Solace/Green

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.

Labrador Retrievers are multi-talented dogs that love people and being active. They come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate and are extremely popular for their versatility and friendly disposition. Full-grown, they typically weigh 55-80 pounds and stand 21-25 inches tall.

Labrador Retrievers are generally excellent with children of all ages. They don’t do well with being forced to live outside away from their people family, so you should plan to have them living in your house with you. Labrador Retrievers usually get along alright with any feline friends that also call your place home, and they tend to play nice with other dogs as well. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Labrador Retrievers are happiest when they get about an hour of exercise every day. You can split that exercise up into morning and evening sessions, but you’ll find that when they’re worn out from exercise they behave a little better at home. People love Labrador Retrievers because they’re up for all types of activities and are exceptionally talented in many arenas. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Labrador Retrievers have a short-medium length coat that will require brushing once or twice a week. There’s no way around it: Labrador Retrievers shed a lot. The more you brush them, the less they’ll shed around your house, but there’s no way to get it all. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Labrador Retrievers are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Labrador retrievers can live happily in almost any type of home as long as they get their exercise. They don’t do well with being forced to live outside away from their people family, so you should plan to have them living in your house with you. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.