Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium but Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is originated from Switzerland. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may weigh 19 kg / 42 pounds more than Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher has same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher has almost same litter size. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
undefined
Belgium
Switzerland
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
11 - 15 kg
24 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
11 - 15 kg
24 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Glattharidge
Colors Available:
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
Black and tan
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, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
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.

The Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is an ancient dog breed and dates back to 1780. It is believed that this dog breed is extinct, but that the German Pinscher of today is family of this dog breed. The dog used to be good on the farm as an all-purpose working dog.

When you look at the history of dogs, there are so many that have come and gone, never to be seen or heard of again. Other animals become extinct because of environmental factors, but with dogs it’s a bit different and most, like the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher, died out simply because it became unfashionable.

Maybe the jobs that this dog was designed to do no longer existed and he died out because he was no longer needed.

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.

Described as a medium sized dog, the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is an extinct variety of the German Pinscher. Like that dog, the Swiss Shorthaired had a muscular, strong square build.

Possibly he also had his ears and tail docked at that time. It is thought that he stood between 40 – 48cm in height and weighed in the region of 11 to 15kg.

He had the typical looks of the Doberman Pinscher with short smooth hair in black and tan, short erect ears and a tail that was traditionally cropped. He was lean and muscular with brown eyes. They were working dogs in their day and were not considered the best dogs to have for the first time dog owner.

Tempeament

These dogs have always been hardworking, brave and fearless. They make good family pets too and get on well with children. They would have been adaptable too to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he got his exercise.

A well bred Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher was alert and a good guard dog, and one wonders why this dog with its good qualities died out.

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.

The Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is no longer around but he would no doubt have made a good family pet. He would have wanted to protect his human family.

He was a stubborn, bold dog, and maybe socialization and training didn’t exist then, but he would have benefited from it.

He’s the kind of dog that would have adapted well to life in the city or the countryside, but you could never neglect his exercise needs. In the right environment, this Pinscher would have made 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.

It is not too sure about the health status of this extinct dog but we can assume that he would have been prone to some of the typical dog illnesses there are.

Hypothyroidismd, bloat, cancer, cataracts, infections and obesity were just some of the diseases this dog would have had to contend with.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands in the neck produce hormones. These hormones affect the functioning of the body. Hypothyroidism in dogs is usually caused by shrinkage of the thyroid gland or inflammation.The disease occurs more often in Pinscher dogs.

You may notice a dulling or thinning of your dog’s hair, weight gain and reduced activity. Hypothyroid dogs also tend to battle more with ear- and skin infections. Veterinary treatment will become necessary.

Catarats:

It causes a whiteness,cloudiness or opacity on the lens of the eye. It's not painful for a dog but it can cause loss of vision. Surgery can improve vision for the dog.

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:

In those days of the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher, maybe commercially manufactured dog foods weren’t available. If the dog were still around today, you would feed him dry kibble for medium sized dogs.

Probably the owners of these dogs fed them from the food they ate. It can be a good idea to feed any dog you have with some homemade food.

This can include things such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This is the kind of simple food that dogs love.

Being a farm dog in his day, he was probably tossed raw meat occasionally and this would have done him the world of good.

General Care:

Although the short, smooth hair of the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is looked upon as low maintenance, the dog would have needed a good brush twice a week just to keep it shiny and healthy.

After a hard day of work on the farm, the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher would have required a nice warm, dry spot to sleep.

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