Is a protection breed right for you? (Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd) 

90% of people these days can't handle gold fish.

I have my first Dutch shepherd, she’s like yours, has 1/4 Malinois and Dutch. I think your spot on that it’s not a beginners dog! I had 6 Rottweilers over a 30 year period, I also had GSD that managed our dairy cows, they where hard core working GSD! I was bit by every GSD on the dairy, they weren’t pets! Every Rottweiler I owned would occasionally challenge me and had to be pinned down or held up off the ground till it gave up on trying to be the boss. I decided to try a Dutch shepherd since I am getting older and was concerned about being able to take care of it when it’s older and might need help getting in the car or on the bed..lol I also did my homework and realized this breed needs positive reinforcement and not scolding when training. WOW is all I can say after 5 years of owning a Dutchie. She learns faster than any dog I have ever seen, she needs lots of exercise, I take her out at least 2 hrs, rain or shine. She takes the mail in and delivers it to whoever I tell it’s for. She takes card board boxes to the fire pit when emptied, she brings her bowl to the kitchen for dinner.... she also guards the property. Last week unfortunately someone came over the backyard fence, he get bit and chased out over a 7 foot fence, but he managed to stab my dog. She could careless, 8 stitches and she is still looking for the bad guy. Loved your video, they look like their having a good life...take care.

This is the best representation we have seen regarding life with a Belgian Malinois.

I lost my Dutchie at age 10 from liver cancer - two years ago. He was a fantastic boy. I'm approaching 75 now and I have a dog of a different breed because I'm just too old to give an athletic dog the life he deserves. One thing I would do different is get a blood workup every six months over age 7. I'm convinced blood tests could have found his liver cancer in time to operate on it successfully. Unfortunately, when it show up it wasn't treatable and I had to put him down within a month of discovering it. I could have most likely had two more years with him if I had been proactive. Enjoy your dogs. Dutchies are absolutely the best. BTW - when folks ask me about the breed I emphasize socializing a puppy to other dogs. I've seen Dutch Shepards who were perfect with the exception of not being able to stop themselves from desiring to kill another dog. Any dog. This behavior can't really be cured but only can be prevented by proper socializing during puppyhood.

I foster Mals and Dutch shepherds. Your comments are spot on. You don’t have to be an expert to own either. There are so many resources available on line to properly train and working with them. But it’s a lifestyle change when you get one, My biggest suggestion to anyone who gets one is socializing them more. The protective instinct is so strong, they can become a liability if not properly socialized. Don’t worry, when it’s time to really protect you they will!

Wise words. I've got a rescue Malinois for pretty much the same reasons as you. And now spend my time teaching calmness, impulse control and how to greet people. He used to think that Joggers, cyclists and anyone that looked like they could be a threat needed to be warned off but that is changing and he's stopped being a liability. Massive commitment but worth it in the long run as they are not like other dogs. Thanks for making the videos.

Telling it like it is. Smart , strong & fearless - Mali’s/Dutchies open a world few dog owners will ever experience. They are brilliant family. Thx for the vid.

Wow man.. this was actually really good! I've enjoyed it :) I have an almost 3 yo Dutch Shepherd / Belgian Malinois mix. He's my first dog and I live in a small appartment. We've had many difficulties in the first year (I had him since he was 8 weeks old). Since he's my first dog I always tried to improve my knowledge about dogs and listened to what people had to say.. But like you realized yourself - most people don't know wtf they're doing with their own "low energy" dogs... what do they know about mals / dutchies.. Then I started listening to myself and SEE and HEAR what my dog actually told me. This was kinda the breakthrough. From then it went straight up... nowadays people keep asking me if I'm a dog trainer or a dog whisperer or something like that and I keep saying "It's the breed, it's the breed". But I've met some people who knew this breed very well (had one themself, law enforcement, breeder, ...) and they told me that it's still very impressive especially once they get to hear that this is my first dog :) I asked a dog trainer once how much exercising or time outside my dog would need everyday and he said something what I think might be very true - at least to a certain extent. It's similar to us humans.. if we're used to work out 2 hours a day / 7 days a week we need longer to get exhausted. If we do only 1 hour a day / 2 days a week - we don't need much time to get exhausted. Similar with dogs. Currently the first time we go out is BEFORE work. Either we go to the nearby park where we exercise or I go for a jog with him. When we exercise he gets a reward for successfully doing whatever I'm currently asking for (searching stuff, doing tricks, ...). The reward for doing the exercise correctly (what makes him mentally tired) is getting to fetch a ball or tugging or anything to make him physically tired.. The second time we go out is AFTER work. Usually to the woods or to a river. We just walk / hike and do stuff every now and then. Other than that I sometimesI go out with him before I go to bed but just around the block to release himself.. but most of the times I don't and that's enough for him.. At home he's sleeping most of the time. They are so freakin' smart.. it's incredible... and they learn soo fast.. and he's so beautiful as well :D ibb.co/cFVxBSD ibb.co/pzCHgg3 that's why even mal owners always look twice when they see my dog ^^

Right now my dutchie is very alert of everything. He does not seem to be aggressive with other dogs. Only time will tell and i run with him every other day. He is 5 months old. He loves to play, and needs a lot of attention.

