Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium but Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has almost same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has almost same litter size. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) requires Low Maintenance. But Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
undefined
Belgium
United Kingdom
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Wheaten, Wheatie
Colors Available:
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
tan, gingerish, Fawn, wheaten
Coat:
short and dense
Soft, silky, wavy to curly
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
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.

soft coated wheaten terrierThis wheaten colored terrier hails from Ireland. Although the Wheaten has been around for a long time, it was in 1937 that he was recognized as a breed in Ireland.

The British Kennel Club also recognized the Wheaten and the dog was also exported to the United States. Serious interest started being shown for the Terrier in the 1970s. It was in 1973 that they were recognised by the American Kennel Club.

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.

soft coated wheaten terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wheaten is a medium sized dog standing at between 43 and 50cm and weighing between 13 and 20kg both male and female. The coat of the dog is soft, silky and wavy to even curly and is a wheaten to ginger color.

The coat of the puppy is dark but as he grows up it changes into the wheaten color although the ears may be a dark brown color. Pet owners like that the Wheaten is a very low shedding dog.

Temperament:

Playful, social and friendly, the Wheaten has always been put to good use on the farm. These days he is pet and companion. He is energetic and playful so children love having him around.

He is slightly more hyper and energetic than other Terrier breeds so will require a good dose of exercise.

He is smart and strong willed, and training and socialization turns him into an amicable pet to have around, so much so that he is sought after as a therapy-dog.

They’re easy-going dogs with no aggression issues but they still make great watch dogs and want to do whatever it takes to look after- and protect their human family.

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.

soft coated wheaten terrier dog - characteristicsThe Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has always made an excellent farm dog, but today he is more suited as pet and companion.

He adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside. Wherever he is, he will need his exercise. He also longs to be an active part of his human family, and then he’s happy, lively, social and friendly and is a great playmate for children.

He also gets on well with other dogs and will make you a fantastic family 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.

soft coated wheaten terrier puppies - health problemsWhen you bring a Wheaten Terrier into your home, you’re not likely to have too many vet fees as he tends to be a healthy dog breed, being able to reach 13, 14 or 15 years of age with good care.

Look out for a dog ailment known as Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). This is a condition where the dog isn’t able to properly absorb protein in the digestive tract, so that it is passed in their stools.

It can be fatal, but if caught early, some dietary changes can keep it under control.

Also, look out for inflammatory bowel disease. This disease occurs when the stomach of the dog has a large number of inflammatory cells which can change the lining of the digestive tract, preventing the normal absorption of food.

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.

Grooming:

soft coated wheaten terrier dogs - caringBrush your pet’s silky coat twice a week. Such a silky coat can get all tangled and matted. If you prefer, many people opt to rather have the Wheaten’s coat professionally clipped as then it is easier to handle. They like to have the hair clipped that hangs over the dog’s eyes.

Other grooming tasks require you to check inside his ears for redness which could indicate an infection. Trim his nails and check him over for ticks and fleas.

Training:

Have your Wheatie trained and socialized as he is a stubborn dog breed and you want him to be well mannered and obedient.

Exercise:

Terriers like this are energetic dogs and he is going to need exercise every day. A walk for a dog is always a welcome experience as it gives him the opportunity to sniff around and pick up new smells. Play ball- or frisbee games with him as this can tire him out a bit.

Veterinary Care:

If your dog shows signs of illness, get him to the vet. He is such a feisty dog that it can be unbearable to see him out of sorts.

Diet:

Terriers are energetic dogs so if you feed your dog one of the commercial dog foods, make sure the label indicates what food it is. This is because the foods are manufactured according to the type of dog it is, its age, size and energy levels.

Always try and go for the high quality foods which don’t have all those unhealthy ingredients in them. Try to include some home-made food – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain, wholesome food that won’t upset his stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. You can chop it up and add it to your pet’s kibble twice a week.

Try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases. Always ensure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  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