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| Belgian Malinois |
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The smooth coated Malinois boasts a popular following among those devoted to a true working breed. Without the glamour of the lush black or lustrous amber coat of the Sheepdog and Tervuren, the Malinois seems almost plain but for those who spend time working and not grooming, that is ideal. Time spent with a Malinois either makes you a better trainer or makes you realize you need to find another direction in life as the dogs will quickly out think the average trainer (or worse) and learn things you never imagined but things that can be quickly pointed out by a more experienced trainer that understands well how the minds of these canine geniuses work. If the Malinois is the right choice for you, be sure to check out rescue. The good looking boy on the profile was a rescue looking for a home recently! |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Herding |
Height: 22-26 inches |
| Weight: 45-70 pounds |
Longevity: midteens |
| Colors: fawn to mahoghany with black tips, black mask and ears, white accepted in minimal amounts |
Coat type: smooth |
| Recognized Registries: NCA, AKC, FCI, UKC |
| Overall Appearance: A sleek elegant worker of intensity and power. Moderate in size and bone to provide the maximum in agility and speed. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate to high |
| General Nature: |
loyal, attentive, hardworking and affable |
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with Children: generally excellent if properly handled |
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with other pets: varies, some are poor with smaller animals |
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with dogs: generally good |
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| Socialization requirements: moderate to high |
| Ideal home characteristics: One the understands the demands of a dog with a strong work ethic. |
| Temperament Notes: sensitive and attentive, the breed requires ongoing work to keep them stimulated and confident |
| Training requirement: moderate to high; socialization, manners and ongoing work in some discipline of interest |
| Trainer notes: Like the other Belgian Shepherd breeds, the Malinois is quick to learn (and with an easy to manage coat too boot) perhaps that is why it is one of the most popular choices for military, police and other such applications. In addition to learning quickly, the dogs seem to have a drive to work, an excellent combination for a career drug, bomb sniffing or SAR dog which number among the popular applications of this breed. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1885 with birth of the sire of the breed |
| Country of Origin: Belgium |
| Original Function: herding |
| History: Descending from Vos I all the Belgian Shepherd |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: |
| Health Notes: hips dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy, eye issues, thyroid problems |
| Health Testing: OFA, CERF and Thyroid panel |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
- How long have you had Belgian Malinois?
- Why do you have Malinois (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Belgian Malinois?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Belgian Malinois?
How would you describe the ideal Belgian Malinois home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Belgian Malinois? |
| Web Sites: http://www.breedclub.org/malrescue.htm- Malinois available for adoption and other rescue information |
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| Other Resources |
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