Hi everyone, I’d like to get your thoughts on a Malinois x German Shepherd cross. I'm planning on buying a puppy from this mix, but I was wondering if it might be a bit too high-octane? Just so you know, I have a fair bit of experience with dogs as I've lived with a Rottweiler and a Pointer since I was born :) I’m very active, so I plan to get my dog into sports; since Malinois are quite high-energy, I reckon they’d be able to keep up with me on runs, do some agility, and so on... But on the flip side, I’d be away for 6 hours during the day..
Thanks
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This crossbreed really does produce a working dog with a temperament often described as "explosive". The fact that you’re active is a huge plus, but do be careful about those 6-hour absences: this type of dog doesn’t cope well with boredom and needs an enormous amount of mental stimulation, not just physical exercise.
In our article on Malinois puppies, we recommend planning some intense enrichment activities to keep them busy while you're out. Without this, there’s a high risk of destructive behaviour or anxiety.
I’ve had a Malinois cross for 5 years now. He’s as sharp as a Mali but with the power of a GSD – a real beast at 121 lbs! He’s not just a dog; he’s a highly intelligent weapon. Incredibly loyal and protective of his family. I’d say they’re more dangerous than a Pitbull and definitely not for the inexperienced.
"Thanks anyway, I’m definitely planning to see a trainer to make sure I have a happy, well-adjusted dog :) Since he'll be a puppy, I'm going to book some time off – I've got 3 weeks of leave to take, and then I can arrange some flexible hours. I might be able to pop back for a walk, but it would only be for about 20 or 25 minutes... Or maybe I should get a pet sitter? As for the breeds, I really like both the temperament and the look of GSDs. Regarding the parents, it's a friend's dog; she had an accidental litter with the neighbour's dog... They're both very healthy and have great temperaments, and the dad doesn't have any hip dysplasia issues, I've checked."
"Just for what it's worth: I rescued a GSD cross that hadn't been socialised enough in his first few months. He was an absolute nightmare outdoors. It’s better to know now and focus on excellent socialisation right from the start (while building that bond of trust, of course); it’ll save you a lot of trouble down the line :-) I know this kind of warning often sounds a bit cliché (you think 'well, obviously'), but when the time comes, far too many owners neglect this side of things because they think 'my puppy is great, he doesn't seem nervous at all', etc. Then adolescence hits and suddenly you’ve got a handful on the end of the lead. Anyway, just wanted to mention it, hope I’m not being a pain ;-) Wishing you all the best with your future dog."
"You're not being a pain at all, it's actually really helpful. It’s true that socialisation isn't always the first thing people think of, but it can be really difficult to deal with later on :/ Before I started looking into it, I wouldn't have thought about getting a puppy used to different noises like storms or fireworks... There are dogs in my area but most of them are female, so I'll need to socialise him with males too, and get him used to public places etc."
Thanks anyway, I’m planning on seeing a dog trainer to make sure I end up with a happy, well-adjusted dog :) Since it'll be a puppy, I’m definitely going to book some time off—I’ve got 3 weeks of leave I can take, and then I can sort out some flexible working hours after that. I might be able to pop home for a walk, but it’d only be for about 20 or 25 minutes... or maybe I should look into getting a pet sitter? Regarding the breeds, I really love the temperament and the look of GSDs. As for the parents, it’s a friend’s dog—she had an accidental litter with the neighbour’s dog... Both parents are very healthy and have great temperaments, and I’ve checked that the dad doesn't have any hip dysplasia issues.
Just as a bit of friendly advice: I once rescued a GSD cross that hadn't been socialised enough in his first few months. He was an absolute NIGHTMARE outdoors.
It’s worth knowing, so definitely focus on brilliant socialisation right from the start (while building that bond of trust, of course). It’ll save you a lot of grief later on! :-)
I know this kind of warning can sound a bit over the top (you think "well yeah, obviously"), but when the time comes, far too many owners end up neglecting it because they think, "Oh, my puppy is great, he doesn't seem nervous at all," and so on.
Then they hit their "teenage" phase and—boom—you’ve got a ticking time bomb on the end of the lead.
Anyway, I just wanted to stress that point, hope I'm not being a pain! ;-)
Cassyduvet, I’m choosing this crossbreed because it’s a bit of an "opportunity" in a way—I’ve been torn between the two breeds for a while and I saw a similar cross recently... I’m not actually buying the dog, just covering the vet fees. I’ve been to a few rescues but I didn’t really fall for any of them, except for a Malinois cross but he was already reserved... So I’m prepared to hire a pet sitter for when the days are a bit too long.
The best solution would be to come across a young adult of this crossbreed in a rescue centre; there are bound to be some given the number of Malis and crosses you see in rescues these days.
Either way, you’ll really need to put a massive amount of work into socialisation, and that six-hour absence thing during the first two years certainly won’t help a dog reach its full potential.
Hi there,
I have to say, I don’t really see the point in choosing a crossbreed just because you’re torn between the two.
You won’t necessarily get a blend of GSD and Malinois traits; it’s basically just a bit of a lottery.
I think you’ll always find that characteristics are much less predictable with a crossbreed than with a purebred.
Besides that, it seems a bit odd to pay for a cross, doesn’t it? The puppies won’t be Kennel Club registered or anything like that.
20-25 mins is fine, he’ll have time to stretch his legs and do his business. As long as he gets a longer walk in the morning and evening it should be alright (well, I think so anyway ^^)
