Belgian Malinois - Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois Temperament

The Belgian Malinois is a dog that is keen, responsive, and responsible, and although he can be serious much of the time he can also have a very playful and mischievous streak. These dogs are attentive and sensitive, but some can be stubborn, which can make them more suited to experienced dog owners than to novice dog owners. These dogs are fine around older, more considerate children and children that it has been raised with, and most will be okay with other pets providing they are properly introduced and socialized. They can also be very protective animals, and some are prone to developing obsessive behavior if they are neglected and become bored.

You should make sure that the Belgian Malinois is given plenty of attention and kept buys, as otherwise boredom can quickly set in. He enjoys an array of exercise activities such as hiking or running, and he does need plenty of mental stimulation. When it comes to strangers the Belgian Malinois can be quite reserved. Some can be quite shy, and others suspicious. Owners should ensure that pets are carefully introduced to ensure that he realizes that smaller animals are not prey. You will need to reinforce leadership through effective training with this breed. He is a highly intelligent dog that is easy to train.
Belgian Malinois Appearance

The Belgian Malinois has a sturdy and athletic build, and sports a very intelligent and alert expression. He has a dense, double coat, which is short, and the coloring of the coat can vary and includes fawn, red, or gray, with a black mask and black tips on the hair. The Belgian Malinois has quite large, erect ears, and quite a lustrous, full tail. The height of the Belgian Malinois ranges from 21-26 inches, and these dogs weigh in at around 45-75 pounds.
Belgian Malinois Grooming

The Belgian Malinois is a dog that sheds all year around, although he tends to shed more in the Spring and the Autumn. You will need to brush his coat on a daily basis during these seasons, but you can brush once weekly during other times of the year. The grooming requirements for this breed are not very high despite its heavy shedding tendencies.
Belgian Malinois Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The lifespan of the Belgian Malinois is 10-14 years, and there are a number of health problems and disorders that are associated with the breed. This includes cataracts, epilepsy, thyroid problems, PRA, HD, and pannus. The parents of your Belgian Malinois puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Belgian Malinois History

The Belgian Malinois originates from Belgium, and comes in four varieties. These dogs were originally bred for the herding and guarding of sheep in Belgium. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1912, but until 1959 was registered as the Belgian Sheepdog.

# AKAMalinois, Chien de Berger Belge
# SizeMedium/Large
# Ease of trainingMedium/High
# GroomingLow
# SheddingHigh
# Exercise neededHigh
# Energy levelDaily walk
# ProtectionMedium
# Good with childrenYes, with older and more considerate children, and with children the dog has been raised with
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity122/155