You did a fine job with this video. It is a definitely a breed for only very dedicated handlers for sure. I've professionally trained dogs my whole life. Here's a tip for the female. She tends to get a little far at times. She's not going anywhere but to tighten her up simply hide from her here and there and make her hunt you down. She'll keep closer eye. I sure love my female D S...Smiles

Great content. Dutchies/mal's aren't for the faint of heart and lazy. Someday I'll get one or a beauceron but I've got to nail in a little more obedience in my gsd first. Also I love Jax and Cinder, they are awesome. The bond you've created with them is evident in your videos. Kudos.

I've been training dogs and their handlers for 4 decades. I agree most people cannot handle this type of dog. I own a Dutch and for a fact in the wrong hands my dog would be a horrible nightmare and wind up being put down. Souly because of inadequate lame handling. It happens enough with regular dogs. Let alone a dogs of this caliber. It takes time and dedication that MUST be put in to have a proper relationship with a real working dog like this. No doubt about it. Your dogs are awesome. Thank you for sharing. Smiles

Actually just saw a sad ad out of Tampa for a five month old mal that simply read something like….”I don’t have time for her.” Please don’t buy/adopt one unless you have a ton of time to dedicate. They deserve good, stable, consistent home lives and training.

Great video! I felt the same way before I was gifted a Dutchie . I did some research on the breed and thought about returning her based on some of the videos I saw. I realized she was just like any other dog with twice the energy level. I take her out for jogs and bike/hike adventures and we practice our basic obedience training.. I have not decided on doing bite work with a pro yet due to the fact we work on it a little at home. I do not need for her to bite. She really enjoys the outdoor adventures and for now we will enjoy that. ❤

Great that you researched what breed would go w your life. Sometimes you can rescue too. I have both one rescue GSD and one I purchased. Both excellent working/protection dogs.

My mal is 16 weeks old. I am an average Joe as well. I am 61 years young. I am not able to go at mach 2 all day any more, but have plenty of time. We are doing fine lots of training for me😀. You are 100% on point! Don't get a working dog if you can't get up off couch. Thanks for sharing your pups are beautiful 😍

Hey my man! "A beat of her own drum" is an understatement lol. I have a purebred 7 month old Dutchie, and although I have an entire percussion section over here he is best decision I've made this year. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy your insight and perspective and love your pups!

Excellent video!!! I've owned 3 GSD's in the past and now have a 3 month old male Malinois pup. Next year I may get a female Dutch Shepherd when I retire. Mals are definitely smarter than GSD'S and require an even firmer hand. But I love their intelligence and their drive...they bring more out of you as a trainer as well.

Groendaelers Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are amazing if raised and trained right my S&R Dutchy is 14y old stil going strong they are pure gold kind confident and protective

My dutchie is stubborn! I adopted her when she was 5yr old, she loves to chance lizards. She is an awesome protector but I am alittle Leary with visitors.

Great video. It is great you mention your dog's energy drive. Every litter has a mix. My male Dutch/Mal is average energy but I spend two hours exercising even if I'm sick or lazy. I owned a high drive Malinois that never napped or rested until eleven years old. He also broke the arm of a professional Malinois dog sitters wife when she yelled at her kid. Now I just do not travel without mine because no one can be trusted.

Great Video! I fell like a lot of people needed to hear that

You said everything the most people should to hear!

You have given us more than what an expert will. I have two KNPV mals and I wont trade them for any dog in the world. Love your channel.

I'm pleased to hear you tell it like it is , I think these dogs are fantastic but I could'nt do one justice and I would say i'm above average about training dogs , in saying that if I had NO other pets I would so have one in a heat beat , especially as im retired and have the time now.

Dutch sheperds,stubborn,but fantastic.

had the same concern about energy level when buying my amstaff, and asked the breeder for the calmest pup. and now i'm just crying, because obviously the dog is less active than me, and sometimes she looks like "oh god why can't you just leave me on the sofa and go wherever you want, pss off pls" :D

I couldn't agree more with what you have said. I think if people just make a little effort in raising their dogs instead of sitting on the couch, they would be able to handle most dogs. I recently got a Ridgeback which are super energetic and he is just an awesome dog because because we devote some time training and allow him to release some energy. Quite often there is this lack of expectation management when it comes to dogs. If you get dog, expect some things will be chewed are even destroyed. But instead people become disappointed and take them to shelters.

