, we’re meeting the canine super soldiers: the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd Dog. Last year, Animal Watch filmed two of the world’s toughest super soldier dogs, both as hard as nails, super agile, hyper-intelligent, and responding to commands at lightning speed.
But what are the differences between these two breeds?
Can you tell?
Why each one is different from the other and why both are used in different ways in the military and service sector.?
Also, is there a better one?
Is there an ultimate super soldier dog, a James Bond equivalent super ninja assassin?
Find out Below !
Two Dogs, Both Tough and Impressive
The Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are among the most used dog breeds in the military and service sectors worldwide. But what sets them apart?
The Belgian Malinois
Forget the Navy SEALs or the Marine Corps; we have a dog here who could claim the title for being the toughest, most athletic, and most fearless and driven dog in the world. Light, agile, muscular, and super fast with ninja-like abilities, the Belgian Malinois has a bite it loves to use from the moment it can walk. From appearing to defy gravity by running up vertical walls to abseiling and jumping out of helicopters to running down criminals with such power and force, the Belgian Malinois is truly impressive.
The Belgian Malinois was developed in the Belgian city of Malines and was originally bred for herding. However, over the last century, the Malinois has expanded its resume far beyond herding and now, Malinois are incredibly important members of the U.S. military. Most of the dogs that now work with the elite Navy SEALs are Malinois. Could he be the ultimate super soldier?
The German Shepherd
The long-standing king of all the service and military dogs, the German Shepherd, is heavy, muscular, with a bark and a bite that could easily rip and tear flesh. He will hunt you down and pull you down, his muscle and bite force doing some serious damage. He is fearless and will apprehend terrorists, respond at lightning speeds to commands, sniff out bombs, and protect his human partner with his life.
Developed in Germany in 1899 originally for herding and guarding sheep, the German Shepherd has become a global military and service dog due to his strength, intelligence, and trainability. Could he be our winner, king, and forever king of the service dogs?
Comparing the Two Breeds
Today, we are pitching two of the ultimate military service dogs against one another. What are the differences and why are both used in different ways? Also, is there a winner for the title of the toughest, most powerful, most responsive super soldier dog in the world? Will Animal Watch viewers agree with our decision? Who will be crowned the winner? Let the competition begin!
Round One: Intimidating Appearance
Which one, on appearance alone, would you fear the most?
- Belgian Malinois: Weighing in at approximately 75 pounds (34 kilograms) for the largest male, most being around the 55-pound (25 kilogram) weight, this makes them super light and incredibly agile.
- German Shepherd: Weighing in at approximately 86 pounds (40 kilograms) for a large male, with many others weighing in at over 30 kilograms, already a lot larger than our lithe Malinois.
Facial features are pretty similar to the amateur dog lover; both have small skulls with long erect ears and a long wolf-like muzzle equipped with super sharp, strong teeth. The working Malinois can look the part dressed up in their army protection gear, safety eye goggles, and bulletproof jackets, abseiling and jumping out of planes with no fear. The working German Shepherd looks tough as he walks alongside his handler in his bulletproof jacket. We know that one command could mean a painful bite for us. When they bark and growl, both look like they mean business.
However, many people will underestimate the Malinois in appearance due to his smaller body frame. The German Shepherd, with his massive teeth and bark that can shatter eardrums, wins this round for sheer size and presence.
Winner for Intimidating Appearance:
German Shepherd (5 out of 5), Belgian Malinois (4 out of 5).
Round Two: Trainability
Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are exceptional when it comes to brain as well as brawn, excelling in everything they are trained to do.
- Belgian Malinois: Light, muscular, with lightning reflexes, the Malinois seems to defy gravity with his online antics of climbing ladders, jumping fences, running up trees, and more. He is incredibly versatile, capable of being a sniffer dog, detection dog, protection dog, and even assisting veterans with PTSD. However, he must be challenged or his extreme personality can rebound in other areas.
- German Shepherd: A top choice for protection and police work, the German Shepherd is also used for agility, obedience, sniffer work, bomb detection, guide dog for the blind, and more. His heavier frame and calmer temperament make him less suited for some of the acrobatic tricks the Malinois can perform. However, he outdoes the Malinois as a companion service dog, more relaxed in a home environment.
Winner for Trainability:
Belgian Malinois (5 out of 5), German Shepherd (4 out of 5).
Round Three: Family Pet
Family life can be tricky for both these breeds, but which one fits better?
- Belgian Malinois: Needs intense physical and mental stimulation. Without it, he can become destructive, whining, barking, and pacing. He is not suitable for a sedentary family.
- German Shepherd: A top choice for a family protection dog and as a service dog for the blind and deaf. He can work hard but also settle well in a home environment. He requires good walks daily but is less demanding than the Malinois.
Winner for Family Pet:
German Shepherd (5 out of 5), Belgian Malinois (4 out of 5).
Round Four: Use in the Military and Service Sector
- Belgian Malinois: Recently risen to stardom in military and law enforcement due to his smaller, lighter frame, making him ideal for jumping out of planes, abseiling, and other high agility tasks. He can be carried and strapped to military personnel, providing versatility.
- German Shepherd: Still a top choice in military and police work due to his strength and power. However, his heavier frame makes him less suited for some of the tasks the Malinois excels at.
Winner for Use in the Military and Service Sector:
Belgian Malinois (5 out of 5), German Shepherd (4 out of 5).
Final Analysis
Total Scores:
- Belgian Malinois: 18 out of 20
- German Shepherd: 18 out of 20
Both dogs are winners, as neither is better than the other; they just differ in certain characteristics and services they provide. The Belgian Malinois is the ultimate super soldier dog due to his versatility and light frame, making him the most used dog breed across all of the military. The German Shepherd will always be the best protection dog due to his calmer demeanor, meaning he can work more in family-based situations and places that require a more solid character.
As mentioned, socialization and training make for a safe and solid pet that you trust around your family. Many factors make a safe pet: genetics, health, socialization, kindness, and training.
