Belgian
Shepherds
types share common ancestors.
As breeders
selected coat types, they founded the base
stock for the modern Belgian
sheepherding dogs.
Three
types took names from the area in which they developed.
Thus the Parc du
Laeken section of
and the
and the town of
The Groenendael got its name from Chateau Groenendael,
a restaurant owned by breeder Nicolas Rose.
Today
they serve as police dogs, search and
rescue aides, sentries, guardians,
and leader dogs for the blind. They also excel in
schutzhund, agility,
obedience, and flyball competition.
They have also retained the herding
instinct and compete in herding tests and trials.
They do
not do well without work and need something to be busy with.
Belgian Shepherd Malinois work best when they are given positive reinforcement that enhances and strengthens the bond between owner and dog. They are easily trained but like most
highly intelligent breeds, they need
consistent training and firm handling to establish leadership. Firm
handling is
not the same as harsh correction or punishment;
Belgians treated to tough
training methods may become fear-biters.
Malinois to work in any of the dog
sport/police service or
protection areas you will need to purchase the dog from working
bloodlines.
|
belgian shepherd malinois |
Description |
The
standard for the Belgian Malinois frequently uses the word "square" to
describe the breed, as the dog's body is about as long as it is tall.
The elegant Malinois is a muscular dog but not heavy, solid but very
agile, with a proud carriage. The topline is level with a slight slope
at the withers. The chest is neither broad nor narrow, but is deep,
reaching to the elbow. The hindquarters are muscular, without looking
heavy. The front legs are very straight and parallel to each other,
with round cat-feet. Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs and
should be removed from the back legs. The long tail reaches at least to
the hock. The short-haired coat is fawn to red to mahogany with black
tips, mask, and ears and a thick undercoat. Some white is allowed on
the chest and feet. The hair around the neck is a bit longer and forms
a collar. The small, dark, almond-shaped eyes have an alert and
questioning expression. The alert erect ears should be equilateral
triangles. They should be in good proportion to the dog's head. The
muzzle tapers, but is not excessively pointy. The skull is flat and
parallel to the plain of the muzzle. The nose is black and the
lips should be tight. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. |
Temperament |
The
Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs. It is a very smart
and obedient dog. Serious and watchful with strong protective and
territorial instincts. Some are very shy or sensitive. This breed needs
extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh,
training from an experienced master. If you are harsh or overbearing
they will become uncooperative. It is instinctively protective so it
should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Breeders
should socialize puppies right from birth. Good for working and
competition obedience. These dogs make excellent police and guard dogs.
This type of work is currently their main occupation. They do however,
make excellent pets. They are ever-watchful, alert and loyal, and they
thrive on loving companionship. Belgian Sheepdogs are good with
children if socialized well with them. If
this breed is ignored, it will find ways to entertain itself, often at
the owner's expense. The Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy and needs
a job to do. Working lines can have particularly high drive. Belgian
Sheepdogs tend to bond strongly with one or two people. Take care when
introducing this dog with small non-canine pets. Generally this
Sheepdog gets along well with children, but they can be rather dominant
toward other dogs. Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and
other pets, they should not present any problems. Belgian Sheepdogs may
instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling,
moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people's heels. Good for
working and competitive obedience. This is a very demanding dog. It
needs an experienced owner and can easily be difficult to control
unless the owner knows how to handle him. There can be wide differences
in temperament and aggressiveness. Talk to someone experienced with the
breed before you buy your dog. Although Belgian Sheepdogs are often
impressive, don't base your purchase solely on achievement records and
appearances. Animals displaying excessive aggression or fearfulness
should be avoided. |
Height,
Weight |
Height:
Dogs 24-26 inches (61-66 cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (56-61 cm.) |
Health
Problems |
This
hardy, healthy breed has no major health concerns. Some minor concerns
that have been seen are skin allergies, eye problems, excessive
shyness, excessive aggressiveness and occasionally seen hip dysplasia
and elbow dysplasia. |
Living
Conditions |
The
Belgian Malinois will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently
exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at
least an average-sized yard. This breed prefers cool climates, but
adapts well to others. It can live outdoors but would much rather be
with his people. |
Exercise |
This
is a working dog that is accustomed to an active outdoor life. As such
it needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash as much as
possible in a safe area. |
Life
Expectancy |
About
12-14 years. |
Grooming |
The
smooth, short-haired coat of the Malinois is easy to groom. Brush
regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only if it is absolutely
necessary, as bathing removes the waterproofing of the coat. This breed
is a light constant shedder, but sheds heavily twice a year. |
Origin |
The
Belgian Malinois, named for the Belgian city of |
Group |
Herding,
AKC Herding |
Recognition |
CKC,
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, ANKC, APRI, ACR |
For more information on this breed,
BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG
CLUB OF QLD.
Maryanne Lund - Secretary
Harlaxton QLD 4350
Ph: Ah 07 4630 5680, Bh 0408
769288
Email:demoniaque@optusnet.com.au
BELGIAN
SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF VIC.
Secretary: Mr. Russell Harley,
Maiden Gully, 3551
Phone
(03) 5449 6149
http://www.vicnet.net.au/~bsdcvic
ILLAWARRA
& SOUTH EASTERN
BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF NSW
Secretary: Julie Fynmore
Email:beljekali@bigpond.com
http://members.dcsi.net.au/kiyani/Illawarra.html
It is important that before you purchase a Belgian shepherd Malinois
(or a puppy of any breed) that you speak to a variety of breeders.
Learn everything you can before you purchase
A DOG IS FOR LIFE