Belgian Malinois
AKA: Belgian Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge, Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder (Mechelse Schelper)
Description: The Belgian Malinois is one of the four Belgian shepherd dogs that originated in Belgium. It is a squarely muscular dog that is well-proportioned and agile. The chest is deep and reaches to the elbow. The front legs are straight and dewclaws may be removed. As for the hind legs, dewclaws has to be removed.
The neck has longer hair compared to the rest of the body, forming a collar around it. Th Malinois also has small dark almond-shaped eyes and triangular ears that stand erect. The skull is flat, the nose black, and the teeth meets in a scissors or level bite.
Dynamics: The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. Like the other Belgian Sheepdogs, it is watchful and has serious and strong protective and territorial instincts. It needs patient and extensive training. The training should not be harsh because the Malinois will become uncooperative in this case.
The Malinois has to be socialized from puppyhood to get along well with children and other animals. Take special care in introducing it with noncanine animals. They are loyal, alert, and instinctively protective, which can make it dominant over other dogs. If left alone, the Malinois will find some ways to amuse itself. It has a lot of energy and may sometimes show herding behavior by chasing and circling around.
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 55-65 lbs (24-29 kg)
Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Color: The Malinois’ coat ranges from fawn, red, mahogany, and black, and has black tips, mask, and ears. Some white can sometimes be seen on the chest and feet.
Country of Origin: The Belgian Malinois originated from Belgium and is named after the Belgian city of Malines.
Grooming: Grooming the Malinois is easy because its hair is short. Brush regularly with a bristle brush and bathe only when necessary.
Activities: The Malinois is a working dog with lots of energy. It is used to an activ outdoor life so it needs to have plenty of exercise. It also prefers to be off a leash and run free. Presently, the Belgian Malinois is used at tracking, guarding and protection, narcotics and bomb detection, search and rescue, herding, and pulling sleds or carts.
Other Info: The Malinois has a life expectancy of 12-14 years. It has no major health concerns although it is still prone to skin allergies, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Excessive shyness or excessive aggressiveness is not good for the Malinois too.
The Belgian Malinois will do okay in an apartment but it has to be sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors from time to time. This breed prefers cool climates but can adapt to others.
