Belgian Shepherd Malinois is bred primarily as working dog for personal protection in Belgium and other European countries, as well as in the United States.
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog and has a square-proportioned build. The Belgian Malinois has black erect ears, a black snout, and black markings on his coat.
Personality
This breed’s high energy level is among the highest of all breeds and will be puppy-like till the age of 3 – 5. The Belgian Malinois is friendly and protective.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | The Malinois, the Belgian Malinois, the Chien de Berger Belge, the Mechelaar, the Mechelse Herder, the Mechelse Scheper, the Pastor Belga Malinois, and the Belgian Shepherd Dog |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Belgian Shepherd Malinois Build Information
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog and has a square-proportioned build. The Belgian Malinois has black erect ears, a black snout, and black markings on his coat.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 - 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
This breed’s high energy level is among the highest of all breeds and will be puppy-like till the age of 3 – 5. The Belgian Malinois is friendly and protective.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Belgian Shepherd Malinois needs basic grooming and weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Once or twice a year this breed sheds heavily! Brush his teeth frequently to keep your dog healthy and to avoid a stinky breath. The Malinois barely needs a bath.
| Colors: | Fawn, Mahogany |
| Shedding: | Constant |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Belgian Shepherd Malinois Common Health Conditions
Progressive retinal atrophy, Pannus, Cataracts, Epilepsy, Thyroid disease, and Hip dysplasia.
Belgian Shepherd Malinois Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Belgian Shepherd Malinois named Bear is regular featured as a cast member in the TV show Person of Interest. The Belgian Shepherd Malinois called Cairo, a war dog, was used by the United States Navy SEALs in Operation Neptune Spear. Posy, a Belgian Shepherd Malinois, is the only dog in the Israel Defense Forces to receive the Medal of Distinguished Service by rescuing two agents from beneath a collapsed six story building.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | Yes |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | Yes |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |