Belgian Malinois 2010 Wall Calendars
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Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Belgian Malinois Dog Breed

Belgian Malinois Size Variations: All are moderately large.
Belgian Malinois Colors: Fawn to Mahogany with black tipped ears and black mask.
Belgian Malinois Height: 24 - 26 inches (male)
22 - 24 inches (female)
Belgian Malinois Weight: 60-65 pounds (male and female)
Belgian Malinois Exercise Needs: Demanding
Belgian Malinois Grooming Needs: Minimal
Belgian Malinois Life Expectancy (Lifespan): 10 to 12 years
Are Belgian Malinoiss Child-Friendly? No
Belgian Malinois Training:  Medium Difficult
Breed Group:  Herding

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Belgian Malinois History

The Belgian Malinois dog breed originated in United States of America. During the early 1800's, the Belgian Malinois was one of many general purpose shepherding dogs known collectively as Chiens de Berger Belge. These dogs were bred not for their beauty but rather for their utility. And, although their protection ability was unmatched, no records that documented breed history were ever kept. The Belgian Malinois muddled along herding and policing as demanded.

Near the end of the century, dog shows came into fashion throughout Europe and the promotion of national breeds became a point of great pride. It became clear that Belgium has no such distinctly Belgian breed and so began an effort to establish one.

In 1891, Professor Adolphe Reul was asked to study various dogs that were native to Belgium and to classify them into breeds. He grouped together several dogs, differing only in coat colour, and classified them as Belgian Shepherds. Of these shepherds, the short haired variety was developed in the area around Malines and so, this breed became known as the Belgian Malinois.

In the fifty years that followed, the Belgian Malinois enjoyed moderate popularity as a police dog and guard dog. But, after World War II, few Belgian Malinois were bred for competition and their popularity temporarily declined. Today, the Belgian Malinois is again being recognized as a pre-eminent police dog, surpassing even the German Shepherd in demand. The Belgian Malinois is seldom a family pet, but his presence as a protector and enforcer is well known and respected the world around.

Belgian Malinois Appearance

The Belgian Malinois appears sleek yet powerful. He is taller and less bulky than the German Shepherd and has a shorter coat than his compatriot the Belgian Tervuren. The Belgian Malinois has a narrow skull with large, triangular ears that sit erect on his head.

The Belgian Malinois has a distinctive black mask that fades between his eyes and re-emerges as a patch between his ears. The outer coat of the Belgian Malinois is short and straight with a wiry texture. The undercoat is softer but quite dense. The tail is carried low unless he is running, in which case the tail is carrier higher. On the whole, the Belgian Malinois is a no-nonsense dog and appears intelligent and ready for action.

Belgian Malinois Temperament

The Belgian Malinois is a serious and alert dog. This breed is highly trainable and makes the quintessential watchdog and protector. A playmate he is not and families with small children are not well suited for this breed. The Belgian Malinois will be mercifully aloof with strangers unless otherwise commanded. Other dogs will not be extended this liberty and commonly, the Belgian Malinois shows aggression towards them.

That being said, the Belgian Malinois is one of the most manageable breeds when well trained. Police forces around the world will attest to the Belgian Malinois willingness to consistently obey commands when temptation to do otherwise abounds. Therefore, the Belgian Malinois can be trained to be more agreeable with strangers and other pets. But make no mistake, the Belgian Malinois is typically not a cuddly, patient dog who will welcome playful affection.

Belgian Malinois Exercise Needs

The Belgian Malinois has substantial exercise requirements. His powerful muscles crave an outlet for his pent energy so walking and running him are essential. The herding instinct of the Belgian Malinois tends to make in run in wide, sweeping circles so large, open fields are a good place to allow him to run. Dog parks may not be well suited for the Belgian Malinois as his temperament can cause him to show aggression toward other, less standoffish breeds.

The Belgian Malinois owner can expect daily 10 kilometre walks and additional time and space for running. The Belgian Malinois will play, but he can be particular about with whom. Similarly, cooperation can be reserved for a select few, so hired dog walkers may not be pragmatic.

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Belgian Malinois Grooming Requirements

The Belgian Malinois needs little in the way of grooming. A weekly brushing to remove dead hairs is all that is necessary. The exception to this is when the Belgian Malinois blows his coat and the shed and the brushing increases. Avoid over-bathing your Belgian Malinois as his water resistant coat may be compromised. Monthly, perhaps bi-monthly bathing is sufficient. His paws can be spot-cleanED if necessary.

Belgian Malinois Training

The Belgian Malinois is one of the most highly trainable breeds in the world. Nonetheless, the Belgian Malinois must be trained properly by an experienced handler who is firm but kind. The Belgian Malinois is eager to learn and is keen to earn your praise, but he can be sensitive and may refuse to participate if he takes a disliking to the training methods.

If your chose to train your Belgian Malinois yourself, do consult an expert for advice. Once habituated, the Belgian Malinois may be reluctant to modify his behaviour and this can be problematic if he becomes overly protective. Also, there are many useful commercial devices designed specifically for the Belgian Malinois. Muzzles, harnesses and leads are available to aid in the training process.

