<C>Height:</C> 24 to 26 inches (male); 22 to 24 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 60 to 75 pounds (male); 40 to 55 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Belgian Malinois, named for the Belgian city of Malines, is one of the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog. In most parts of the world, the four varieties (Groenendael (long-haired black), Malinois (short-haired fawn with black mask and black overlay), Tervuren (long-haired, in shades of fawn through gray with black mask and black overlay), and Laekenois (rough-haired fawn) are considered to be a single breed. However, the AKC, since 1959, has recognized the Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog), Malinois and Tervuren as separate breeds and doesn't recognize the Laekenois at all. The first Malinois was registered with the AKC in 1912. The Belgian Malinois gained full recognition as a separate AKC breed in 1965. Although it is still quite rare in America, the Malinois variety is very popular in Belgium. 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. Although the Belgian Malinois is not for everyone, this high energy dog makes an excellent family companion if properly socialized and trained.
<b>Description:</> The standard for the Belgian Malinois frequently uses the word "square" to describe this breed, as the dog's body is about as long as it is tall. The elegant 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 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. The long tail reaches at least to the hock. The short-haired coat is fawn to red to mahogany 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 brown, 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 plane of the muzzle. The nose is black and the lips should be tight. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite.
<b>Notes:</> The short coat sheds twice a year with some additional shedding year round. Like many herding breeds, young puppies can be somewhat nippy. Needs to be handled by an experienced owner who can train with consistency and skill. If improperly socialized or trained, may be aggressive with other dogs (especially true of males). The Malinois prefers to live inside with his family. Though the rate of hip dysplasia in this breed is very low, buy only from OFA certified stock as a precaution. Eye problems are also uncommon in this breed, but parents should still have current CERF certifications. For a pet, it may be best to avoid puppies from primarily working lines as working lines tend to be more active, have sharper personalities, and are more difficult for less experienced handlers.
Thanks to Cindy Fitzgerald for coordinating reviews of the Belgian Malinois material done by the Belg-l on-line Belgian Shepherd Dog fanciers and to Derede Arthur for organizing the review process.
<b>Personality:</> Very smart and responsive--a super obedience dog. Confident, proud, serious and alert. A devoted, affectionate one-family dog that is reserved with strangers. Possessive of his family. Animals displaying excessive aggression or fearfulness should be avoided. Does best if given ample time, attention, training and companionship. Quite active--tends to move in circles (herding behavior). Instinctively protective, so he should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Breeders should socialize puppies right from birth. Sensitive --harsh training methods don't work well with this breed. Can be quite good with children. Needs to be part of the family--not a kennel dog. If ignored, the Malinois will find ways to entertain himself, 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.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Moderately protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> Very easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Constant shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> BELGIAN MALINOIS
Slide 1 -Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.; Slide 2 (and small picture) -Mattole Valley's Bella. Owned and photographed by Barbara Rae Swem.
