I am an owner of both GSD's and Belgian Malinois- learn about the breeds before you buy- and ask a lot of questions. Know if you are getting a working line, show line, or pet quality- more importantly know what you want, what you want to do with your dog, and what YOU both expect from your dog.If you want to get into a
sport, talk to local club members first and see who they might recommend.If it is just for PP, some Belgians can be nervy, others headstrong. If you are just going for a look of a PP dog, some of the Belgians are small-some people will tell you, it looks like a german shepherd, but a lot of the time, they don't bring up the same kind of reserve to an intruder a GSD,APB,Rottie etc would. The dog world is small- most everyone has heard of or knows of someone- especially if it was something not so good-so ask. I love the mals, but is your wife ready for the energy and commitment needed in training- for any dog, especially a Belgian. Nothing against GSD's, as I said I have 5, love them, and will have more in the future- but I personally call them a perfect starter package- and the Belgians are for those who have had experience with dogs, as I term them as GSD's on crack.....of course not every GSD, or Belgian fits this criteria- so be sure you are dealing with someone reputable and they know what you are looking for. Also get the history- any medical problems, hip issues, etc....
as far as insurances- some do discriminate against some of the large working breeds- just shows how much these people that make rules Don't know...the little yappers, usually bite more, just not as intense.
good luck, do your homework, and then all of you will be much happier, you,your wife,and most importantly you will be happier with the dog. Mo