Awesome video man everything you said is so real you. I feel like you have a lot more to say about life in general.

Nice video, love the environment and the dogs too! I have a three year old Dutch Shepherd female and it is my first dog ever. This type of dog needs exercise indeed and is certainly a handful the first year. People that don't like to go out of the house should stay away from this breed, unless they have a huge yard. And be aware that DSD don't socialize well with other animals and dogs outside of the pack. For me that is no problem but i know a lot of dog owners like their dogs to play with others. With this breed that surely can be an issue!

They remind me of my babies . My Dutch tries to eat sticks all the time

What a great video... Thank you for being specific with the details. It's very motivating... To stay on your game if you already have one of these breeds. And communicates the details of what it really looks like to be on the more well balanced side of the fence. *Would love to see you do a video of indoor dog mental stimulation if you haven't already done so.

Great video most people can’t handle these breeds it will make them go crazy takes a lot of work and patience for working dog breeds

My first dog ever, 2 years ago, still have her. Belgian Malinois female. We adapted, she adapted. I'm sure a lot a people could criticize me for the same reasons you spoke about. I chose a Malinois because they are hands down in my opinion the "superman of dogs." No dog is as good looking, no comparison. She probably doesnt get as much exercise as she needs. But I do my best, and I do a ton more walks and Hikes than I was doing before. My question: Since your dogs are mixed between Malinois and Dutch does that mean no AKC papers?

I have a dutch shepherd named tigerlily that looks just like your more brindle dog. I got her for free after some folks who adopted her from the pound couldn't handle her. I didnt know about the breed before I got her but we were instantly in love. I only wish she hadn't been fixed.

Thank you for telling like it is👍 I rescue my dogs so I usually get a mixed breed. My current rescue is half lab/ 1/2 mal & very chill until... lol. Her half sister is pit/ mal yet I can only see the pit... & hyper is an understatement 🤣🤣🤣. They are 4 mo old, quick learners & very loving. And yes, my shadows lol. They have a secure back acre to run & play & keep me laughing 😂. I’ve raised pitty , rotti, mastiff, Mastweiler... I love big dogs & yes... they know Mom is the Alpha lololol Great dogs👍💖💖

I love your dogs so much !!!

Great video and advice. Thanks for the quality of the video and for including the scenes with the landscape.

I actually went to a litter of dutch shepherd puppies today and the mother was very lovable and sweet and would come up to me and my family and lick everyone hahaha

Very informative videos, keep up the good work and the videos coming👍

Great video. No bias.

Brilliant content!

My Dutch is a lazy ass lol He loves walks, petsmart, petco and home depot. He loves just looking at everything, people, children, other dogs. He only runs to play if I am. 10 minutes or less and he's done. Then wants to go back inside to continue abusing his stuffed animals and chewing on his bones. I can binge watch netflix because he's so entertained with his toys or sleeping 😂 YES on the velcro dog. Barely had to do any work with him for leash walking.

beautiful dogs

Beautiful dogs

I'm wondering if every Malinois or Dutch Shepherd owner has a medicine cabinet just for their dog with a shelf just for Benadryl... lol

Great vid man awesome dogs. I agree large working type dogs are not for everyone. They need lots of physical and mental stimulation. If you're a lazy slob lol don't get a working breed. I have a German Shepherd and a German Shepherd/ Siberian Husky mix. Training, walks, hiking, free run, they need this every day some combo no less than a 2 to 4 hours of daily exercise.

We did the same, picking the least active dog (we had the last one so we we're lucky) On the other hand, because it was last in his pack he got other issues like food agression.

Great sound advice.

do you ever worry about hikers or random ppl walking up not knowing your dogs are around and being attacked?

Your dogs are gorgeous

Great video. Great information

They make great pet's but it's true 90% of people or more can't really handle that dog People won't have the patience and they would end up in shelters as a lover I know you wouldn't want 🐕‍🦺🐕

I'M IN UTAH AND WHERE CAN I FIND A GOOD BREEDER MY FRIEND? LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!

Not sure about Utah but in Florida a home burglar can sue and win even if bit while robbing the place. I don't own $50k in items so I had to train them to only bite if I'm threatened and ignore strangers otherwise. Plus lots of dog signs.

