Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Overview
One of the most searched dog breeds on the internet, belongs to the large size dog. Also known as Malinois, this breed was discovered first in the Belgium. The average lifespan of this dog breed is 10-14 years and is associated with the Herding
| Dog Breed Name: | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|
| Other Names: | Malinois |
| Size: | large size dog |
| Average Height: | Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) |
| Average Weight: | Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) |
| Energy: | high energy level |
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Group: | Herding Dogs |
| Life Span: | 10 to 14 years |
| Dog Breed Overview: | "The Belgian Malinois is one of four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs, which were developed in Belgium in the late 1800s. The four varieties are the Malinois (fawn-mahogany, short coat with black mask), the Tervuren (fawn-mahogany, long coat with black mask), the Laekenois (fawn, rough coat), and the Groenendael (black, long coat). The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes all but the Laekenois as separate breeds in the U.S., while the United Kennel Club recognizes all four types as one. The Club du Chien de Berger Belge (Belgian Shepherd Dog Club) was formed in September 1891 to determine which of the many different types of dogs was representative only of the shepherd dogs developed in Belgium. In November of that same year, breeders and fanciers met on the outskirts of Brussels to examine shepherd dogs from that area. After much deliberation, veterinary professor Adolphe Reul and a panel of judges concluded that the native shepherd dog of that province were square, medium-size dogs with well-set triangular ears and very dark brown eyes and differed only in the texture, color, and length of hair. Subsequent examinations of dogs in other Belgian provinces resulted in similar findings. In 1892, Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, which recognized three varieties: dogs with long coats, dogs with short coats, and dogs with rough coats. The Club du Chien de Berger Belge asked the Societe Royale Saint-Hubert (Belgium's equivalent to the AKC) for breed status, but was denied. By 1901, however, the Belgian Shepherd Dog was finally recognized as a breed. Today's Malinois can be traced to a breeding pair owned by a shepherd from Laeken named Adrien Janssens. In 1885, he purchased a pale, fawn rough-haired dog called Vos I, or Vos de Laeken from a cattle dealer in northern Belgium. Janssens used Vos I (which means fox in Flemish) to herd his flock and also bred him to a short-haired, brindle-brown dog named Lise (also known as Lise de Laeken or Liske de Laeken). After that mating, Vos I was bred to his daughters, establishing a line of very homogeneous dogs with grey rough-hairs and short-hairs, and fawn rough-hairs and short-hairs. Today, Vos I and Lise de Laeken are recognized as ancestors not only of the modern Belgian Shepherd Dogs, but of the Bouvier des Flandres and Dutch Shepherd Dogs, as well. Breeders decided to give each of the different varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs their own names. The city of Malines had formed a club for the promotion of fawn shorthairs Belgian Shepherd dog in 1898. Louis Huyghebaert, an early breeder under the ""ter Heide"" kennel name, as well as a judge, author, and the ""godfather of the Malinois"" (and the Bouvier), along with the Malines club had done much to help popularize these short-hairs, so the name ""Malinois"" came to be associated with the fawn shorthairs.In 1897, a year before the formation of the Malines club, Huyghebaert, suggested that since there weren't very many sheep left in Belgium, that the shepherd dogs should have field trials that showcased their intelligence, obedience, and loyalty. From this recommendation, dressage trials for the shepherd dogs were developed that tested a dog's ability to jump and perform other exercises. The first dressage trial, held on July 12, 1903 in Malines, was won by M. van Opdebeek and his Malinois, Cora van't Optewel.Belgian Shepherds were also used as guard dogs and draught dogs. They were the first dogs to be used by the Belgian police. Before World War II, international police dog trials became very popular in Europe, and Belgian dogs earned a number of prizes at the trials.When World War I broke out, many Belgian Shepherd Dogs were used by the military for a number of jobs including messenger dogs, Red Cross dogs, ambulance cart dogs and, according to some, light machine-gun cart dogs.During the 1920s and 1930s, several outstanding Malinois kennels were started in Belgium. During the first decades of the 20th century, Malinois and Groenendael were the most popular varieties of the Belgian Shepherd dogs to be exported to other countries. At that time, many were exported to the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Canada, United States, Argentina, and Brazil.In 1911, two Groenendaels and two Malinois were registered by the AKC as ""German Sheepdogs."" In 1913, the AKC changed the name to ""Belgian Sheepdogs."" The first dogs were imported by Josse Hanssens of Norwalk, Connecticut. He sold the two Malinois to L.I. De Winter of Guttenberg, New Jersey. De Winter produced several litters from the Malinois under his Winterview kennel name.After World War I, many American servicemen brought back Malinois and other Belgian Shepherd Dogs from Europe, and AKC registrations increased rapidly. The first Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed in 1924 and became a member club of the AKC soon after that. In 1924 and 1925, Walter Mucklow, a lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida, popularized the Malinois through AKC Gazette articles that he wrote. He also bred Malinois for a short time under the name of Castlehead Kennel.By the end of the 1920s, the Groenendael and Malinois Belgian Sheepdogs had risen in popularity to rank among the top five breeds. During the Great Depression, dog breeding was a luxury that most couldn't afford, and the first Belgian Sheepdog Club of America ceased to exist. During the 1930s, a few Malinois were registered with the AKC as imports trickled into the country. Even after the Great Depression, there were so few Malinois and interest in the breed had dropped so much that the AKC put them in the Miscellaneous Class at AKC shows in the 1930s and '40s.In 1949, a second Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed in Indiana. In that same year, John Cowley imported two Malinois and began his Netherlair kennel. He showed several of his dogs and several people became interested in them. By the 1960s, more people were breeding and showing Malinois. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club received AKC parent club status.In the last decade, Belgian Malinois dogs have received a lot of attention for their work in the military, drug detection agencies, search and rescue operations, and police forces around the country. As a result, many Malinois have been imported to the U.S. in the last several years.In 2019, a Belgian Malinois known as Conan was injured in a military operation targeting Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The mission was a success, and Conan was honored as a hero at The White House after making a full recovery. "breed, as they acted as herders and protectors of the sheep at the Royal Castle of Laeken. In the 20th century, the Belgian Laekenois also played a role in both World Wars, acting as messenger dogs.Since then, the Belgian Laekenois' numbers have been dwindling, and not many clubs recognized the breed individually. There are roughly 1,000 alive today, which makes having a Belgian Laekenois as a pet extra rare! The other three Belgian Shepherd breeds -- the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, and the Belgian Sheepdog -- were recognized by the American Kennel Club before the Laekenois. It wasn't until July 2020 that the AKC recognized the Belgian Laekenois as part of their Herding Group." |
| Colours: | Brindle,Cream,Fawn,Black |
| Temperament: | Alert,Confident,Friendly,Hard working,Protective,Stubborn,Watchful |
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Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Price
Belgian Malinois from regular breeders cost you from $1200 to $1400 per puppy.
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Size
The Belgian Malinois varies in size: males are normally about 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), in height and around 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), in weight, while females are normally around 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)in height and 30–50 pounds (13–22 kg) in weight.
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Temperament
The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training. Belgians are instinctively protective so they should be trained and socialized very well from an early age.
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Lifespan
The average lifespan for an Belgian Malinois is 10 to 14 years. That’s because these are medium-sized dogs with a good mix of genes in their blood.
Interesting Facts about Belgian Malinois Dog
- Belgian Malinois have a great deal of energy and need a lot of exercise. Make sure you have the room and time to provide it.
- Malinois are very intelligent and alert. They also have strong herding and protection instincts. Early, consistent training is critical!
- Although they are good-sized dogs, they are very people-oriented and want to be included in family activities.
- Malinois are constant shedders. They shed heavily twice a year.
- Belgian Malinois are intense dogs who are play-oriented and sensitive. Training should be fun, consistent, and positive.
- Because of their intelligence, high energy, and other characteristics, Malinois are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.
FAQ’s on Belgian Malinois Dog
Are Belgian Malinois Dangerous Dogs? Are Belgian Malinois naturally aggressive?
These dogs are naturally protective of their family members due to their herding instincts, but such behavior can be problematic for visitors and unfamiliar guests. The Belgian Malinois can have aggressive tendencies if you fail to socialize them at a young age.
Are Belgian Malinois smart?
Yes, Belgian Malinois are a highly intelligent dog breed.
Are Belgian Malinois trainable?
They are highly trainable, have the ability to learn complicated tasks, and perform excellently as search and rescue dogs.
Can Belgian Malinois be kept with other dogs?
If adequately socialized and trained from an early age, Belgian Malinois protection dogs will happily play and socialize with other well-trained dogs. They form strong bonds with dogs that work or live with them, so if you’re planning on getting a second dog or have one already, they’ll likely become best friends.
Can a Belgian Malinois attack its owner?
Belgian Malinois They can be trained to do nearly anything and are the up and coming favorites for trained executive protection dogs. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their pack – your family – and will defend you at all costs.
Do Belgian Malinois have locking jaws?
No, they do not have locking jaws.
Are Belgian Malinois safe to keep with kids?
Belgian Malinois are child friendly and will happily come along on any family adventure while it protects the whole family. Should you receive your protection dog as a puppy, it’s important to note that Belgian Malinois puppies tend to nip.
Are Belgian Malinois unpredictable dogs?
The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training. Belgians are instinctively protective so they should be trained and socialized very well from an early age.
What should I feed my Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Malinoiss are known to piling on the pounds, however, so their diet should consist of biologically appropriate proteins, healthy fats, ground bones and vegetables – which are packed with essential vitamins and minerals – for optimum health and performance
When does a Belgian Malinois mature?
Belgian Malinois are full-grown once they are between a year and two years of age.
When do Belgian Malinois lose their teeth?
Dogs do not have any baby molars. At around 12 weeks, the deciduous teeth begin to fall out, and the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Normally by 6 months of age, all permanent teeth have erupted, and all deciduous teeth have fallen out.
How long does a Belgian Malinois live?
An Belgian Malinois can live anywhere from 10 to 14 years.