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Belgian Malinois Health Information

The Belgian Malinois is a typically healthy breed. There are no common major health problems associated with the Belgian Malinois. Minor health concerns include CHD, elbow dysplasia, PRA, cataracts. pannus and hemangiosarcoma.

Is the Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Right For You?

The Belgian Malinois cannot be properly classified as a family pet. Certainly, many families own a Belgian Malinois and may even report that he is gentle and affectionate, but this is the exception rather than the rule. The Belgian Malinois is best described as a utility dog whose protection ability and watchdog skills are unparalleled. So, if your goal in breed selection is as aforementioned, the Belgian Malinois makes a splendid pet.

When purchasing your Belgian Malinois, resist the urge to purchase a dog inexpensively from a pet store or from an advertisement in a newspaper. You may unwittingly buy a mal-adjusted, sick, puppy mill dog. This is to be avoided at all costs.

Finding A Responsible Belgian Malinois Breeder

Now that you have decided that the Belgian Malinois is the right breed for you, it's time to start the process of finding a responsible Belgian Malinois breeder from which to buy a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Not all breeders are alike; there are good breeders - and bad breeders. Don't be in a hurry to buy the first Belgian Malinois puppy you find at the cheapest price available! To buy a puppy from a responsible Belgian Malinois breeder, you may need to pay more and wait longer. The additional money and waiting time will be well worth it. Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper ad, pet store or "backyard breeder", and you'll likely also purchase a great deal of additional expense and heartache, since you will likely end up falling in love with a puppy with health and behavioral problems that will likely need special care, plenty of veterinary visits, regular medication - or even euthanasia. But do your homework and find a responsible, caring Belgian Malinois breeder who home-raises their puppies with love, screens their breeding dogs for health problems, offers a health guarantee and post sale support, and who genuinely loves the Belgian Malinois breed and is in it for the love of the breed, rather than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of getting a healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family companion that will provide you and your family with many years of joy, laughter and companionship.

Further information about choosing a responsible breeder...

Here are a few breeder directory sites that we recommend. These sites attempt to screen advertisers to ensure that the breeders listed are responsible and sell healthy, home-raised Belgian Malinois puppies to carefully screened buyers. There are many, many sites now online that advertise dog breeders - many are a Mecca for puppy mills and backyard breeders. We recommend that you steer clear of these resources in favor of sites that are more selective in the breeders whom they allow to advertise.

We Highly Recommend:

• Belgian Malinois Puppies For Sale
• Belgian Malinois Breeders Showcase
• Belgian Malinois Puppy Finder on Pet Net
  
  

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Belgian Malinois Names

Choosing a name for your Belgian Malinois puppy can be a daunting task! There are so many names to choose from that it can take a lot of thought and research to find just the right name for your Belgian Malinois. Usually, it's best to get to know your puppy for a few days or weeks. Often your puppy's personality will help you decide on just the right name to choose. Does he have a sense of humor? A serious side? A goofy way of cocking his head to one side? A strange love of cantaloupe? By observing your new Belgian Malinois puppy over the first days or weeks, you should at least have a clue about what type of name you want to give. There are a ton of dog names and pet names web sites on the internet. Some are wonderful information resources, while others, unfortunately, are just "garbage" sites set up with the sole purpose of cashing in on visitor hits for this popular subject.

We recommend the following sites to assist you in choosing a name for your new Belgian Malinois puppy. These sites offer inventive, unique, original and creative pet names suggestions that have helped thousands of new puppy owners in selecting just the right name for their new baby!

Belgian Malinois Dog Names

• Dog Names
• Choosing A Name For Your Dog Or Puppy
• Unique Pet Names
  
  

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Belgian Malinois Pictures

Belgian Malinoiss are a very photogenic dog breed. By looking at Belgian Malinois pictures, you can usually gain more insight into what these dogs and puppies are like as a breed, and this can help you decide if you really want to become an Belgian Malinois owner. The following sites below offer pictures of Belgian Malinois dogs, Belgian Malinois puppy photos, funny Belgian Malinois photos and more. Enjoy!

• Belgian Malinois Dog Pictures
  
  

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Additional Belgian Malinois Information Resources

There are a wealth of resources online that can help you learn more about the Belgian Malinois dog breed. We've compiled a list of Belgian Malinois information sites to assist you in quickly locating quality information about the Belgian Malinois dog breed, while avoiding the "garbage" sites that are nothing more than poor attempts to capitalize on the popularity of dog breeds in general. If you know of an Belgian Malinois information site that offers unique, quality information and photos of the Belgian Malinois breed, please contact us with the URL and a brief description so that our editors can consider it for inclusion in our list below.

• Wikipedia - Belgian Malinoiss

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Belgian Malinois Clubs and Rescues

Belgian Malinois clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn even more about the Belgian Malinois dog breed, help you locate a responsible Belgian Malinois breeder, or help you find an Belgian Malinois dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a loving, forever home. We've compiled the following list of Belgian Malinois clubs and Belgian Malinois rescues web sites for your convenience:

Belgian Malinois Clubs - Belgian Malinois Rescues