Sandy’s boys

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.

Golden Retrievers embody the idea man’s best friend. They are friendly, happy-go-lucky dogs who love their people. They always have a happy, excited look on their face and are never at a loss for energy. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs ever for good reason. Full-grown, they typically weigh 55-75 pounds and stand 21-24 inches tall.

Golden Retrievers are generally excellent with children of all ages. They don’t usually do very well with being outdoor dogs and may misbehave if they are kept apart from their favorite human companions for too long. Golden Retrievers usually get along alright with other pets, especially if they are raised with them from the beginning. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Are you active? Golden Retrievers sure are! A happy Golden Retriever gets at least an hour of exercise every day. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Golden Retrievers have long hair that does require regular brushing, which will help control the amount of hair you find around your house. Even with regular brushing, you should know that Golden Retrievers do shed quite a bit. Other than brushing, it’s pretty simple : Give you Golden Retriever a bath after they play in the mud, in salt water, or in a pool, and you won’t have a smelly dog on your hands. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Golden Retrievers are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. In fact, they love them so much that it’s important that they live inside with you. They don’t usually do very well with being outdoor dogs and may misbehave if they are kept apart from their favorite human companions for too long. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.