All About the Malinois Belgian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois shepherds are among the most hardworking, agile, and intelligent dogs. They have been seen working with shepherds in Belgium for centuries. They were originally bred near the Belgian city of Malines, from which they get their name.
Although their primary purpose was herding, their trainability and motivation led them to professions in protection, search and rescue, bomb and narcotics detection, and other fields.
Their average lifespan is 10-14 years. Belgian Malinois are sensitive, very active, and smart, which makes them great pet dogs. Want to know more about them? Continue reading…
Breed History
There are four shepherd varieties: Tervuren, Groenendael, Laekenois, and Malinois. You can differentiate these four by their coat color and type. The Belgian Tervuren has coarse and long hair and comes in gray, black, and silver.
The Groenendael features long black hair, while Laekenois has reddish fawn or mahogany hair with shades of black. The Malinois Belgian has short and straight hair with a dense undercoat.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale views these four dogs as varieties of one breed—the Belgian Shepherd. Although these shepherds date back to the 1800s, the Malinois wasn’t recognized until the 19th century.
Malinois Belgians served in both world wars and are still used in the military. They work today as police dogs, performing search and rescue operations, military operations, drug detection, etc.
Temperament
Many dog experts see the Belgian Malinois as a watchdog. This breed is very intelligent and playful, brilliant, and easy to train. Many say its temperament is quite similar to that of German Shepherds.
The Belgian Malinois enjoy mental and physical challenges. They are quite muscular and have great agility. They often do well with other dogs; however, they might not appear friendly to strangers and unfamiliar dogs.
It is unsuitable to keep them as pets if you have children or elderly at home as they’re a very strong breed of dogs. However, if you do want to keep them, ensure close supervision of the dogs.
Many often recommend not to keep them as pets. This is because you will need to consistently train them. They need extreme training and exercise. It’s not ideal for first-time pet owners.
Care and Training
Belgian Malinois have short and waterproof coats. That means they require minimal care and upkeep. Since they’re a fur breed, they shed. Shedding mostly happens in two seasons- spring and fall.
Brush them often with a medium bristle brush. Brushing them will ensure their coats are shiny and there’s hair growth. Trim their nails every 4-6 weeks. Long nails will hurt them and cause pain if they walk and run.
Bath them only if they are dirty. If you bathe them often, their skin might dry out.
Brushing their teeth every day is important. You can start the routine at an early age so they are used to it. If they don’t like it, you can always contact your vet and ask for advice.
As I already mentioned, this breed requires heavy training and exercise daily. Activities such as jumping, running, hiking, tracking, and retrieving are enjoyed the most by the Belgian Malinois. Any game that involves mental and physical activity is good for them.
If you train and play with them daily, they will become calm pet dogs at home. Insufficient or no training, however, might turn them aggressive and very energetic, especially when they’re young. You might have to build a very high fence to enclose your house since they’re very athletic and might jump over and cause problems.
Food Habits
Feed your dog a premium, well-balanced diet; most people feed their dogs two meals a day.
Talk to your veterinarian about the variety and quantity, as these might change depending on factors such as age, size, and degree of exercise. Ensure treats are included in your dog’s daily calorie intake to avoid overeating.
Generally speaking, feeding Belgian Malinois twice a day—in the morning and the evening—is recommended. For puppies, you may have to feed them four meals each day.
Health Problems to Look Out For
Bloat
Dogs with deep, narrow chests can suffer from bloat, a very serious health problem that will require hospitalization. In bloat, the dog’s stomach fills up with gas, and after inflating, it gets twisted. This is known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). It cuts off the blood supply. If not treated in time, it might become deadly.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is an inherited condition in Belgian Malinois. If your dog does suffer from it, then lifelong medication and regular testing are required to be up-to-date with your dog’s health and check if his seizures are in control.
Eye Problem
Belgian Malinois can get eye problems such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), pannus, or chronic superficial keratitis. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in Belgian Malinois.
If these are not treated right away, they might cause permanent damage and lead to blindness.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are hereditary conditions that Belgian Malinois suffer from. They might be accompanied by joint pain and arthritis.
Consult a vet if you see them struggling with any of the problems listed below-
- Problems with standing.
- Limping.
- Sitting uncomfortably.
- Popping sounds from their joints.
Cancer
Belgian Malinois is prone to hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer that can develop anywhere in the body.
Conclusion
Belgian Malinois are high-energy dogs that can be a great addition to your family. Be careful, though. They require a lot of training, and if you train them consistently, they’ll be the greatest protectors of your home. They will love and respect you.
If you want a Belgian Malinois shepherd, contact a good breeder or your local shelter, and they will help you find one.
