Belgian Malinois by Vivian Vallarsa
The Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian shepherd varieties, alongside the Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois. These shepherds date back all the way to the 1800’s when breeders were looking for a strong herding and working dog. Belgian Malinois get their name from the city of Mechelen, where they were bred.
Belgian Malinois arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, and they had a short-lived popularity which dissipated at the end of World War II. In 1959, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Malinois as a breed, and their popularity began to rise again in the 60’s. At this point, Belgian Malinois are commonly working as police dogs, military dogs, drug-detection dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. Belgian Malinois and their hyperactive partner the Dutch Shepherd are rapidly replacing German Shepherds in these working fields because of their more suited temperament for these jobs. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds, and they are part of Navy SEAL teams, including the one that killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
Belgian Malinois are very cute dogs, but don’t be fooled, because they are a LOT of work. They are very high-energy dogs and need many hours of exercise a day. Because of this, they are best suited for people with an active lifestyle who can provide their dog with daily exercise, and mental stimulation. These dogs also require proper training and socialization starting from a young age to ensure they are well-mannered because of their protective instincts.
The Belgian Malinois is one of the most intelligent dogs out there. They can be trained to do pretty much anything from agility to drug detection. This intelligence can turn into a negative if they do not get enough exercise or stimulation. If they find themselves bored they will get themselves into loads of trouble. And if they are not socialized properly as puppies, they may develop aggressive and fearful behaviors.
Overall, a well-cared-for and socialized Belgian Malinois is a great companion!
Belgian Malinois arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, and they had a short-lived popularity which dissipated at the end of World War II. In 1959, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Malinois as a breed, and their popularity began to rise again in the 60’s. At this point, Belgian Malinois are commonly working as police dogs, military dogs, drug-detection dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. Belgian Malinois and their hyperactive partner the Dutch Shepherd are rapidly replacing German Shepherds in these working fields because of their more suited temperament for these jobs. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds, and they are part of Navy SEAL teams, including the one that killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
Belgian Malinois are very cute dogs, but don’t be fooled, because they are a LOT of work. They are very high-energy dogs and need many hours of exercise a day. Because of this, they are best suited for people with an active lifestyle who can provide their dog with daily exercise, and mental stimulation. These dogs also require proper training and socialization starting from a young age to ensure they are well-mannered because of their protective instincts.
The Belgian Malinois is one of the most intelligent dogs out there. They can be trained to do pretty much anything from agility to drug detection. This intelligence can turn into a negative if they do not get enough exercise or stimulation. If they find themselves bored they will get themselves into loads of trouble. And if they are not socialized properly as puppies, they may develop aggressive and fearful behaviors.
Overall, a well-cared-for and socialized Belgian Malinois is a great companion!