You may have seen him at the airport, where he is often used as a customs service dog: the Malinois.
It is one of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog.
In this article you will find out whether the popular service dog is suitable for you, whether there are problems or frequent illnesses and what the raising of puppies is all about.
Malinoi’s profile
Size Male 62cm, Female: 58cmWeightMale: 25 to 30 kg, female: 20 to 25 kgColorsFawn with black overlay and black maskLife expectancy12 to 14 yearsOriginBelgiumcharacter/temperamentactive, courageous, alert, lively, sensitive, affectionate, loyalFCI groupGroup 1: herding dogs and cattle dogs
Look
You can see the shepherd dog in the Malinois immediately.
However, compared to the German shepherd, he has one slim and athletic build.
Unlike the other varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren, Laekenois and Groenendael), the «Mali» has a short and smooth coat.
This is very dense and envelops his athletic body.
He has an alert look and erect, triangular ears. His appearance should radiate efficiency.
The fur is always fawn with black mask. Malinois have black colored tips of their hair, the one black cloud cause and shade the base color darker.
Males can reach a height of 62 cm, females up to 58 cm. Their weight is between 20 and 30 kilos, depending on their size.
History & origin of the Malinois
The Malinois is a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. It was once used to drive flocks of sheep away from fields and crops.
Until the end of the 19th century, Belgian shepherds were exclusively working dogs for shepherds.
At this point in time, they also brought with them a rather uniform appearance.
Targeted breeding only started in 1891.
The «Belgian Shepherd Dog Club» was founded in Belgium with the establishment of individual standards.
The numerous different Belgian shepherd dogs were then classified according to region and physical characteristics.
In 1901, the first dog of this breed was registered in the studbook of the Société Royale St. Hubert (LOSH)..
At first there were strict breed characteristics that excluded numerous dogs. The owners then founded their own club.
The two later reunited.
In order to revive the breeds after the world wars, Mating of different varieties permitted. In 1973, crossbreed litters were banned.
However, matings between different varieties are still practiced in individual cases today.
From 1980 the Malinois also became popular in Germany. This breed was represented at more and more dog sport events.
The Malinois was also very popular with the police and customs.
To this day, this breed forms the majority of service dogs.
Essence & Character of Malinois
Without a doubt, the Malinois is an intelligent workhorse. Often his temper is also called calm and courageous described.
He is alert, lively and always ready. In addition to his original suitability as a herd dog, he is a good watchdog.
His lively temperament should be reflected in his posture. Due to his robust yet slim physique, he is fast and agile.
The Malinois has one solid character and is neither aggressive nor fearful.
However, if it is improperly kept and not given the necessary workload, it can develop aggression.
The Mali wants to be challenged and is therefore suitable for various dog sports and protection work. Here he proves to be very intelligent and docile.
Under certain conditions, you can even adopt police dogs – maybe a Mali will be included.
attitude & upbringing
If you want to bring a Malinois puppy into your home, you should be enthusiastic about dog sports. Because the intelligent german shepherd needs this load.
In addition, this breed places high demands on its owners.
True, he is one good family doghowever, needs a lot of employment. Several hours of training should be completed with him every day.
The Malinois is a working dog willing to workwhich should not be underchallenged.
If he does not get the necessary movement from workload, problems are usually pre-programmed. Then the clever dog gets bored easily.
In the course of this, he can also develop aggressive behavior.
And the Mali understands exercise to be a real power program.
Anyone who educates their Mali puppy positively and with a lot of empathy lays the foundation for a good animal-human community.
This also includes taking rest breaks for the otherwise constantly active dog.
Not to be underestimated long «youth phase» this breed. The Malinois is only considered to be mentally mature when they are about three years old.
As a very social dog, Mali likes to be with his family. You should therefore not leave him alone for long.
But his great protective instinct can also lead to problems – especially for inexperienced dog owners.
Health & Care
As demanding as this breed is to keep, it is undemanding when it comes to grooming.
The short coat of the Malinois is very easy to care for.
The dog should only be brushed several times during the change of coat to avoid excessive shedding.
Mali also gives a good picture when it comes to health.
There are no diseases that are typical of the breed.
There were cases of hereditary epilepsy due to breeding, but this was suppressed by selection in breeding.
With the Malinois, however, there is one Risk for the diseases hip and elbow dysplasia.
Regular dental care and a good, balanced diet also contribute to a healthy and long life for your dog.
The life expectancy of a Malinois with good care is between 12 and 14 years, which is an impressive age for a dog of this size.
The other varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog also have a similar life expectancy.
Is the Malinois right for me?
The Malinois suits you if you have already gained a lot of dog experience and can meet the high demands of this breed for exercise and activity.
The Mali is unsuitable as the first dog.
Inexperienced owners can quickly be overwhelmed by this demanding breed and the Mali can develop aggressive behavior if not cared for properly.
Also, you should never have to leave your dog alone for too long.
But if you already lots of experience with dogs lead an active life and dog sports such as agility or protection dog sports are exactly your thing, then the Mali can suit you well.
Once you have decided on a Malinois, you will find several breeders in Germany and of course in neighboring Belgium.
Fun facts about the Malinois
#1
The Malinois named Cairo became famous in 2011. He was a member of the Seal Team that captured terrorist Osama Bin Laden. Incidentally, he was the only member of the troupe whose name was made public
#2
Malinois is the French name for the Flemish city of Mechelen in the Belgian province of Antwerp. This gives the short-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog its name. The city is called Mechelaar in Flemish. The term Mechelaar for the Malinois also appears again and again. Other names are Mali or Malli.