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The Belgian Malinois a very intelligent, lively breed who excels in an active family environment. They are identical to the Belgian Sheepdog and the Belgian Tervuren except their coat is short and mahogany in coloring. The Belgian Malinois is a no-nonsense dog who must be taken seriously by their owner. It is recommended an owner be an experience dog person.
Other Names: Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge
Height: 22 - 26 inches
Weight: 62 lbs.
Colors: All shades of red, fawn, gray, with black overlap.
Coat: Very short on head, exterior of ears and lower parts of legs, short on rest of body.
Temperament: Belgian Malinois are obedient, loyal.
With Children: Yes, good with their family, should not play rough housing or chasing games. May not tolerate other children.
With Pets: Needs to be socialized to other pets. Take extra care when introducing a new pet.
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Very High, will protect their family and property, but will not attack unwarranted.
Care and Training: Brush their coat regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary as bathing removes the waterproofing of their coat. Shedding is bi-annually. Belgian Malinois is a working dog and needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash as much as possible. Early training will prevent puppies from developing a sharp temper and discourage aggressive tendencies.
Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - Very High, Problem Solving - High. Overbearing training techniques may encourage fear-biting.
Activity: High
Living Environment: Belgian Malinois adapts well to both a urban or country environment as long as they have space to roam. A home with a fenced yard is essential.
Health Issues: Epilepsy, excessive shyness, eye problems, hip dysplasia
Life Span: 12 - 14 years
Litter Size: 6 - 10
Country of Origin: Belgium
History: Developed in Belgium for guarding and herding of sheep. The Belgian Malinois was formally recognized as the Belgian Shepherd Dog in 1891. Present in the gene pool of these dogs there were dogs with long coats, short coats, rough or wired coats and a variance of colors. Making the Belgian Shepherd Dog with four varieties. The Groenendalel (known simple as the Belgium Sheepdog), with a solid long black coat, the Laekenois, a rough or wire-coat in fawn, red or brown, the Malinois, a short coated in fawn, red or brown and the Tervueren, a long coated fawn or dark red dog. The American Kennel Club has recognized three of these four varieties. The British Kennel Club regards them as a single breed and the Federation Cynologique states one breed with four varieties. Because of this, the dogs are always registered on their coat type and color, not of their parents.
First Registered by the AKC: 1912 (was registered as the Belgian Sheepdog until 1959)
AKC Group: Herding
Class: Herding
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC
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