Other breeders of working Malinois favor dogs with an “off switch,” capable of firing up when needed, but able to settle down at other times. Yes they are awesome but they rarely have an off and will … As Scott’s K9 training company points out, gender stereotypes that favor male dogs can be hard to breakthrough. Don’t get me wrong, dogs can and do improve mood and reduce anxiety and feelings of sadness; even science says so. They are beautiful dogs and very, very smart, however, they are not your typical family dog. However, a well-bred working line German Shepherd Dog is just as successful and robust as a Malinois. Belgian Malinois are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Height: 22–26 inches 3. Before buying a puppy it is important to understand the associated costs of owning a dog. Recently, the Belgian Malinois has become the dog of choice for police and military work due to their intense drive and focus. “A Belgian Malinois Is A Full Time Job” While many Malinois may share the lovely dark masks and the pointy ears of a German Shepherd, they are as alike to the GSD as a Giant Schnauzer is to a Labrador. The price depends on the dog’s lineage, conformation to breed standards, age, and training. Should you just forget about the Malinois? The modern day Belgian Malinois may be most famous for his work as a police and military dog, but in his humble beginnings, this shepherd dog was created for … After you buy a Malinois and begin their training, you start to realize that his/her attitude and needs are changing. But the Malinois is not produced in a Belgian Malinois Stamping Factory, every individual a cookie-cutter copy of the last. 14 Reasons Why You Should Never Own Belgian Malinoises. The successful home also considers the needs of every family member. But that’s also what makes them unique, and why experienced dog owners enjoy the pains and joys of having a Belgian Malinois in their lives. Highly active, intelligent and eager to work, Belgian Malinois is a special breed that is not for everyone. It is not an underestimation to say that he will be the center of your world for the full 12-14 years of his dog life. Getting It Right: Is the Belgian Malinois a Good Fit for You? But they do not tend to make very good pets unless you give them special training and several hours per day of high-intensity activity, exercise, and play. He is is 3 yr old Belgian Malinois. They have a good deal of endurance and truly enjoy working. … We are located in Southwest Alabama only ninety miles from Mobile. Weight: 55–65 pounds 4. Thanks to man-induced breeding of dogs over thousands of years, we have managed to create dogs of so many different qualities that there is probably one that is suitable for every prospective owner’s needs. A Belgian Malinois is on the large, high energy, ‘always needs something to do’ side of the spectrum. Annual cost of owning a Belgian Malinois puppy. Malinois may be selected for varying levels of sociability and guarding tendency, depending on their purpose. Other dogs in this group include the: The following questions will help you in deciding if the breed characteristics of the Belgian Malinois makes … This makes them smart and hardworking dogs, but it also means that as an owner you need to keep up with this tradition by making sure that your dog has an active purposeful lifestyle. Over time, the Malinois has split into lines generally produced for work and lines generally produced for conformation, with attention to performance abilities. The pros of owning a Malinois include the strong working drive of the dog. Dogs bred mainly for conformation and/or performance sports, such as obedience and agility, occupy another part of the Malinois character map. The Belgian Malinois belong to a group of dogs collectively referred to as “Chiens de Berger Belge”, which consists of several different types of Belgian sheepherding breeds that were specifically bred to work as shepherds and guard dogs for their original owners in Belgium. No one wants that. Because the breed is primarily a working dog, it … The Belgian Malinois is one of the most lovable and devoted dog breeds that a pet owner can have. One came to me at 15 months as a kennel dog. Whether it was a Belgian Malinois or a German shepherd, there is a perfect dog out there for you, you just have to know what you are looking for. Photo of the author, Carilee Moran, and her Malinois BISS Ch Avonlea Burning Love UDTX RA AX OAJ, https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. There are thousands of websites online, including this one, that can give you an insight into how people can deal with your new best friend. Find A Cute Belgian Malinois Puppy. When training from a young age goes right, things get easier and more fun over time, but there are still new things that the dog might need at different stages of theit life. Famous for protecting livestock, the Belgian Malinois is now known for protecting man. The realities of owning a Belgian Malinois: even as seniors, their energy never stops! This