Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Shepherd is a large light-weight herding dog often found in agricultural and police work, rather than simply being a pet. With a history that dates back hundreds of years, the breed has an incredibly strong drive to work. They are highly intelligent with boundless energy and requires an active owner who will keep it engaged to avoid boredom.

Belgian Shepherds often develop strong relationships with their owners and can be very sensitive to emotional stress. However, some Belgian Shepherds may also have a tendency to try and dominate humans, which is why the breed is not generally recommended for novice dog owners. The breed of Belgian Shepherd is typically known as a guardian dog who displays defensive behavior when it or its family members are threatened in any way.

The Belgian Shepherd is actually four different dogs, all of which have very distinct outward appearances. These include the Laekenois, Malinois, Sheepdog, and Tervuren. In fact, many parts of the world consider them to be separate breeds entirely. Even though they vary in their coat type and coloration, they share similar physical traits and temperaments.

Belgian Shepherds are high-maintenance dogs that need a lot of exercise and regular grooming. They are also prone to hereditary health problems, so it’s important to study the family history before buying a puppy. The average life expectancy for Belgian Shepherds is 10 to 12 years.

The Belgian Malinois is a confident dog breed that is intelligent and easily trained. They make great watch and guard dogs but are also active and energetic. This energy makes them excel in search and rescue missions or agility courses – pretty much anything you can teach him!

The Belgian Malinois is a herding dog breed that originates from the town of Malines in Belgium. He is often mistaken for a small German Shepherd due to his fawn-colored coat and black mask, but he is distinct breed. The four herding breeds of Belgium vary by color and coat type, with the short-haired Malinois being one variety. In addition to having a protective personality, the medium-size dog has proven successful at police work.

The Malinois is an intelligent dog that will respond best to early socialization and training. They have a rapid learning ability and are very driven, so it is important to be consistent with your approach. Be firm but fair, and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards. Malinois can be either aloof or outgoing, but he should never show fearfulness, shyness, or aggression. He is a great watchdog and has the potential to be protective if the situation calls for it.

Although the Malinois can be accepting of children if he is raised with them, keep in mind that he is a herding breed and may have the instinct to chase or nip at small children. A family with older kids who know how to treat him respectfully would be best for this breed of dog. Some Malinois dogs get along well with cats, while others may not be due to their prey drive. If they are raised together though, there is a higher chance they will become friends.

The Belgian Malinois can be aggressive with other animals, including dogs, that he isn’t familiar with. If your home has a yard, it’s important to enclosure it securely with a fence in order to prevent the dog from leaving as well as stop other dogs from coming onto the property. This is an indoor/outdoor breed of dog though and while they should have access to a secure outdoor space, they should also spend time indoors with their family when present. The best owner for this type of dog is someone experienced.

The Belgian Malinois has a short coat that only needs to be brushed weekly. However, he does shed and you may need to brush him more frequently during those times to control the amount of loose hair floating around. His nails will also need to be trimmed as needed, and his ears should be kept clean and dry in order avoid infection. Also, strong dental hygiene is very important for this breed of dog.

  • Group AKC Herding
  • Origin Belgium
  • Size Large
  • Weight 70 to 84 pounds
  • Coat Length Short
  • Coat Type Smooth
  • Colors Fawn, Fawn Sable, Mahogany, Red, Red Sable
  • Other Names Chien De Berger, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder, Mechelse Scheper, Pastor Belga Malinois
  • Temperament Active, Alert, Confident, Friendly, Hard Working, Protective, Stubborn, Watchful

Breed Characteristics

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