Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Alaskan Husky - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium but Alaskan Husky is originated from United States. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Alaskan Husky. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Alaskan Husky. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Alaskan Husky has almost same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Alaskan Husky has almost same litter size. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Alaskan Husky requires Low maintenance.

History

belgian shepherd dog malinois - historyThe 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.

alaskan husky - historyAlaskan Husky is created to be a working dog who can do many different jobs like hauling logs, transport, supplies delivery, racing dogs, etc. Mushers created this breed. Alaskan Husky is created as a mix of Inuit dog, Siberian Husky, Greyhound and German pointers, and it is very difficult to find pure breed Alaskan Husky, and they are not recognized by any 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.

alaskan husky puppy - descriptionAlaskan Husky average weight depends from dog to dog, but on average male weights 21-25kg, while their height is moderate size. Females are slightly smaller than males, and they can weight 17-19kg.

A lifespan of Alaskan Husky depends, again, from dog to dog, but it is 10-15 years. Of course, if you are taking care of your dog, they can live much longer.

Litter Size of average female is 4-10 puppies.

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.

alaskan husky dog - characteristicsAlaskan Husky is the best dog for the active people or families. They are bred to be working dogs. This breed is not created for it looks or pedigree, but this breed is bred purely to help with various tasks. They love being around the family, and they are very happy and cheerful. Alaskan Husky is not good watchdogs because they love everyone, including strangers. They are highly intelligent breed, but it can be tricky to train them sometimes. You must be a leader who makes decisions because if you are not confident, they will not see the reason for listening to you. The best way of training your dog would be with patience and firm, decisive manner. The old-fashioned way of training that includes punishment is not recommendable. They do not respond well to that. Training with awards is the best way to teach your dog. Alaskan Husky is a very active dog, so they are not very good for apartments. Although, you can have them in apartments but only if they have active walks and exercises. They love jogging, and they can be excellent buddies in any activity. They will love all the animals but it is important for them to socialize from the early age.

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.

alaskan husky puppies - health problemsThis breed has no any specific health issues. However, as any breed they can develop some issues that are related to genetics. It is very important to discuss with owners that you are getting the dog from, and if they are not ready to show medical records or proofs that dogs are healthy then you should be extra careful. If you do not have a lot of experience in getting a puppy or an adult dog, you should bring someone who has more experience. Again, this breed is very healthy and if you give them adequate caring with regular vet checks you will have a healthy and a happy dog for a long time.

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.

Feeding the Alaskan Husky

alaskan husky dogs - caringFeeding Alaskan Husky, or basically any other dog depends on how active your dog is, and how big it is. Basically, if it is big and very active you will have to give it more food. On average, Alaskan Husky can eat 3-4 cups of high-quality dry food and that should be enough to keep them well-fed and healthy. You can always add vegetables, oil or fruits in their meal, but first, consult which additional food is the best for your dog. Carrots, broccoli, apples are always a good treat for any pet.

Feeding the puppy

Puppies eat more than an adult dog, so it would be perfect if you can divide small portions of food 3-5 times per day. It will help them develop into perfectly healthy adult dogs.

Grooming the Alaskan Husky

They are not very difficult to groom. Overall, Alaskan Husky does not need any special care, except twice a year during shed season. Then you have to brush them with a metal comb every day, but overall, occasional brushing and bathing when it is necessary is more than enough to have a healthy and perfectly groomed pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Belgium
United States
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
41 - 49 cm
16 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
21 - 25 kg
46 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
17 - 19 kg
37 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Colors Available:
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
Any color
Coat:
short and dense
medium coat
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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