karder wrote:Both GSDs and BMs are fantastic dogs. They are quite different in their behaviors however. I buddy of mine who is a K9 officer and works a Belgian Malinois, describes BMs as a German Shepherd after chugging a case of Red Bull!. BMs are fantastic working dogs for police or military because they have so much energy and drive but the downside of that is they need to be working or at least heavily exercised and mentally stimulated. Shepherds are also high energy and need lots of exercise and attention, but they are down a couple of notches from the Belgian Malinois. I love German Shepherds (I have two) but I don't think I have the energy to wear out a Belgian Malinois anymore!
I will echo what Mr. Cotton said. Please consider visiting your local shelter. There are some special pups there who would sure appreciate a permanent home. Often times purebred shepherds are available at the shelter, left there by someone who did not understand that puppies grow up. Good luck with your search!
This is a very accurate description with one small exception. Mellow and calm GSDs can be found. I'm not so sure about the Maligators. That nickname has been earned. I trained both breeds and others for Schutzhund and a couple different Ring Sports for many years before finally getting burned out. Find a reputable working dog breeder and ask if they have "pet" quality pups or young dogs. These will usually be lower drive and much more tolerable to someone that is not planning on working them. Even a Mal with medium drive levels can be more than most are prepared for.