When the average person thinks of a police dog, they picture a German Shepherd.  Unfortunately this is something that is about to change in Germany.  German police have decided to replace the German Shepherd with the more aggressive Belgian shepherd.  This breed is called the Malinois.

Many people believe that bad breeding has led the breed to become sickly and placid.  Experts argue that the dogs had hip and spinal problems which make their work as police dogs more difficult.  They also compare the modern day German Shepherd to the lethargic St. Bernard.



Breeders are divided as to what makes a good German Shepherd.  Some want to see the breed standard return to what it was many years ago.  In the past this breed had a slim and wiry body.  They also had very straight backs.  Others are happy with the current breed standards.  It is important to note that approximately 50% of modern dogs are overweight regardless of their breed and size.  Due to this it is easy to categorize them as lazy and "placid".



Regardless of whether or not the breed standard needs to change, the German Shepherd has many qualities that make them great police dogs.  Some of these qualities include reliability, stamina, loyalty and courage.  In fact these qualities were why the breed was chosen as police dogs in the first place.  Whether or not the Malinois will do well in this role remains to be seen.  Police officers in Germany have high hopes for the breed as they believe it is easier to train than the German Shepherd.