Excellent information. Watched this for advice. You had a Malamute! Perfect comparison for me. I have had three. The next dog I want is going to be a hiking buddy. My Malamute's were awesome as hiking dogs but their wandering, "selective" hearing and gender aggressiveness made training them for this purpose more challenging, so I was looking for other options. I grew up with GSDs but their health issues concern me. I hike in the Northeast, so wildlife encounters aren't as great a concern, but still coy-wolves are all over the place and so I was concerned that labs might be too friendly to be a deterrent. Otherwise, i really do not need a protection dog. Malinois seems a bit too wired, Dobies perhaps a bit too much on guard, but the Dutchie looks interesting. In addition to the Dutchie, what other dogs did you see as options?

Your dogs will not protect your home as you suggest, Unless its been trained to do so. That's a big misconception, that just because you have a Dutchie or Shepard its knows how to protect. I have a true protection dog (Mal) that is well Mannered and anyone can walk up to him and pet him. He knows the difference between a threat and a nonthreat, trust me. All Dogs should/must be social. These are amazing dogs and are capable of learning anything, if you/owners would just take the time to unlock their potential.

Were either of the grandparents from Uintah County? I live in utah as well. I am picking up a Mali Dutchie next weekend.

I love these dogs. How would they react if they ran into another hiker ahead of you?

Hello, me and Hubby are getting our Dutch Shepherd baby in a few weeks, we've been reading tons of conflicting things regarding their diet. I was wondering if you can tell me what you feed them on a day to day? Thanks!

Im looking for another dog. I have a male American dingo or Carolina Dog now that makes me the center of his world and that makes training and playing very easy he never runs off always right near me. He does have some traits I don't like. He is very skittish and does nip. The nipping could be me but the skittish part I have worked very hard to help him thinking if we can get his confidence where it should be the nipping will go away. I got him at 8 weeks he is now three years. He is kennel trained and very protective. He does have four owners and this has made training difficult, yes an 11year old son and a 14 year old daughter can undo the best training in under five minutes. The kids are learning and the dog loves them. Would there be trouble between these two dog breeds?

one question for you man! are they fixed? or how do you manage that situation? lol I just got the female and she is a puppy at the moment but not sure what I am gonna do latter lol

Do you think they are easier to handle than a working line German shepherd?

well . I have a Dutch ...and he's a couch potato !! lolll

I have owned three GSD and really loved them. How is this breed with children? I have two grandkids 4 and 6 years old. Thanks for the help.

Do you feed them raw foods? Beautiful dogs.

Thanks for this. I am leaning towards DS or BMs. I want the challenge, my lifestyle is active and we have a 10 acre property to work the dogs on and help to provide security. My question is whether to get them from a reputable breeder as pups or trained adults? So much info on imprinting and the pros and cons. We are hoping to pair a DS with a GS and just not sure about choosing sex in order to increase compatibility. How do your DS handle driving to places? Wifey and I like to overland which would be hours on the road, how would you treat a situation like that? Also, for security - would the DS have separation anxiety if you leave the house to run an errand that takes 1-2 hours? Thanks.

They defiantly are not for the average person!! Especially for a first time dog owner

Where did you get your dogs?

Over the years I’ve had high drive Border Collies & Rotties, one or two of which were taught PP. I’m now without a dog and considering getting a Dutch Shepherd, rather than a Collie and from what I’ve seen Dutch Shepherds are similar to Border Collies in terms of energy levels and intelligence, but at a higher level of innate protection, but is that all? Thanks. Mike

They are nutcase annoying, one of mine runs off occasionally but a the other Rex is like glue

Where did you find their litter?

What do you feed them?

Harika bişey bunlar

GOOD Looking PAL,S 💣💥🖒🤘🤘👍👍🤘🤘🤘🤘 I have a deer Chihuahua Malinois Shepherd she 15 lbs, lot's of energy & intelligence, I take good care of her cut her hair, clean her ears, brunch her teeth, trim her nails bathing 3 times a month, her diet is boiled chicken lean turkey brown rice boiled beef hard boiled eggs and her favorite salmon fillet 9 years old but she acts like she's too

"These dogs are great, IF... (long list starting with "Don't have a life")"

awesome video dude!!! Thanks :) Do you think i can own a Dutch Shepherd living in a apartment? I live in the city work full time wife full time kids soon What ya opinion ? Thanks :)

How much do they weigh?

I mean a dutch shepherd is just like a mal with a brindle color HAHAHAHAHA

GREAT VIDIO WHERE IS THIS TAKEN?

Me and my Mrs have just got a Dutchxgerman shepherd any tips on training when we get him

Will you ever breed your dogs I’m looking for a pup with a lot of drive

X dutches

You say your dogs are skittish, but are protective. That's not how it works. Skittish dogs aren't protection dogs. If I stomp my foot, they'll turn and run. My neighbors love my protection dog. Even their 4yr old.

😭 Im scared to buy a dutch shepherd and when I release it, It escapes :( shall I get one its my fav breed

not dutch sherpherd