If you like a German shepherd, check out Malinois! Active and muscular intellectual - this dog cannot be stopped. Malinois is clearly focused on work. And at the same time it is a very elegant breed; bitches are especially affectionate. Mal can be very tough and cute at the same time, and the history of the breed is fascinating.
Existing records relating to the origin of this breed date back to the late 19th century. Mal was bred in Belgium, where lovers sought to create a unique Belgian shepherd. Their goal was a skilled shepherd, a devoted advocate and affectionate family companion ... medium, compact size.
The breed they created was known as the Belgian Shepherd, and was divided into four species, named after the areas where they appeared.
Shaggy in color was like malinois, but he lacked a black mask on his face and ears. It is known as Laekenois, after the name of its native region Laeken.
The short-haired species - today's Malinois - was named after Raspberry, the city of its origin.
Longhair is a tervuren named after his village east of Brussels.
And finally, her namesake arrived from the village of Grunendahl - a long-haired black version of the Belgian Shepherd.
The initial purpose of Malinois was to help farmers graze and protect livestock. But very quickly the breed became super-popular, like a universal dog. Mal enthusiastically accepts almost any new task. Dogs are very smart, easy to train, strong and agile, it is not surprising that this breed interested the police and military dog handlers. Already at the turn of the twentieth century, Belgian shepherds were widely used for law enforcement and military structures throughout Belgium, Europe and shortly afterwards in North America.
Historians say that Malinois first came to the United States in 1911. By that time, there were disputes among breeders, amateurs, and different clubs about the different colors and types of Belgian shepherds, as well as the ethics of interpersonal relationships and breeding. The AKC divided the four varieties in 1959. In some other countries, Malinois is still classified and shown in one category.
After its debut in North America, the breed gained popularity, but during and after World War II, the import of dogs stopped, and the development of the breed in North America was suspended. Over the years, lovers have revived interest in the breed, and its most noticeable surge in popularity occurred in the 1960s. The American Belgian Club Malinois (ABMC) was founded in 1978.
Today's medium-sized malinois is a very comfortable size for a tough working dog. The AKC standard accepts 40 to 80 pounds. Bitches are not so tall or heavy.
Wool, different among varieties. In Malinois, it is short and straight. The top coat is weather resistant, and the undercoat is dense and warm. AKC takes on a pale yellow to mahogany color with black tips on the hair. Black ears and a mask are a must. They accentuate Mala's piercing eyes.
While it looks like a genetic relative of a German shepherd, Belgian Malinois is more elegant. His lighter body and smaller stature made him the preferred choice for military work, especially for tasks involving skydiving.
Over the years, this breed has played a vital role in K-9 police and military service around the world. The strength, fearlessness, dexterity and intelligence of these dogs, as well as the high percentage of successful operations - make them ideal for work. Malinois served in various “wars” in both world wars - from messaging to defense work.
Of course, the most famous Malinois military was Cairo, a member of the Sixth United States Marine Brigade and one of the key players in the assault on the Osama bin Laden complex. But this is just one example of the work that these dogs do daily. Their contribution to law enforcement and security cannot be quantified.
Could this breed be a good choice as a pet? May be. But now it should be clear that Malinois is not suitable for everyone.
For starters, this is a dog that needs work. Every day he is mentally “turned on” and needs leaders who will give assignments. Any dog sporting events will bring him great pleasure. Surveillance, protection, obedience ... this breed has the mind and stamina to excel in these and countless other activities.
The owner of the Malinois should spend a lot of time training and socializing the dog, ideally starting with the puppy's age. It is important to remember that the features that make this breed ideal for cattle breeding and protection can also make it a problem as a companion for the family. Continuous training and daily training will direct irrepressible energy in the right direction.
In addition to the operating mode, the small has another side. This is a breed that is very closely related to the owner and his family.