Belgian Malinois
Posted on 21. May, 2009 by admin in Belgian Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds B, Herding Dogs, Short Coat Dog Breeds, Straight Coat Dog Breeds
The Belgian Malinois is named after the Belgian city of Malines. This dog is one of the four Belgian sheepdog breeds (the Malinois, the Laekenois, the Groenendael and the Tervuren). Those four breeds are considered, in most parts of the world, as the same breed, but have been recognized (except for the Laekenois) in America in 1959 by the AKC.
The Malinois is rare in America, but very popular in Belgium. The Groenendael and the Tervuren are now more used as companions while the Laekenois and the Malinois are used as guard dogs.
Breed Group
Herding
Size
Male: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches
Weight
Male: 55-65 lbs
Female: 55-65 lbs
Color(s)
The basic color of the Belgian Malinois ranges from fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs. The tips of the toes can be white and a small white spot can appear on the chest. The mask and the ears are black. The tail, the breeches and underparts of the body are lighter.
Coat
The coat of the Belgian Malinois is short, straight, and weather resistant with a dense undercoat. The coat is very short on the ears, the head and the lower legs, but longer around the neck, tail and on the back of thighs.
Life Expectancy
About 12 – 14 years.
Personality
The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog that makes a great police dog. These dogs are watchful, alert and loyal with strong protective and territorial instincts. They make great guard dogs and are good for working and competition obedience.
This breed tends to be serious, shy and sensitive. Good with children, they make great family pets; they need to be part of the family and can’t be left alone all day or they will find ways to entertain themselves. The Malinois always needs to do a job and may display herding behaviors like nipping the people’s heels or circling etc.
Care
The Malinois is a very healthy breed, however, skin allergies, eye problems, and hip and elbow dysplasia are sometimes seen in these dogs.
The Malinois is a constant shedder and should be brushed regularly. An extra care should be taken twice a year, when the dog is heavily shedding.
Training
The Malinois needs a firm training, but may never be treated harshly or it will become uncooperative. Because of its high protective instinct, it should be well socialized at a young age.
Activity
This is a very energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash.
10 Responses to “Belgian Malinois”
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Matt: We had our Papillon X doing a whole routine when s...
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hay hay: hello i have an itialian hreyhound.Her name is Be...
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Lilly: We also have one of these wonderful dogs! I stoppe...
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ghernan2: My rescue schnauzer, Charlie, is the best in the w...
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melasia: your dog is so so so cute and sounds friendly tooi...
mike losey
15. Feb, 2010
hello i have this exact puppy. he is very playful at 9 weeks. he is a puppy i realize but seems to show his teeth and aggressiveness alot he only wants to behave when im cooking he seems to snap at me alot especially when im trying to love on him. is this normal? also i have two pit bulls that mainly stay outside but they are seven months old im trying to get them aquainted they come inside on accassions they play with each other right now but smokey my belgian is not intimaded by the pits hes more aggressive with them. do i need to be concerned with the two different breeds? will smokey be more calm as he gets older?
rodney
15. Oct, 2010
they do not need to play with each other at all if you are concerned you all ready have the anser you must be trained to under stand the dog you have
Scott
04. Nov, 2010
I have a 10 month old malinois. He will show his teeth when being disciplined for something he did wrong. Although this is a sign of agression he has never snapped or tried to bite anyone. This is an aggressive breed to begin with. The fact that he will snap at you shows that he thinks your his equal at best. You MUST assert yourself as the dominant one. Socialization will get better with age. Our boy doesnt have any problems with other dogs.
Roxie
21. Jan, 2011
Mine Malinois was horrible with people and other dogs they are a very dominate breed.
rebecca
06. Feb, 2011
my malinois is the most gentle affectionate dog in the entire world. he did seem to be more aggressive and dominant as a puppy, but once he hit 1 year all that stopped. they need constant love, and socialization. they are very sweet! truly
Norm
18. Feb, 2011
We breed Mal’s and we loving refer to them as little Baracuda’s when they are in the puppy stage. Love to play, romp and are constantly in motion. Just hang in there and be consistent consistent consistent. He will come around. Mal’s are not like other breeds and can’t be judged by other experiences you’ve had with other pups. These are exceedingly great dogs and will protect you and your property.
bananagrl
04. Mar, 2011
well, you never know. mainly they are used in the army, along with german shepards. and they are used for heardkng sheep, so it has most likely been passed down from dog to dog. give him lots of love and affection, and he’ll come around.
TL
18. May, 2011
Walk your Malinois daily or more. Being on the leash reinforces his position under you. Be sure he heels; a gentle leader will accomplish this. They are extremely, unceasingly curious. So either you’re guiding his development or he’s going to pick it up elsewhere. At six, mine is well-behaved but is still prone to learning bad habits from other other dogs he stays with (shoe chewing, etc). He reverts to a good dog again when I get him back into the exercise routine.
Sarah Pfingsten
12. Jul, 2011
We have a Belgian Malinois named Sheba who is 15 months old.We got here at 8 weeks old and my son did most of the training .It was a difficult job to train as Sheba is highly intelligent,but can be stubborn However she will do anything for treats!!!!Of course,as a puppy she loved to chew and mostly on my arm or hand.As she grew older all this has been resolved,and she is such a loving joy to our family. She is very active and needs lots of active playtime!!! We are so thankful to have her in our lives,but training must be consistent and firm,but not harsh!! She has been very good with strangers and children .July 12,2011
karina
12. Jan, 2012
We have this breed of puppy. He is 4 months old. We r keeping him inside. He is great and was easy to house train. We take him everywhere we go (loves car rides). He is very playful outside but when he comes in the house its if he knows to be calm. January 12, 2012