activity level works for the jobs and lifestyles of these dogs, who are more tools than pets, but the energy can be a tough row to hoe for a pet owner. Be consistent with your commands and make sure that you don’t wiggle on your boundaries. When you choose to buy a certain dog because he/she looks “badass”, his/her other characteristics that you are ignoring might indicate that the dog is not the right fit for you. The Malinois emerged at the same time as three other Belgian herding breeds: the Teruvren, Laekinois and the Belgian Sheepdog. You’ll need to be active and keen to keep your lifestyle that way. Events have again hurled the Belgian Malinois onto the national stage, with the participation of the Navy SEAL dog, Conan, in the raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria. Malinois are smaller and more agile than German Shepherd Dogs, and have fewer health issues. Without papers or lineage: much … It must become a lifelong endeavor. All your hard work pays off and your dog is just as happy. However, my first Malinois was a street dog of unknown origins. Do your research, know what owning a dog entails, and whether you have both the patience and persistence to train a dog and make both their and your life easier. Ideally, a show dog will have steady nerves, the judgment not to see ordinary life events as threats requiring a reaction, and will be willing to tolerate less activity than working dogs. But by then, it would be too late. If you are interested in owning one of these … We are a small breeder producing only 2-3 litters per year. But in most cases, the dog either had behavior problems attributable to lack of socialization and training, or simply did not fit into the pet home due to excessive drive and energy levels. Who wouldn’t want a dog like that? All rights reserved. Because … Others were working dogs that were unsuitable for the work. It is normal for emotion to play a role in buying your first dog, but it can’t be the only thing guiding your choice. Belgian Malinois, a Family or a One-Man Dog? If you want to adopt a puppy and consider what breed to choose, we warn you NOT to get a Belgian Malinois. 1. We train and have Belgian Malinois Personal Protection dogs and Police K9s for sale (single purpose and dual purpose dogs), carefully selected from our breeding program or directly imported from Europe. Are you in a place in your life where you can consistently support his/her needs? Here is my dog Rocky. What Can You Expect to Pay for a Malinois Puppy? He had a calm temperament, but if he wanted something, he would rip apart everything in his path to get to it. But many dogs, especially a Malinois, is not a substitute as a professional therapist, and they require a lot of training that someone with serious mental health challenges may not be able to deal with. The annual cost or "upkeep" is often overlooked when determining a Belgian Malinois true ownership cost. The smart, confident, and versatile Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner. Some lines bred for work favor dogs that are perpetual motion machines. If you will notice, the Belgian Malinois possesses the qualities you would want in a guard dog. They will need lots and patience. “My first Malinois was a working dog acquired when he was two years old. How do you adapt to the pup’s evolving needs as he/she grows up into a fully developed canine? The American Belgian Malinois Club’s breed standard says: “The Belgian Malinois is a well-balanced, square dog… The dog is strong, agile, well-muscled, alert, and full of life. To help you decide whether the Belgian Malinois would be a good choice for your home, let’s take a closer look at this powerhouse. When you make informed decisions about which type of dog to buy as well as what to do after you get them, you can get the most out of the experience and give your dog a happy life to which he will be eternally grateful. ©Copyright BelgianMalinois.ca | Inbound Marketing LetsMarket.it, Things to consider before and after owning a Belgian Malinois. The Malinois is actually more akin to a working Collie, but where a collie will nip, a Malinois will bite, … Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. I learned a lot from her, but she was not easy to live with, and not the type of dog the average dog owner would want to deal with. Most of the other Malinois I’ve owned were moderately active and didn’t require over-the-top exercise programs. These different jobs require an emphasis on different characteristics. Life Expectancy: 12–14 yearsThe Belgian Malinois, or simply Malinois, counts itself among 4 breeds sub-classified as Belgian shepherds. A Belgian Malinois is on the large, high energy, ‘always needs something to do’ side of the spectrum. What makes a Belgian Malinois so different anyway? Although few people use Malinois in commercial livestock operations, those who depend on the Malinois for farm chores need an all-around dog. While Belgian Malinois are friendly dogs, they cannot really be a complete fix to any psychological issues you might be facing in your life. