The German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois look alike and often work just as hard, but on a smooth floor they have different needs. The German Shepherd is more heavily built and prone to hip issues, the Malinois is lighter but just as active. Dog socks give both breeds grip, only the right size turns out differently. In this guide you will read which size fits which type of shepherd.

The German Shepherd: a breed that often struggles with its hips

Hip dysplasia shows up remarkably often in German Shepherds. Arthritis tends to follow not long after. Every time your dog slides in the hallway or the kitchen, extra pressure lands right on those joints.

Grip under the paws prevents those slips and lets your dog move with more confidence, even once they are a bit stiffer. Notice your Shepherd hesitating before stepping onto the smooth floor? That is often already a sign. Read more in our guide on hip dysplasia at home.

What size dog sock for a German Shepherd?

Most adult German Shepherds wear size XL. Males from a working line regularly sit at the top of that size, while a lighter female sometimes still fits L.

Do not go by the breed alone, measure the paw width with the size calculator. That way you know within 30 seconds which size fits your dog, whether it is a show line or a working line.

The Belgian Malinois: lighter build, just as active

A Belgian Malinois weighs less on average than a German Shepherd and has a more compact, athletic build. Still, that is no reason to skip the socks: this breed runs, jumps and turns extremely fast, on any type of floor.

Most Malinois wear size L. Working-line dogs, the type you often see with police or sport handlers, tend to have a broader paw than show-line dogs and therefore lean toward the top of L or even into XL. Not sure? Always measure yourself, the difference between the two lines is not always visible to the eye.

Getting your shepherd used to the socks

Shepherds are smart and learn fast, which usually makes getting used to socks go smoothly. Start indoors with a few calm minutes, reward with a treat and build up the time a little each day.

Adjust the hook-and-loop strap snug but not tight. With an active shepherd that moves a lot, it pays to check the sock again after a few days and tighten it slightly if needed.

Conclusion: grip for both types of shepherd

The German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois both deserve grip, but not the same size. Measure the paw width, factor in working line versus show line, and go for XL for most German Shepherds or L for most Malinois.

Ready to get started? Check out the anti-slip dog socks from Dog Socky and measure your shepherd's paw first.

Frequently asked questions

What size dog sock does a German Shepherd need?

Most German Shepherds wear size XL. Measure the paw width with the size calculator, since males from a working line often sit at the top of that size.

Is a Belgian Malinois the same size as a German Shepherd?

Usually not. A Belgian Malinois typically wears size L, while the heavier German Shepherd usually needs XL. Working-line dogs with a broad paw can sometimes be the exception.

Do socks help a shepherd with hip dysplasia?

They give more grip, so your dog slides less and puts less extra strain on the joints. Socks are an aid for walking, not a treatment. For diagnosis and therapy your vet remains your point of contact.