Belgian Malinois Dog Breed
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed. Without a doubt, the Malinois is a striking breed with impressive versatility — they excel in many areas, though they may not always be the ideal choice for every family. of reasons. They’re slightly smaller and lighter than the German shepherd sniff dogs and the illicit wildlife trade – but they have a whopping punch!
This is because humans generally work with the Malinois in Police forces on a regular basis as general purpose canines. Malinois are often used in army forces across the globe as well.
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed
BM’s were initially being worked with by the Belgian police force, but they were also being worked with by the Red Cross during the first World War.
Bred originally in Belgium, late 19th Century as stock guarding and herding dogs, they have a very extensive working history. Nowadays, they continue to be one of the most high energy, intense, hyper-vigilant and highly-driven breeds of dog in the world.
How common is the Malinois?
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed. Their popularity has increased over the last few years and has attracted the interest of more and more pet owners. As per National Animal Welfare Trust there had been an increase in interest in these dogs following the release of the movie ‘Dog’, featuring Channing Tatum, in 2022.
They allege, this resulted in individuals purchasing these dogs, without realizing they might not be apt for their life-style. Malinois UK also claims that many of these dogs are being rehomed because owners did not properly research the breed beforehand.
Belgian Malinois Temperament
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed. Three words that best describe the Malinois are intelligent, loyal and intense. Developed to work hard and guard stock, Mals possess a high work drive and function best when they have a purpose to fulfill. They’re also top-notch guardians and protectors, and they take their duties seriously. They demonstrate that same kind of wholehearted commitment to doing any job they’re assigned, even if it’s merely chasing a stick.
Belgian Malinois were designed to be a working companion with people and also a friend. They develop very close relationships with their humans and are generally responsive to command and willing to please. They also love being with people and desire to be in the presence of their owners just as much as they desire to work.
Mals are quick-witted and simple to train, but it’s ideal if they can be started on obedience training puppyhood.7 They will also require substantial socialization, beginning as early and as often as possible.7 Regular training, socialization and loads of day-to-day exercise and mental stimulation should be daily routines throughout a Malinois’ lifetime in order to keep them from boredom and destructive behavior.
Living With Belgian Malinois
Malinois can be great guardians, assistants and best friends for the right owners, but their constant activity requirement and high energy can be a lot for some individuals to manage. Here’s what you should know about living with and caring for a Belgian Malinois.
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed
Who they’re best for
The Belgian Malinois thrives with an owner who is active, energetic, and dedicated to providing daily exercise, training, and interaction. This breed loves to stay close to its person and be part of every activity. With their high drive, they need steady, structured training to direct their energy positively and manage their strong impulses.
Mals are well-suited to those who have experience working with large, high-energy dogs, and ideally for those with prior knowledge of the breed. Numerous new Malinois owners have been surprised at the Mal’s intensity and found themselves out of their depth. This is a strong workaholic breed with an urge to excel at all things.
A Mal can coexist with children and other pets as long as they’re brought into the family as a puppy. An older Mal that has had extensive exposure to children, cats and other canines can learn to get along as well, but they must be introduced slowly, with plenty of supervision. Mals have a strong prey drive and may shoot off after fast-moving things, such as children, cats and other animals.
Malinois On the Farm
The Belgian Malinois originated in the late 1800s in the northwestern Belgian city of Mechelen—known as “Malines” in French—from which it also takes its name.
Belgian farmers developed the Malinois, which came from local shepherd dogs,” says Linda Friedow, judges’ education chair of the American Belgian Malinois Club. “Because Belgium is a relatively small country, farms there were modest in size, typically ranging from one to twenty acres and holding just a few cows for the farmers’ use,” explains Friedow. “The dog did it all from guarding the farm, herding, cart-pulling, and monitoring small flocks of sheep, goats, geese, and ducks.
With no fences on the small tract, the Malinois knew where the boundary was and didn’t have to travel much distance. Using non-boundary-style herding, this dog had to trust in their natural ability to push the animals. The Malinois spent time indoors but was still hyper-vigilant.