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2021. When you bring a Belgian Malinois into your home you make a commitment to raise, train, and care for your Malinois throughout his lifetime. When reality bumps into last year’s fashion, disappointed buyers who cannot manage their cool new toys dump them onto rescues such as the American Belgian Malinois Rescue (ABMR). Keep asking questions until you and the breeder are both sure that the Malinois is the right kind of dog for you. Just make sure the dog has … Such homes include the dog in regular, vigorous activities such as hiking, jogging, obedience, or other dog sports, in addition to free playtime in the yard. However, since 1959, the Belgian Malinois has been officially accepted in the United States by major breed clubs as his own purebred. Well, maybe a therapy dog assigned by a healthcare professional is what you need. When you own a Belgian Malinois then training is not just something that you do when they’re a puppy. If you are considering adopting or buying one, you should know that this dog was made for the sole purpose of physically and cognitively intensive work. Our puppies are bred from only high quality bloodlines. Sometimes, this can be problematic when your dog shows some sort of aggression towards strangers or other canines. All are bred with intelligence in mind, but some jobs demand more judgment and impulse control than others, and this is evident in the dogs. Whether you are planning on getting your dog CGC certified or just looking to learn more about the test this e-book is a great place to start. At this point in my life, there is a good chance that I could not manage a dog with her kind of constant drive.” – L.E. When you consider all that you’ve been through with your dog throughout your lives together, you’ll find in the Belgian Malinois a lifelong loyal companion that, throughout all the frustration and struggles of training, made you grow as a person and helped you appreciate this dog for what it is. Dogs feed off their owner’s energy, so you need to make sure to resolve any personal issues before taking on the commitment of owning a dog. by. With papers, superior lineage, and breeding rights or show quality a Malinois puppy price can average from $3,400 to $9,000. When calculating your budget make sure you account for … Usually, this dog can settle, though his considerable endurance and energy need a regular outlet. One of the Healthiest Breeds. Not at all! "The Belgian Malinois: A Complete and Comprehensive Beginners Guide to: Buying, Owning, Health, Grooming, Training, Obedience, Understanding and Caring for Your Belgian Malinois," by Michael Stonewood is the perfect purchase or gift for a first time Belgian Malinois owner. It gets well with other pets and children in the house. During the long time it took to housebreak her, she escaped from every enclosure I tried. The Belgian Malinois as a pet is hardy, intelligent, insatiably active, and devoted. This can often mean responsibility that spans the next 14 -16 years. You may be certain that you want a high-powered dog, but is the rest of your family ready to participate in training and maintaining a sometimes challenging canine citizen for the next for 13-15 years? These are just a few of the things that you need to consider before and after owning a Belgian Malinois so that your relationship with him/her can be a healthy and positive one. How much do you know about the Belgian Malinois breed? Before you buy a Malinois, you need to honestly evaluate your capabilities and your commitment to a high-energy, intelligent dog. Am I buying this dog to resolve some deep-seated issues I’m facing in my life. You would be on your way to becoming just another rescue group statistic. However, their loyalty and devotion to owners can sometimes lead to an extremely protective behavior. From the beginning, the Malinois has always been a flexible dog who could fill many roles. There is some crossover between these two main branches, and within each branch are more branches, right down to the preferences of individual breeders, even for the same sport or type of work. The cost of a Belgian Malinois varies from about $1,500 on the low end for an AKC registered puppy to as much as $100,000 for an extremely well-trained protection dog. I’ve had experience with high-drive dogs, but I don’t do as much as I used to, so I know it’s not a good fit anymore.“ – D.L. Some of these dogs exhibited serious health problems or behavioral issues. … Correct temperament is essential to the working character of the Belgian Malinois. The dog must take direction from the shepherd, but solve problems independently when required. When you don’t get papers, you will pay around $200-$400 for a puppy without papers. But I’ve had several that were a lot more challenging. The Malinois is a strong and well- muscled dog that is often used in the military. A high level of prey drive is a constant in the breed. This included the car, a crate, and sometimes me. At home, the Belgian Malinois can be quiet as a mouse or it can be a hurricane of activity. