Anyone who wants to get a Malinois wonders whether this dog breed is a list dog or a fighting dog.
In this article we explain to you what the terms list dog and attack dog mean and whether the Malinois falls under this classification.
In addition, we will tell you everything you need to know about the character of the Malinois and its requirements for keeping and training.
Is the Malinois a list dog or a fighting dog?
In Germany, the Malinois is neither a list dog nor a fighting dog.
The term «fighting dog» is a colloquial term for list dogs. Thus, according to today’s understanding, a fighting dog is the same as a list dog.
In earlier times, the term «fighting dog» stood for dogs used in dog fights or for hunting large animals such as bears, wild boar or bulls.
They were specially bred for this so that they are very strong, muscular and persistent and have a strong bite.
Not all fighting dogs of that time are listed dogs today, because the disposition to aggressiveness is particularly decisive for the classification.
But not only former fighting dog breeds are affected. Also some guard dogs, herding dogs, and livestock guardian dogs are classified as list dogs.
Thus, a Malinois that is used as a herding dog, among other things, could also be considered a list dog if it has the appropriate characteristics.
If there are enough empirical values about a dog breed that indicate a high potential for aggression in combination with the risk of serious injuries, this breed is classified as a list dog.
In Germany, the law on combating dangerous dogs applies across borders. The breeds listed therein may only be kept throughout Germany if special requirements are observed.
However, the federal states also have their own breed lists in which they classify additional dog breeds as dangerous.
None of this affects the Malinois. He is not listed in the Dangerous Dog Control Act or in any state’s breed list.
Thus, his attitude is not linked to any special conditions.
Does the Malinois have the character of a list dog or a fighting dog?
The Malinois does not show the characteristics that are required for classification as a list dog or fighting dog.
He is a confident dog that needs consistent training and has a protective instinct. With its powerful teeth, it could also cause serious injuries.
However, he is not aggressive or even biting. Rather, it shares a temperament similar to its close relatives, the Dutch Shepherd and German Shepherd.
The Malinois is highly intelligent and extremely docile. He is sensitive, very attached to his people and tries to please them. He follows orders with pleasure and obediently.
His intelligence and obedience coupled with his immense athleticism make the Malinois a very talented and popular police and military dog.
He also cuts a fine figure as a therapy, assistance or rescue dog.
As a loyal, child-friendly, cuddly and playful companion, the Malinois is well suited as a family dog.
However, just being a family dog underwhelms him. He needs a lot of sport and intelligent tasks to keep busy.
Interesting
Because the Malinois is such a lively dog, they are often mistaken for being nervous. In truth, he has strong nerves and just likes to be active.
What demands does the Malinois have when it comes to keeping and training?
In order for the Malinois to be able to fully develop its wonderful nature, you have to make sure that you meet its needs when keeping it and training it.
Because even if the Malinois is not a list dog or fighting dog, Otherwise, he may develop problematic behavior.
In the following sections you will learn what a Malinois needs to feel comfortable.
The ideal home for a Malinois
The Malinois feels most comfortable in a house with a garden. However, it is possible to keep him in an apartment if you can give him plenty of daily exercise.
In a house with a garden, it is important that the garden is well fenced. Since the Malinois can easily jump two meters high, the fence should be correspondingly higher.
The Malinois prefers living in a more rural area where they can engage in many enjoyable outdoor activities.
Keeping the strong-nerved dog in the city is still possible. But then there should be a large park nearby and frequent trips into nature should be undertaken.
The Malinois is suitable for individuals as well as for families with responsible, slightly older children.
It is important that its people are active and sporty in order to be able to properly utilize the Malinois.
He usually gets along well with other pets when properly socialized.
exercise and employment
It is a demanding task to keep a Malinois busy.
He needs exercise for more than two hours a day, and simply going for a walk is not enough for him.
The Malinois wants to run, jump and let off steam. Therefore, you should exercise with him, and he should in particular exercise regularly.
Just like the body, the mind of the Malinois must also be exercised. Many dog sports require mental work in addition to physical exercise.
You can find out more about dog sports here.
Danger
Too much exercise is also not good for the Malinois. The bundle of energy would like to be active all the time, but has to learn to calm down.
Lots of time together
The Malinois needs your attention, love and affection. That’s why you have to plan a lot of time for him.
You can leave him alone for a while if you slowly get him used to it.
However, he gets bored when he’s alone for long periods of time, and this can lead to mischief at home or general dissatisfaction when he has to be alone often.
The loyal, affectionate Malinois wants one be a full member of the family and take part in the lives of its people.
Also, you have to take into account that its high demand for employment takes a lot of time.
Education of the Malinois
You also have to plan a lot of time for the upbringing of your Malinois, but especially a lot of patience, consistency and empathy.
The basis of a good parenting is a strong bond. When your Malinois knows they can trust you absolutely, it will be easy for them to accept your rules.
Although the Malinois is so docile and obedient, it belongs in the hands of experienced dog owners. Because he needs clear announcements and consistent leadership.
However, the sensitive dog should only be trained with positive reinforcement. Scolding is taboo, punishing even more so.
Are you considering getting a Malinois? Or do you already have one? What fascinates you about the dog breed? We look forward to your comment!