About Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a medium size dog of exceptional beauty and working ability used for many purposes, including herding, tracking, agility, obedience, and police work. The Malinois is one of four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. They have short hair that is generally fawn colored with a black mask. Dogs are 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Bitches are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. This is a "high energy, high drive" dog that does best when it has a definite purpose in life. It does not do well with poor or insufficient training. If you are a novice dog owner this may not be the dog for you unless you are willing to devote a great amount of time training with experienced dog trainers that use positive training methods.

Many new owners are not prepared for the high degree of "drive and intensity" of a Malinois. Whether working or playing they are always at full throttle! Malinois like to be included in all your activities. They make great companions that love to go jogging, hiking, running, biking, or any other physical activity. They love obedience, agility, herding, outdoor activities, or just spending a lot of time with you. If your lifestyle has the room for a constant companion, a Malinois may be a good choice for you. If you often work more than 8 hours a day, travel frequently, or have other activities that don't include your dog, then this is definitely not the breed for you.

The Malinois is a very intelligent dog that requires early socialization to different people, dogs, and places. Training is absolutely necessary to control their high energy and exuberance and channel that energy into useful activities. A puppy socialization or puppy kindergarten class is highly recommended for Malinois puppies. Harsh or poor training techniques can lead to disaster. It is important to start early and train often. Malinois are not "couch potatoes"! Malinois make great family dogs when trained and socialized properly. Due to their high prey drive, it is important that they are carefully supervised with small children and other small pets.

There are very few activities that Malinois do not excel in. They love obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, herding, showing, Schutzhund and other protection sports, search and rescue, police work, and just about anything else a dog can do. They are a very versatile dog that has a "can do" attitude. They will continually amaze you with their intelligence, devotion, drive, and ability.

You can learn more about the wonderful Belgian Malinois at the American Belgian Malinois Club web site http://malinoisclub.com. If after reading all the information you can, talking to reputable breeders and owners, you still think the Malinois is the dog for you, attend a few dog shows, obedience, agility, or herding trials and meet several Malinois in person. Remember this is a lifetime commitment and the decision to add a Belgian Malinois to your family, should only be made after serious, thoughtful consideration.