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Buying or adopting any type of dog is a huge commitment that requires a lot of thought, and many people end up regretting their decisions when they don’t consider all the factors that affect whether you are ready for such an undertaking. It took a long time for me to learn the amount of mental and physical exercise she required to be content. Getting documentation on the dog ensures the quality and expectations of what kind you will be receiving. She destroyed sofas, mattresses, crates and anything else she deemed a worthy target for her frustrations. He is naturally protective of his owner’s person and property without being overly aggressive. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Consider these reflections from two experienced Malinois owners: “My two show Malinois are very easy to live with. While you should only use positive training methods with this breed you must still be firm … Belgian Malinois Price. The price of the Belgian Malinois is $1,000 to $3,000 for a puppy with papers. These dogs can be successful at any companion sport you can name, from dock diving to dog dancing. Bred for work, not style. The Belgian Malinois is not your typical family dog. If you are considering adopting or buying one, you should know that this dog was made for the sole purpose of physically and … If you don’t stop and look twice, you might confuse the Belgian Malinois with a really tough-looking German Shepherd. You need to be realistic and realize that like humans, most dogs are not perfect. But it’s smart to know in advance what you are getting yourself into. It really depends on its mood. Surrenders to ABMR have increased steadily since 2011, from around 100 dogs per year to well over 200, according to Marcia Tokson, Rescue Coordinator. The Malinois does best in an active home. We couldn’t continue on together… but he did teach me how fast Malinois learn. As long as it is comfortable, well-fed, and well rested, your Belgian Malinois will not make a fuss at home. But a “cool dog” surge also attracts buyers who haven’t researched their next pet as much as they would a new dishwasher. Lewis Belgian Malinois is committed to the breeding, raising, and training of … AKC Group: Herding 2. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. My last foster Malinois regularly scaled a 6-foot fence and ran off – I spent a lot of time looking for him. The breed is confident, exhibiting neither shyness nor aggressiveness in new situations. The Belgian Shepherd (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog or the Chien de Berger Belge) is a breed of medium-sized herding dog from Belgium.While predominantly considered a single breed, it is bred in four distinct varieties based on coat type and colour; the long-haired black Groenendael, the rough-haired fawn Laekenois, the short-haired fawn Malinois… All of these dogs are phenomenally strong for their size, with lightning-fast reflexes and incredible jumping ability. Here at Black Belt Belgian Malinois we strive to produce only high quality working puppies. They weigh around 40-80 pounds. The dog must be calm enough to move stock without stressing them, but always be ready to defend his master from rogue animals. In response to this latest wave of celebrity, worried Malinois fanciers are redoubling their efforts to educate the pet seekers about the nature of the breed, hoping to prevent a new cycle of “Saw it-Loved it-Bought it-Hated it-Dumped it,” a problem that recurs whenever a dog breed becomes newly fashionable. This dog is not for the faint of heart; they are one of the more difficult breeds to care for. Here, it could also be that the way the owner feels about a dog’s gender or owning a female vs male Belgian Malinois could influence how they interact with their dog and thus how the dog behaves during training. #1 They don`t like to travel by car. Then if all systems are go, prepare yourself for an adventure like no other: life with a Belgian Malinois! "The Belgian Malinois: A Complete and Comprehensive Beginners Guide to: Buying, Owning, Health, Grooming, Training, Obedience, Understanding and Caring for Your Belgian Malinois," by Michael Stonewood is the perfect purchase or gift for a first time Belgian Malinois owner. It sounds perfect. Here are at least 14 reasons why. This classification also includes the Tervurens, Groenendaels and Laekenois, each named for the area in which th… Owning a Belgian Malinois comes with a set of advantages and disadvantages. Favorable publicity for the Malinois is a double-edged sword: It makes people more aware of this still-unusual breed, which has the potential to benefit the Malinois by increasing the number of capable, committed owners. That would be a big mistake and an unfair burden to put on the Belgian Malinois. These dogs are active and ready to go, 24/7. She was the smartest, craziest, most fun dog ever. 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