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Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is recognized in the United States under the name Belgian Malinois. They are a medium-sized dog that is from the sheepdog family. They are hard-working, intelligent and obedient. This dog needs to be properly trained from a young age. Abusive, harsh or overly permissive training may result in a dog without the proper attitudes and because of its size and aggressiveness may harm people or other creatures. This is a working dog for an experienced dog owner. They should not be locked up in a kennel because they prefer to be part of the family. This breed has a lot of energy and needs plenty of exercise in order to stay out of trouble. They generally get along well with children, but are dominant towards other dogs.
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| Interesting Facts: |
| Temperament: | The Belgian Malinois is a serious obedient dog that can be protective and have territorial instincts. This breed needs socialization at an early age and firm training from an experienced master. They are often used as police or guard dogs but make great family pets. They are loyal, alert and love companionship. |
| Size: | Height: 24-26 inches
Weight: 55-65 lbs. |
| Living Conditions: | This breed is moderately active indoors and will do okay in a small living space if given appropriate exercise. They prefer cool climates. They can live outdoors, but prefer to be around people. |
| Origin | In the United States, Germany and other European countries, the Malinois is bred primarily as a working dog for protection, bomb and drug detection and police work. This is not only because they can be aggressive when they need to be but also because they are fast learners of new tricks. Most police forces have switched to Malinois in favor of all other breeds due to the breed\'s intense \"prey drive\". The Malinois is unmatched in terms of toughness and focus, and is not a dog recommended for inexperienced or even \"average\" dog owners. |
| Health Issues: | This hardy breed has no major health problems. Some minor concerns are skin allergies, eye problems, excessive shyness, excessive aggressiveness and occassional hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. |
| Exercise | They are accustomed to an active outdoor lifestyle. They need plenty of exercise, mainly off the leash in a safe enclosed area. |
| Grooming | The coat is easy to groom and maintain. Brush regularly with a frim bristle brush and bathe only if necessary. They are a light constant shedder, but shed heavily twice a year. |
| Life Expectancy: | About 12-14 years |
| Average Cost | |
| Recognition: | |
| Where To Buy?: | Find a list of dog breeders >> |
| Pet Supplies: | Find the hottest dog supplies >> |
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Malinois can vary greatly in appearance. Most Malinois with a fawn coat will have white patches on the paws and chest. Darker Malinois do not generally share this trait. The standard for Belgian Malinois frequently uses the word "square" to describe the breed. The dog\'s body is about at long as its tail. This breed is muscular and solid, but not heavy. The small, dark almond-shaped eyes have an alert and questioning expression. They have a pointy muzzle, equilateral triangle ears and a flat skull. This versatile dog excels in many areas: tracking, agility, obedience, protection, search and rescue, hearding, and pulling sleds or carts. This dog may not be for everyone but makes an excellent family pet if socialized and trained properly.
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