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Group: Herding

Size: 22 to 26 inches

Weight: 40-80 lbs

Hypoallergenic: No

Lifespan: 14-16 years

Behavior

Belgian Malinois roots can be traced back to where it developed for herding in Belgium. It is a breed characterized by a strong working drive and appetite that needs a job it can perform daily. They could be obedience, agility, tracking, or related canine activities. Malinois are intelligent but rather stubborn and prefer to solve any issue individually. Malinois needs to be exercised at least an hour a day and have their mind worked. They become sour and will likely wreck your home if they are not energetic enough. They come very close to being saturated with energy and strength. However, make sure to keep an eye out and get express anal gland services in case you detect anal gland issues.

Like most breeds, the Malinois is extremely protective of the family it belongs to and it may be shy or aloof around strangers. Teenage dogs should get acquainted with people and other animals so that they are not afraid of, even angry, with strangers and other pets. When in the right family, then the Belgian Malinois is friendly but, at the same time a tough breed. These furballs can easily form strong, friendly relationships with their parents. While these breeds generally make better dogs for seasoned handlers than first-timers, they are so high in energy and intensity. Belgian Malinois become good family dogs or close companions if they are given attention that includes exercising, training, affection, and care.

History

The Belgian Malinois is one of four types of Belgian sheepherder dogs that come from Belgium. The breed is one of the herding dogs that reacted to its call as a hardworking dog from the late 1800s. Belgian herders employed dogs in herding sheep and cattle. The Malinois was bred to be slender and muscular, so the dog could work all day, tending to the flock and walking many miles. In the late nineteenth century, Professor Adolphe Reul propagated the breeding of Belgian shepherd dogs. In 1892, he founded the first standard for this breed, proposing division into coats and colors. One type was the short-haired, fawn-colored ‘Malinois.’ The other types were Tervueren, Laekenois, Groenendael, and the Belgian Sheepdog.

The breed was first known to have come to the United States around 1911, with the first Belgian Malinois dogs. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959. Today the Malinois is still employed as a herding dog with some exceptions, but can do many different jobs because of its trainability, stamina, and enthusiasm. Some tasks the Malinois performs are searching, tracking, police duties, detecting narcotics and explosion materials, and protecting its master.

Exercise

Belgian Malinois is a working breed, so it must be exercised daily. They will require serious grooming. Belgian Malinois should, in good ideality, be doing moderate to intense activities for at least 1.5 to 2.5 hours per day. Given this temperament, the ideal is jogging, hiking, backpacking, biking, swimming, fetching, playing frisbee, or any dog sport. Belgian Malinois also requires a lot of off-lead play in a safely enclosed area, for instance, a yard. Other requirements include mental requirements through obedience tricks, scent detection, agility, toys, and company from the owner through playing. If a Belgian Malinois is left with insufficient activity or mentally stimulated his way passes can become destructive through boredom and energy.

Training

The Belgian Malinois is a quite active breed that requires training stimulation to maintain an optimum energy level. Like any other working dog, the Malinois puppies should be trained with basic obedience lessons and socialized when they are about eight weeks of age. This lets them know how to respond to the words ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come,’ among others. Besides, properly socialize them in new places and with other people. Regular brisk walks, fetch, or a game of obstacle course can all go a long way to avoiding unwanted behaviors that result from boredom.

Belgian Malinois are also bred for further obedience for dog sporting events, law enforcement, security or military purposes, and Search and Rescue work. They can prove their talents through tasks requiring intelligence and high work motivation. Positive reinforcement training and intellectual and physical stimulation make a Belgian Malinois an ideal pet that is also obedient. They should also lead a very active life and manage this intense breed consistently.

Looks and Health

This medium to large breed has strong, muscle-tone limbs but rather small bone structures. Over that, they have shades of fawn, from light fawn to mahogany, overlay, tips, and masks. The coat itself is short, straight with a dense soft undercoat. The Malinois has erect, triangular ears that are upright. It has black, a little oval-shaped eyes that express activity and wit. Its muzzle is moderately pointed, subtly chiseled beneath the eyes. The breed is expressive in the extreme and the carriage most emphatically self-assured - the free-moving, spirited action.

In general, the Belgian Malinois is a healthier and sturdy breed compared to other dogs. They do not suffer many serious health problems as opposed to other breeds. However, they can develop hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and allergies. General health check-ups and professional grooming, exercise, a well-balanced diet, non-obesity, and screening the breeding stock for hereditary diseases will give a Belgian Malinois a long and healthy life. Additionally, always go for professional pet anal gland expression services rather than doing it on your own.

Food and Nutrition

The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy working breed. It shows that these dogs are hyper metabolically and their nutrient requirements per pound of body weight are higher than lower energy requirement breeds. For normal diets, the best recommended is higher quality commercial dog food for the active/ working breeds. The food should also contain animal proteins from meats, fish, and eggs to help develop and maintain muscles. The omega features are useful in managing coat conditions and the immune response. Nutritional value ensures the Belgian Malinois are healthy working and performance dogs. To get the best diet plan for your Malinois, visit a vet.

Conclusion

The Belgian Malinois is an active, clever, and affectionate dog who requires to be engaged and busy. Also, they require a lot of exercise every day and mental stimulation. This breed is not for anyone hoping to own a dog but is comfortable with their independence. They are best suited in the hands of an experienced pet parent who will be ready to give strong, disciplined direction and correction with love and affection. If left to their own, these dogs are likely to become destructive due to a lack of focus on their excessive energy. They are also very active during the day and have high exercise needs; the same goes for the household. That is why the right owner will find these Belgian Malinois friendly, loyal breeds eager to please their masters. They attach themselves very dearly to their people and love to be part of the family. They are smart, loyal, and extremely dextrous working animals. For pet anal gland expression services in Fairfax, visit PawNanny.com!