Daisy

American Staffordshire Terriers (or “Am Staffs”) are related to American Pit Bull Terriers and are thus trying to shake their intimidating image. Although these dogs share some of the pit bull characteristics (like stubbornness and protectiveness), their loyalty, love for attention, and playfulness outweigh their rough-and-tough reputation. Full-grown, they typically weigh 40-70 pounds and stand 17-19 inches tall.

American Staffordshire Terriers are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Because of their lineage and violent past, American Staffordshire Terriers need a devoted family that’s willing to socialize and learn alongside them. Once socialized, they can get along well with kids and other animals, but without exposure to children and other pets, they can be aggressive and prone to fighting. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

American Staffordshire Terriers need a lot of exercise. As naturally strong animals, they love running and playing fetch or Frisbee. Am Staffs need to be exercised multiple times a day to keep their strength and stamina up to par. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

Am Staffs have short, rough coats that are a bit shiny. They’re usually red and beige and may have white highlights as well. Some American Staffordshire Terriers are black and tan, liver, or other color combinations that feature more white. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

American Staffordshire Terriers are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. Am Staffs can live either indoors or outdoors, but they much prefer being inside with the family. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.

Belgian Malinois are protective around strangers, but they bond quickly with their families. They have a keen sense of what’s going on and aren’t afraid to defend their owners and territory. For a happy pup, make Malinois your “only child,” and give them plenty of secured space to play. Full-grown, they typically weigh 40-80 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

Belgian Malinoiss are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. The Belgian Malinois should be socialized as a puppy if they're going to live with other dogs or pets, but their nature is to be protective and aggressive toward foreign animals. They’re shy around strangers but get along well with children. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Belgian Malinois need a lot of activity and outdoor exercise each day, such as a long run, walk, hike, or play session in the yard. Malinois thrive most when their minds are stimulated. To keep them engaged, trying playing complex games, sports, and any activity that taps into their natural prey drive. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Belgian Malinois have a short brown, grey, or fawn coat, sometimes with black-tipped hair. Their face usually has a black mask and ears, along with a lighter underside. Belgian Malinois shed heavily once or twice a year. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Belgian Malinoiss are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. Malinois are quite large, so they do better in homes with large yards, rather than apartments or small spaces. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.