BELGIAN MALINOIS Breed Standards
The Belgian Malinois is one of the three varieties of the Belgian Shepherd recognized in the United States; a fourth variety, known as the Laekenois, is not considered a separate breed in the US. The Malinois' name is derived from Malines, a city in Belgium. The Chien de Berger Belge, or Belgian Sheepherd, was developed during the late 18th century and early 19th century, and was designed to perform all the tasks required of a herding dog and be adaptable to the cold northern European climate.
Until 1891, there was no standard for the Belgian Shepherd. In that year, Belgian veterinarian Adolphe Reul brought together over 100 Belgian Shepherds and their owners to establish a breed standard. He found that many of the dogs were very similar in structure, but differed in coat color and type; this group of dogs, which in some countries is divided into four subcategories, was recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. While the Belgian Shepherd was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1911, it was not until 1959 that the breed was split into three distinct categories in the United States.
SKILLS: The elegant Belgian Malinois, is a muscular dog but not heavy, solid but very agile, with a proud carriage. The topline is level with a slight slope at the withers. The chest is neither broad nor narrow, but is deep, reaching to the elbow. The hindquarters are muscular, without looking heavy. The front legs are very straight and parallel to each other, with round cat-feet. Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs and should be removed from the back legs.
SIZE: Height: Dogs 24-26 inches (61-66 cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (56-61 cm.) Weight: 55-65 pounds (24-29 kg.)
COAT: The short-haired coat is fawn to red to mahogany, to black with black tips, mask, and ears and a thick undercoat. Some white is allowed on the chest and feet. The hair around the neck is a bit longer and forms a collar. The small, dark, almond-shaped eyes have an alert and questioning expression. The alert erect ears should be equilateral triangles. They should be in good proportion to the dog's head. The muzzle tapers, but is not excessively pointy. The skull is flat and parallel to the plain of the muzzle. The nose is black and the lips should be tight. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite.
CARE REQUIRED: The smooth, short-haired coat of the Malinois is easy to groom. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only if it is absolutely necessary, as bathing removes the waterproofing of the coat. This breed is a light constant shedder, but sheds heavily twice a year.
CHARACTER: It is a very smart and obedient dog. Serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. Some are very shy or sensitive. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master. If you are harsh or overbearing they will become uncooperative. It is instinctively protective so it should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Breeders should socialize puppies right from birth. Good for working and competition obedience. These dogs make excellent police and guard dogs. This type of work is currently their main occupation. They do however, make excellent pets. They are ever-watchful, alert and loyal, and they thrive on loving companionship. Belgian Sheepdogs are good with children if socialized well with them. The Belgian Malinois needs to be part of the family and not locked up in a kennel. It does best given ample time, attention, training and companionship. If this breed is ignored, it will find ways to entertain itself, often at the owner's expense. The Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy and needs a job to do. Working lines can have particularly high drive. Belgian Shepherds tend to bond strongly with one or two people. Take care when introducing this dog with small non-canine pets. Generally this Sheepdog gets along well with children, but they can be rather dominant toward other dogs. Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and other pets, they should not present any problems. Good for working and competitive obedience. This is a very demanding dog. It needs an experienced owner and can easily be difficult to control unless the owner knows how to handle him. There can be wide differences in temperament and aggressiveness. Talk to someone experienced with the breed before you buy your dog. Although Belgian Sheepdogs are often impressive, don't base your purchase solely on achievement records and appearances. Animals displaying excessive aggression or fearfulness should be avoided.
TRAINING: This is a working dog that is accustomed to an active outdoor life. As such it needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash as much as possible in a safe area.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Belgian Malinois will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This breed prefers cool climates, but adapts well to others. It can live outdoors but would much rather be with his people.
EXERCISE: . This versatile and highly intelligent dog excels at many activities including tracking, agility, obedience, protection and schutzhund, narcotics and bomb detection work, search and rescue, herding and pulling sleds or carts.
