Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Beago - Breed Comparison

The 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.

Made up of two purebred dog breeds, the Beagle and the Golden Retriever, Beago is kind of new breed. Some say that they were bred on purpose during the 1980s, in a desire to create a smart and loving dog that will be a smaller size than the Golden Retriever since this will make them ideal for indoor life.

Similarities to German Shepherd

The 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You’ll find the Malinois somewhat unpredictable as some are friendly and confident while other can be shy and withdrawn around strangers.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.

Beago is a medium-sized dog with a usually tri-coloured coat that can vary in some colours. They have usually short hairs because sometimes happens that they have longer hairs if the Golden retriever genes are stronger. Their hairs are soft to the touch and they don’t shed a lot and that makes them easy to maintain. They have dark coloured eyes, floppy ears, and they have the body shape of the Beagle, but they are very active and muscular like the Golden Retriever.

The 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.

Children friendliness

They are very good with children of all age.

Special talents

Hunting, search, rescue dog, agility competitions.

Adaptability

Beago will love living in a house with a bog yard. As well, he will have a happy life in the apartments as long as you take him out for his daily activity. They get along with other pets, so any other dog or cat will be great company for him. They are usually well mannered in public places, if you train them and socialize, but they will always bark if there is someone strange in your house. They are very good with children of all age.

Learning ability

Beage is very smart breed. They will pick up new tricks very quickly and remember it forever. They would love learning new tricks once you include treats as rewards, but you must be careful not to overfeed him.

Belgian 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.

There are no general health issues with this breed. The health history shows that they have common health problems as any other active dog – problems with hips and elbows. Because of their floppy ears, they are prone to infections and diseases caused by lack of ear hygiene. Some of them have skin allergies. The best advice is always to make regular vet checks. Then you and your Beago can live a happy and long life.

Regular Brushing as he’s a Shedder

Because 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 tips

The best tip is to feed them with quality dry food. Canned food can be given once in week or less. They will love cheese and meat in their meal. Since they like to munch, they will eat almost any raw fruit or vegetables. Until you Beago is six months old, feed him tree time per day. Keep the feeding schedule unchanged to form a habit and avoid problems with metabolism.

Points for Good Health

Since they don’t shed a lot, grooming your Beago will be easy. They won’t need an everyday brush, but it will be good if you could brush him two times per week and bathe once in a month. Their floppy ears need regular care as well. They need to be cleaned with the ear cleaning solution at least once a week. They will need regular nail trimming as well. They need quality food because they are very active dogs. Make sure not to overfeed them. Daily activity is a must.

Games and Exercises

Beago is very active breed. They like to spend time outdoors, running, playing fetch, jumping. They will love visiting the dog park or any park that is close to your house. They are very good if taken hiking.