The only breed the program raises is the Belgian Malinois – considered ideal for the military because of their high energy, strong sniffers, trainability, agility, speed, drive, work ethic, loyalty and, when needed, fierceness. They resemble German Shepherds but are more compact.
One of the reasons Belgian Malinois are favored over German Shepherd Dogs for many military operations is that Malinois are better skydivers. Malinois are lighter than German Shepherds, so it's easier for military parachutists to do tandem jumps with their dogs strapped to them.
German Shepherds have a bite force of 238psi, whereas a Belgian Malinois has a bite force of 195psi. The German Shepherd has a much stronger bite force than the Malinois, and can even break bones. This is a useful trait when we consider their use for protection and in police work.
According to a recent article in the New York Times, “German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are the most common breeds of dogs used by military operators, because they have the best overall combination of keen sense of smell, endurance, speed, strength, courage, intelligence, and adaptability to almost any climatic ...
We pet our pups to show our love and affection. Turns out they do the same. "By putting his paw on you whilst you are stroking him, he is further extending contact and reciprocating affection back," writes Rebecca Forrest, an assistance dog trainer, for The Dog Clinic.
American Alsatian
This is a large-breed American dog that looks very similar to a German Shepherd. American Alsatians, however, are much bigger and more powerful than German Shepherds and are great family companion dogs.
Among most powerful dogs, this muscular pooch isn't a member of law enforcement and the military for nothing. Smarts and bravery make them exceptional companions who take on danger. So, it makes sense that German Shepherds are some of the toughest dogs in the world.
Which breed of dog is the most intelligent? You might think of Border Collies or Poodles, Labradors or Golden Retrievers – or maybe German Shepherds. According to a new study, however, the Belgian Malinois is the smartest pooch in town.
Combat Assault Dogs (CAD)
The Belgian Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd, is the predominant breed utilized by SEAL Teams. Their compact size and lightning speed help to create a tactical advantage for SEALs and other Special Operations units.
The Belgian Malinois is a herding dog so has the natural instincts to guard and protect. This means that while it is not usually aggressive, it can be. However, it is not as aggressive as the German Shepherd.
Besides being very popular, both breeds are highly intelligent, obedient, loyal, and protective. And while they are both high-energy dogs, the German Shepherd breed tend to be somewhat calmer and can adapt to a more serene lifestyle.
Belgian Malinois (195 PSI)
The Belgian Malinois is a robust dog, and they are capable of exerting an incredible amount of force when they bite. They are often used for protection and law enforcement, and they are considered the breeds with the strongest jaws.
These dogs endure a lot, what with the training and being constantly loaded with high-tech equipment. But those working for the Navy have a trait that not many other Special Operations Forces K9s have: titanium teeth.
The Doberman is larger than the Malinois by two inches and twenty pounds, but it is also quieter with less need for rigorous mental and physical exercise. Because of the Belgian Malinois' high prey drive, the Doberman is also better with other pets, especially smaller pets like cats.
The German Shepherd is more likely to bite a stranger than a Labrador Retriever, but it is not nearly as aggressive a breed as a Pitbull or Rottweiler. When approaching a German Shepherd, use caution. The breed is powerful and naturally protective of its territory and family.
A German shepherd packs a stronger bite of 238 psi, while a pitbull has a slightly lower bite strength of 235 psi. Pulling strength is one area in which the pitbull beats the GSDs. Even now, pit bulls dominate the pulling competition.
Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent.
Mountain lions have an unfair advantage with their sharp claws, powerful bite, and predatory nature. They're also incredibly agile, able to leap 40 feet, climb trees, and run 50 mph. If a German shepherd and a mountain lion were to get into a fight, the mountain lion would be the winner.
A Shared Herding Heritage. Both the Malinois and German Shepherd are members of the Herding Group and can trace their origins to livestock herding dogs. As their names imply, the Belgian Malinois was developed in Belgium and the German Shepherd in Germany.
German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family, but they can still be a good family dog. Although they have their fair share of behavioral issues, these generally stem from a lack of leadership on the part of their pet parents.
Paw sensitivity is widely thought to be caused by a dog's natural or instinctive desire to protect its crucial body parts from harm.