The Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd, is one of the most popular working dogs and is often used as a police or military dog. However, the Malinois is also a good choice as a sport or family dog, provided it is well exercised.

History of the Breed

The Malinois is one of the four Belgian shepherd breeds and originates from the city of Mechelen in Belgium. Since the beginning of the 19th century, it has been bred to protect and guard sheep herds. Later, it was used as a police and military dog due to its intelligence, speed, and tenacity, making it well-suited for these roles.

Appearance of the Malinois

The Malinois has a strong, muscular build and a short, dense coat that can come in various shades from sand to chocolate brown. Its eyes are brown and have an attentive, intelligent expression.

The Malinois is a medium-sized dog, with males standing between 60 and 66 cm at the withers, and females between 56 and 62 cm. It weighs between 25 and 40 kg.

Character and Behavior

The Malinois is a very active and eager-to-work dog that constantly needs engagement. It is very intelligent and willing to learn, making it an excellent working dog. Additionally, it is very loyal and protective of its owner and family.

As a family dog, the Malinois is not suitable for everyone. It requires an active and experienced owner who can provide sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Furthermore, it should be trained early and consistently, as it can otherwise become dominant and stubborn.

Training and Education

The Malinois is an intelligent dog that enjoys learning and working. Therefore, it is important to regularly provide it with new tasks and challenges. It should also be introduced to consistent training and education early on to avoid unwanted behaviors.

An important part of training the Malinois is the actual training process. For example, it can be trained in areas such as agility, obedience, or protection work. It is crucial that the training is always positively reinforced to instill joy in the dog for its work.

Health

Like any dog breed, the Malinois has certain health issues to be aware of. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a Malinois from an experienced breeder who pays attention to the health of the animals and has them regularly examined.

Conclusion

The Malinois is an active, intelligent, and eager-to-work dog that is particularly well-suited as a police or military dog. However, as a family dog, it is not suitable for everyone, as it requires a lot of exercise and mental engagement. Additionally, it should be trained and educated early to avoid unwanted behaviors. With the right conditions, the Malinois can become a great companion and loyal friend.