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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.

As the quintessential guard dog, Doberman Pinschers are fearless, honorable, and devoted to keeping you safe. “Dobes,” as they’re called, have a fierce loyalty but need a dominant owner to show them who’s boss. Bond with them in the beginning, and they’ll be your best friend for life. Full-grown, they typically weigh 60-100 pounds and stand 24-28 inches tall.

Doberman Pinschers are generally excellent with children of all ages. If properly socialized as puppies, Doberman Pinschers usually get along well with children and other pets. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

The Doberman Pinscher is no couch potato. These are working dogs that need lots of exercise, not just a walk here and there. They’ll be looking to you for activities that get their heart and mind racing. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

The Doberman Pinscher has a short coat that’s stiff yet smooth to the touch. They come in black, brown, or fawn, with black and tan as the most common colors. Their muzzles, legs, feet, and chest often have tan markings too. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Doberman Pinschers are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Dobes aren’t suited for apartment life, as they need plenty of space and exercise. Give them large spaces to run and roam so they get enough activity. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.