German Shepherd Has A Quirky Way Of Walking And It's Leaving Everyone In Stitches
Often, when you think of a German shepherd you think of a strong, assertive dog breed that's associated with protection and compliance. But in the social media age, that image is mellowing based on the myriad of real-life stories shared of German shepherds being big ol' softies, like this GSD who needs a stuffie to guard the house. Or, how about this one we recently found on TikTok, who's a "100% weirdo" because of the quirky way she walks. You have to see it to believe it!
@lalalalauren4 We have always had German shepherds.... Everyone in my family & most of my extended have one.... She is definitely one of a kind #germanshepherd #dogsoftiktok #gsd #funnydog
The short clip shows the all-black German shepherd turning around and awkwardly walking backwards a couple of times, in which the original poster gives no concrete explanation, except that this dog is "one of a kind." The content creator also reveals in the video that they thought the dog was a Belgian Malinois rather than a German shepherd for several years, until they had a DNA test done that confirmed she is "100% German shepherd ... 6+ lines deep." Hey, we get it, she's just a pup who feels the need to walk in reverse sometimes!
Difference between a German shepherd and a Belgian Malinois
German shepherds and Belgian Malinois are both intelligent, loyal, and highly capable herding dogs that share a very similar appearance. However, the Malinois is smaller, leaner, and more athletic (typically weighing 40 to 80 pounds) while the German shepherd is larger, sturdier, and has a more powerful build (weighing 50 to 90 pounds).
In general, German shepherds are considered an easier fit for family life, with the biggest difference between the breeds being energy level. Malinois have an intense drive, speed, and constant need for activity, which means they thrive on having a job to do and usually require several hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Meanwhile, GSDs are similarly active, protective, and highly trainable, but they tend to be a little more relaxed and adaptable, having an easier time settling down after being alert.
Overall, a Malinois demands more time, training, and activity, while a German shepherd is often a more versatile choice for a family companion. As with any and all dogs, though, each individual animal is different, with training, socialization, and genetics all playing a role in a dog's personality and behavior. So, whether you choose a German shepherd or a Belgian Malinois, success ultimately comes down to finding a pet whose needs and energy level match your lifestyle.