Belgian Malinois - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Belgian Malinois

By Author: Ricardo Lumbardo
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Have you just gotten a new puppy? Here are some of the things you'll need to train yourself with.

Oftentimes mistaken as the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is lighter-boned and more stylish in build. A medium-to-large-sized dog, this breed weighs between 60.5-63 pounds, and stands 22-26 inches.

Coat

The coat of a Belgian Malinois is straight, lengthy, and plentiful. Acceptable colors for this breed are all shades of fawn, gray, red, with black overlap.

Activity

The Belgian Malinois require as much exercise as owners could possibly provide them. Highly energetic, this breed needs extra activity than just the regular walks around the block. They are skillful in almost all the dog sport they involve themselves in. While they may appreciate being indoors with their owners, they'd like it better playing outside. In walking the Belgian Malinois, it is advisable that they are always on leash, as they tend to chase other small animals, which they recognize as prey.

Temperament

The Belgian Malinois is among the four Belgian sheepdogs. They are intelligent, amenable dogs ...
... with strong territorial and protective instincts. This breed is a highly obedient, hard working, attentive, reserved, and very active; although if not given enough physical and mental stimulation, they may become mischievous and destructive. Although they are usually very alert, the Belgian Malinois is perhaps less snappy than their relative counterparts.

Overview

The Belgian Malinois is strong, protective, and territorial. They are excellent in obedience training and are used often as watchdogs. This breed is sharp, loyal, yet very affectionate. They generally require being entertained, or else will become troublesome.

Care

The Belgian Malinois is a short-coated breed that is relatively easy to groom. They need constant brushing with a firm bristle brush, although owners may have to brush daily if kept indoors. Bathing should only be done when necessary, as this tend to remove the waterproof quality of their coats.

Proper dental care is important for Belgian Malinois. There are special brushes and rinses for their teeth. Clipping the nails for this breed can be done with special dog clippers. These health routines must be started on this breed while he is still a puppy for him to get used to the idea of proper hygiene.

Training

The Belgian Malinois is a highly energetic and very intelligent breed. Thriving on exercise, playing, and activity, this breed tends to have destructive behavior when bored. Training should start as early as possible, and positive reinforcement should be done, with praise. Rewarding their good deeds works great with this breed as they are eager to please. It is also important not to be verbally negative with this breed as they are highly sensitive to negative tones and would not respond as well.

Due to their high determination and aptitude, they are often trained as guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, and police dogs. While they are young puppies, enrolling them to a puppy obedience kindergarten helps them accustomed to what is anticipated of them. Consistency is important in training the Belgian Malinois. Socialization with people and other dogs is also essential, as dogs that aren't properly socialized as puppies will develop into a timid, or a hostile dog.

Character

The Belgian Malinois is a sharp, energetic breed well-renowned as military and police working dog. One among the Belgian sheepherding dogs, this breed is skillful in obedience, herding, sledding, tracking, and conformation.

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