Rottweiler vs Belgian Malinois

Rottweilers are powerful and intelligent dogs who benefit from early training and socialization. They are easy to train and eager to please their families, but are also strong-willed and may seem aloof to the outside world.
Originally descending from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, Rottweilers have been valuable companion animals and working dogs for centuries. This is just as true today as it was years ago—families that are willing to put in the time to train and socialize their Rottweiler will be rewarded with an intensely loyal and energetic dog.

In fact, Rottweilers are much more emotionally needy than many people assume. This dog has a fearsome reputation, but in reality, Rottweilers are obsessed with their people and want to be around them all the time. Rottweilers who are isolated from people or kept alone may begin to exhibit unwanted behaviors when they do finally get access to people.

Rottweilers were originally bred to be protectors. Combined with their great strength, this makes it especially important that Rottweilers are properly trained and socialized. Once socialized, Rottweilers can easily get along with other dogs and young children. Like any dog, Rottweilers who are poorly trained, subjected to harsh discipline, or isolated are more likely to exhibit unwanted fear-based behaviors, including biting and aggression.

One especially interesting features of these dogs is their vocalization. Rottweilers aren’t known for excessive barking (although of course they can and will bark), but they do have a deep rumble that sounds almost like a growl. Some pet parents think of this rumbling sound as “talking.” This “Rottie rumbling” is almost like the purring of a giant cat and often means your Rottweiler is happy and content, particularly during belly rubs.

The Belgian Malinois’ personality is as spirited as they come, making them a good fit for pet parents who love to be on the go. Ready to toil tirelessly at any task, a Mal dog has a strong work ethic and is quick to respond to their human’s cues and commands.

The Belgian Malinois’ intelligence sets them apart, and their competency is a big reason why this herding breed is hardly ever unemployed. Originally, the Malinois served as a watchdog on farms and ranches, though today their career opportunities have expanded into public service. In fact, you almost want to salute these pups as they join search and rescue missions alongside the police and military.

While they make great guard dogs, it’s wise to supervise children around this breed. If you’d like to mix a Belgian Malinois with kids and babies in your home, know that compatibility rests heavily on early and consistent training and socialization, as well as teaching children how to interact with dogs. Other animals, strangers and sudden movements could startle this alert, watchful canine. Know too that the Belgian Malinois dog breed has a naturally high prey drive, which means they’ll chase moving objects (think toddlers, cars, cats and other dogs), so a firm hand and lots of obedience lessons are critical.

Raising a Belgian Malinois puppy is indeed rewarding, in part because their intelligence and trainability make them a joy to teach. If you select this breed as your own, you’ll quickly see why their reliability and razor-sharp smarts are prized by so many.