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Belgian Malinois
Puppies for Sale
Belgian Malinois
(Malinois) (Chien de Berger Belge)
(Belgian Shepherd Malinois)
Dante, a one year old Belgian Malinios weighing in at 75 pounds (34 kg.).
Dante was whelped in Belgium.
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Pronunciation |
Belgian
MAL-in-wah |
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, to black 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. |
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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. The Belgian Malinois needs to be
part of the family and not locked up in a kennel. It does best given ample time,
attention, training and companionship. 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. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 24-26 inches (61-66 cm.) Bitches
22-24 inches (56-61 cm.)
Weight: 55-65 pounds (24-29 kg.) |
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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. |
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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. |
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Exercise |
This is a working dog that is accustomed to an
active outdoor life. As such it needs a lot of exercise, including a
long daily walk. In addition,
they will greatly benefit being off the
leash as much as possible in a safe area. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-14 years |
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Litter Size |
Average 6 - 10 puppies |
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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 Malines, is one of the four varieties of Belgian Sheepdog. In most parts of
the world the four varieties: the Malinois (fawn-mahogany, short coat with black
marks and overlay, pronounced Mal-in-wah), Tervuren
(fawn-mahogany, shades of gray are acceptable in some registries, long coat with
black mask and overlay, pronounced Terv-yer-en) the Laekenois
(fawn, rough coat, pronounced Lak-in-wah), and the Groenendael
(black, long coat, pronounced Grow-en-en-doll), are all considered one breed.
However in America, since 1959, the AKC has recognized the Groenendael, Malinois
and Tervuren as separate breeds, but has not recognized the Laekenois at all. A
less well-known, but growing U.S. registry, the UKC, does recognize all four
varieties as one breed. Although quite rare in America, the Malinois variety is
very popular in Belgium. This versatile and highly intelligent dog excels at
many activities including tracking, agility, obedience, protection and
schutzhund, narcotics and bomb detection work, search and rescue, herding and
pulling sleds or carts. Although the Belgian Malinois is not for everyone, this
high energy dog makes an excellent family companion if properly socialized and
trained. The first of the Belgian Sheepdogs to establish type, the Malinois
became the gauge of his nearly indiscernible brothers, who were labeled Berger
Belge a poil court autre que Malinois (that is, Belgian short-coated
Sheepdog other that Malinois). Presently, the Malinois is hardly the single
revelation of that country's herders. All the Belgian Sheepdogs developed from
hardy working dogs, which ensures that the modern breeds are compatibly gifted
on the field. Today the Belgian Groenendael and Tervuren are most often used as
companion dogs while the Laekenois and Malinois are used as guard dogs. |
| Group |
Herding, AKC Herding |
Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, ANKC,
APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
This is Katie a 5 year old Belgian Malinois, she was her
owners partner for 2 years in the US COAST GUARD. She is now retired and living
the laid back life in her owners backyard.
Clara the Belgian Malinois, a beautiful dog who was rescued
by the local humane society. She loves people, playing with other dogs, and
cats.
Tito, the black Belgian Malinois at 6 months old
Tito, the black Belgian Malinois at 6 months old helping
himself to a drink
Belgian Malinois Pictures Page
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