Airreyalis
Belgian Malinois
About The Breed
Malinois are 1 of 4 varities of Belgian Shepherds (the other 3 are Tervuren, Groenendael and Laekenois). Malinois are the short-coated version and vary in color tone. Some may be a light fawn to a deep red, while others are a fawn sable to a dark sable. In rare cases, there have even been black.
They are very versatile and can excel in just about any sport from Agility, Herding, Protection Sports, Police work, Obedience and many other venues. They are highly intelligence, quick to learn and very intune to their handler. This is a very active breed that is generally medium in size. Females average between 22-24 inches and the Males between 24-26 inches in height.
Malinois Standard
Belgian Malinois Breed Information
Written as experienced by Corina Annette Gonzalez
Malinois are loyal and loving with their owners and household family members. This breed prefers to live inside the home with her people. So it’s important to accept and include her as part of the family. On a side note though, they are also known to have overexagerated separation anxiety (Malinois are drama queens and kings!) so the dog should be taught that the world will not come crashing down should she be left alone for a few hours.
They are pack-orientated animals and with proper guidance can develop into great family pets, however they may or may not tolerate strangers. As a general rule they are not typically stranger friendly but some are a bit more open and accepting of new people. Though they can be social tolerant, this doesn’t mean that they should be subjected to any “harassment” or excessive petting from anyone if the dog is uncomfortable. Ownership of this breed means using good judgment to avoid any stressful situations for both the dog and other people. The dog should be taught to mind her manners in public, reguardless of temperment/personality. Proper, ongoing exposure and socialization is essential and necessary for the Malinois. As Malinois tend to have a low-tolerance threshold and are quick to react.
Just like children they test their boundaries, to see what they can get away with. They are super clever but still possess a very child-like way of thinking.
Mali’s seem to have an insane amount of energy; very high to hyper drives. So they do need plenty of physical and mental exercises to keep themselves sane (and their people too!) =].
They generally aren’t good with small animals…but with discipline and control some can get along with small animals just fine. While they may not necessarily “prey” on these animals. They can become the “household bully” and transfer their high prey drive into pestering and harassment of the other beloved pets. This behavior should NOT be tolerated and is best corrected as puppy. Malinois can often become "pushy" and forget their manners...as well as their size! Sometimes, they may just need a little reminder ;).
They require a loving but firm handling to keep them in check. They should be taught self-control, often they cannot control their own energy…like a time-bomb waiting to explode!
They must have some kind of job or task…could be anything…
…fetching the newspaper every morning,
…bringing you your slippers,
…helping with chores (retrieving items),
…being your biking buddy,
…chasing the ball every time it’s thrown…
Just something to keep them occupied and busy.
Most Malinois are involved in performance venues, sportwork or have actual working jobs (i.e. security, police, detection, search and rescue, etc) and then do chores around the house during their “off-days” =).
In the right home, the Malinois can become a valued family member. However, should they be left to their own devices, especially when bored…they will become destructive and often invent their own games much to their owner’s dismay.
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