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Mike what are the most common reasons you seeing GSD or malinois in shelters. I rescued a 7 year old GSD and he was perfect and easy to train I lucked out. Looking to adopt another dog thinking another GSD or Mal but not sure if mine was 1 in a million. He was raised in loving home for 7 years w children, dogs, grandchildren, well socialized until husband died and wife gave up the dog. I have a 6 year old so not willing to take bite risk
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thanks anthony, I hear you but I was wondering if there was some secret trick that Mal owners know that I don’t as a new dog owner. Leaning more towards another good GSD unless I can find a very stable Mal. I have been reading a lot about dog genetics, temperament and stable nerves. Definitely think my dog is solid. Few months after I got him we were at the playground and a little kid about 6-7 years ran up behind us and screamed as loud as he could and slapped my dog on the butt. Scared the $#^#% out of me and I was about to tear into the kid and his parents that stood there laughing. Smokey just looked around at them and then looked at me then went back to watching my son play. Now I am more careful, at the playground he sits between my legs.
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Logan
Did you buy a puppy or rescue? Sounds like a purchase. I am looking at a rescue since I don’t want a puppy. I got a great dog for the family and he was really well behaved. THe prev family raised him right with family, kids, grandkids but had to give him up when the husband passed and the dog became too protective of wife.
He is really easy to keep and goes everywhere with us parks, playgrounds, stores, walking around Boston, etc. Good thing is he is calm and good nerves and because he is obedient and a GSD he keeps people away. When my wife is walking none of the panhandlers or other folks will bother her or me, even though we are not even sure if he will protect us 😀. Just his appearance is enough to make people think twice, especially when they see his obedience. that is enough for me. THough it would be fun to play fetch with him. He just looks at the ball and seems to say “why did you throw that? if you want to retrieve it you go, you threw it”
Ironically my wife says the same thing, “why throw a ball and expect Smokey to go get it?”
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LOL loved the “drinks from toilet” trick. My GSD is really chill, I have 1/2 acre but he does not leave my side. If I am in the yard he sits where he can see me, if I move he follows. Completely ignore people and dogs going by. If they come close he looks over to keep an eye on them but no barking, growling, or crazyness. He is calm in the home, no running jumping, or playing not sure if it is his age or I just never allow it from day 1. He just lays around watching us, no begging or stealing food, we can leave trash out with food and he ignores it. How are Mals shedding? I thought my GSD was bad but I just microfiber mop 2 times per day 6am and 5pm and it takes me 10 minutes and we are nice and clean. He knows to say off carpet and I groom him 3 times per day after walks (about 1 minute) so not a huge deal.
He is 85lbs so I was thinking of maybe a smaller dog. he is not fat since he has to climb 15 stairs every time we go out and come in 4-5 times a day for past 8 months plus the walks. Poor guy, but he runs up so hips and joints are fine. Here his is w my son, thinking of maybe a smaller dog which I heard mals are.
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Thank you all for the responses. Very helpful. My GSD gets 6-10 miles of hiking and walking daily just w me. I am active and love being outdoors. My wife and son take him on some shorter walks around the neighborhood so another 1-2 miles. He cannot run with me which is a bummer since his pace is too slow and he gets tired. I end up walking him then running 2-3 miles after or before on my own(7-8 mph). I have applied to AMBR and MAD but just the application does not mean I will take a dog. I want to get the right dog for me and the family. We know our current GSD was not that active but as new owners and my wife who never had a pet and a 6 year old we agreed that it was a good start. Do not regret this decision, Smokey is amazing and teaching us a ton and he is good with the entire family. I will am keeping eye out for another GSD or Mal with a little more ball/toy drive and good upbringing. Looking for one that was raised loving home but owners passed or were forced to give up the dog. Seems kind of morbid and sadistic but some of these dogs really deserve a second chance.
one thing I find interesting is I see a lot of folks asking rescues for Mals for personal protection or service or some other special work. From my research these are highly specific genetics and even dogs bred for this cannot make the cut after 1-2 years of training and it is expensive and difficult to teach, plus maintain. Are people really getting these kinds of dogs from rescues? Or are they delusional? Just curious.
thank again for all of the info, great stuff.