Taigan vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Taigan vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium but Taigan is originated from Kyrgyzstan. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Taigan. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Taigan are of same weight. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Taigan has almost same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Taigan has almost same litter size. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Taigan requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Belgium
Kyrgyzstan
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
55 - 82 cm
21 - 33 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
55 - 82 cm
21 - 33 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Kyrgyzdyn Taighany
Colors Available:
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
grey or yellow - bi-colored, Cream, black and white, brown
Coat:
short and dense
Medium length, wavy or curly
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

belgian shepherd dog malinoisThe Belgian Malinois is one of 4 Belgian Shepherd varieties. The dogs were developed- and hail from Belguim. The Malinois has a short, fawn colored coat. The American Kennel Club recognizes that the Malinois is a separate breed from the other 3 varieties. It was in 1892 that Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, recognizing 3 varieties – dogs with short coats, dogs with long coats and dogs with rough coats.

Today's Malinois goes back to a breeding pair owned by Adrien Janssens. It was in 1885 that he bought a fawn, rough-haired dog, breeding the dog with a short-haired dog named Lise de Laeken. After other breedings, the two dogs were recognized as ancestors of the modern Belgian Shepherd Dogs.

The city of Malines formed a club for the promotion of these fawn short hairs and the name Malinois became synonymous with them. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club received AKC parent club status.

taiganKnown also as the Kyrgyzdyn Taighany, the Taigan is a sighthound dog from Kyrgyzstan. Today the dog is recognized by a number of kennel clubs,and more recently by the FCI.

It was after 1991, when Kyrgyzstan became independent, that the role of the dog changed and t became a working dog again.

It was about in 1995 that a new breed standard was adopted, and since 2005 a national kennel club has existed in Kyrgyzstan.

Description

Similarities to German Shepherd

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppy - descriptionThe Malinois is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog. People sometimes mistake them for the German Shepherd as they are fairly similar to look at. The Malinois however is a smaller, lighter boned dog with naturally upright ears and a black-masked face. He is shorthaired and fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, although other colors are brown or red too. He is an intelligent and active dog, always having been used for herding-, police- and rescue work.

Reserved or Friendly

You’ll find the Malinois somewhat unpredictable as some are friendly and confident while other can be shy and withdrawn around strangers. This is a dog who loves to be around his human family, but to bring out the best in him, training and socialization classes will be necessary. Well-socialized Malinois are always good with children and other pets, more so if they’ve been raised with them.

taigan puppy - descriptionThe Taigan is a large dog, looking much like a Grehound. He stands at between 55 and 82cm in height and weighs about 25 - 34kg.

He has that typical slender body and slender head of the greyhound. The coat of the dog is medium length and somewhat curly and can be many colours, sometimes even bi-colored – cream, black and white, brown, grey or yellow.

During the Winter the coat can become long and thick. The ears are floppy and covered with wavy fur. The tail is long and a distinguishing mark of the dog is the way the end of the tail coils up into a ring.

These dogs can’t be kept in small city properties – they are used to wide open spaces.

Temperament:

An intelligent breed, the Taigan will readily learn some basic commands to make him well mannered and obedient. He is strong willed and independent, so it will be beneficial to have him trained.

He also makes a good watchdog. He is an even-tempered dog and he enjoys human companionship although he is somewhat reserved with strangers. Even so, he will still need a strong, firm owner as he is strong-willed and independent and likes to go his own way.

He is able to get along well with children in the home and other pets. Being a fairly large dog, and one that likes to run, he is better suited to large properties in the countryside as opposed to living in the city.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog malinois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Malinois makes a wonderful guard dog and he works hard to ensure that his human family, whom he adores, are well protected under his watch. They’re such intelligent dogs too that you may feel inclined to pass over some of your chores to him.

He responds well to training, and to get the best from this breed, start with training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Socialization is excellent as it introduces your puppy to different people, animals as well as situations.

He is an adaptable dog and can live in an apartment if he is well exercised. He can be your devoted and loyal friend for a good number of years but you will have to do your part in providing him with the best care possible.

taigan dog - characteristicsTaigans are energetic dogs and they want a lot of activity. They’re good watchdogs too and are gentle with children.

They’re intelligent and independent and also strong willed. They’re fearless, calm, balanced, loving and loyal and capable of being an excellent pet and companion.

Health Problems

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppies - health problemsBelgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs. However every dog, regardless of breed, can pick up illnesses, and it is always wise to be aware of some of the diseases your Malinois might face.

Hip Dysplasia

An inherited condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Dental problems

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to remove tartar build-up. Too much plague leads to inflamed gums, bad breath, pus inside the mouth and even loss of teeth.

taigan puppies - health problemsAny dog, no matter how healthy they may appear to be, can encounter any one of the many common dog illnesses there are. It is highly unlikely that your Taigan will experience these health issues but it’s good to be aware of some of them -

Bone Cancer:

Also known as osteosarcoma, bone cancer is more commonly seen in large dogs of any breed. It’s a cancer which spreads rapidly through the body and it is terribly sad that the prognosis for your dog is poor.

You might notice swelling, joint pain and lameness and your dog will appear to always be tired. Sometimes you might see a growth. Your vet might do x-rays and if you catch it early, you can give your pet a longer lease on life.

Caring The Pet

Regular Brushing as he’s a Shedder

belgian shepherd dog malinois dogs - caringBecause the Malinois is a constant shedder, with a couple of heavy shedding periods during the year, you’ll need to be conscientious with his grooming and brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to give his thick coat a glossy, healthy look to it.

Exercise

Because of their high energy, Malinois aren’t recommended for couch-potato type owners. It will be cruel to buy such a dog and to leave him to waste away with boredom and frustration in your back yard. He’ll want lots of rough and tumble, ball games, runs in the park or in the country and long walks.

Feeding

Belgian Shepherd Malinois puppies are vulnerable when they’re tiny, and it would be wise to speak to your vet about superb nutrition to build up a puppy’s immune system.

An excellent way to ensure the health of your growing Malinois is to give him a home prepared meals along with commercially manufactured food recommended by your vet. You can’t just put a bowl of commercially manufactured dog food in front of him day after day month after month.

Apart from what your vet recommends, give him some brown rice, some cooked vegetables and some raw meat. Raw meat will ensure he can fight of skin infections. The age of the dog, emotional state and environmental influences can all play a role in skin diseases with dogs, but by ensuring some raw meat in his diet, the immune system is strengthened and skin disorders are eliminated. Always ensure a steady supply of fresh water.

The Taigan is a large slender dog and you want to keep him that way.

Diet:

taigan dogs - caringIf you feed him one of the commercially manufactured dog foods, make sure its for a large, active dog breed and that it has a good list of ingredients. There are bad packaged dog foods and you want to avoid these. They are devoid of vitamins and minerals.

Read the packaging to see how much food to give. Also try and give your dog some home-made food too. Make sure it isn’t spicy, exotic foods. Stick to simple, wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. Chop the food up and mix it into the dry kibble twice a week or so as a treat.

Also try and include some raw meat in occasionally.

Never leave your pet without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a dry, peaceful place to sleep.

Get him to the vet if he is showing signs of sickness.

Give him a good dose of exercise – walks, hikes, runs, ball games etc.

See that his vaccines are up to date.

Have him or her neutered or spayed to avoid unwanted puppies.

If you bring a dog into your family, provide it with love and attention.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison