Belgian Shepherd Malinois

The Belgian Malinois gets its name from the city of Mechelen. It was not until 1908 that this breed was given a name, although it had already existed long before that. Their selection was based specifically on the search for a useful dog that would be suitable for training.

While the Malinois is not the most popular Belgian Shepherd with the general public, it is the most popular among canine sports fans. These sports include: dog agility, dock diving, flyball, herding, obedience, showmanship and tracking events. Their great capacity for these sports has led them to position themselves at the top of international competitions in recent years. Although each variety of Belgian Shepherd has a particular origin, the history of the Malinois is part of the history of the entire breed.

The Belgian Malinois is a light but strong dog, of a large size and great agility. The length of their body is equal to their height at the withers. Therefore, therefore their structure is square.

Their head is elongated and thing. They have small erect and triangular ears with pointed ends. Their dark and oblique eyes are somewhat almond-shaped. The width of the muzzle is reduced from the base to the nose, but does not end in a point.

The Malinois is the only Belgian Shepherd with short hair. Their fur is most abundant on their neck and tail. On the neck, the abundant fur draws a collar that gives the Malinois an elegant yet rustic aesthetic. The Belgian Malinois is carbon red in color with some hairs that have black ends. Their mask must be black.

Being a Belgian Shepherd, the Malinois should have a tail long enough to reach the hock or a little longer. When resting, their tail should hang down and its end should curve back. The forelimbs are straight and, viewed from the front, are parallel. The hind limbs are powerful but without giving the appearance of being heavy.

The Malinois may well be the most active and tireless dog of all Belgian Shepherds. They are very intelligent and courageous dogs. Their abundant mental qualities make it a very easy dog to educate and train. In addition, they respond wonderfully to all techniques that include positive reinforcement as a base. When properly educated and socialized, they can interact with all kinds of people and pets.

Although the Belgian Malinois can adapt to living in an apartment, it would be ideal to offer them a spacious home so that they can enjoy exercising at home. As we've previously mentioned, this dog needs a lot of daily exercise. They will also need proper training and a rich and balanced canine diet. Playing dog sports can help channel these dogs' excessive energy. While dog training is necessary for any dog, it is even more so for a Malinois.

The Malinois constantly loses hair and loses more hair in two annual shedding seasons. Regular brushing and bathing when necessary is recommended. You must also keep dental hygiene into account. Lastly, you must keep up with their regular veterinarian check-ups and vaccination and deworming schedule.

Unlike other sheepdogs, physical appearance has played a definite role in the health of the Belgian Malinois. Their great mental qualities have diminished the prominence of the physical. So their reproduction has now been focused on their lines of work, not on aesthetic qualities. Thanks to this, they are in better health. Hereditary diseases are not common in this breed.

With good care, semiannual visits to the vet and the correct follow-up of the vaccination schedule for dogs, we will enjoy a healthy and happy dog for a long time. The average lifespan of the Belgian Malinois is 10–12 years