Belgian Shepherd – Malinois

In search of a reliable and faithful friend, you should look at the Belgian Shepherd and become familiar with the subtleties of character and behavior. Belgian Shepherds are divided into four subspecies: Malinois, Tervuren, Groenendael, Laekenois. Separately, the Malinois is noted as an example of fidelity and grace. The ability to learn allows it to be used in such areas as rescue and search work, service in law enforcement agencies.

Breed standard

The Belgian Malinois is a harmoniously developed animal with a proportional build. The original breed standard, dated 1892, was set uniformly for all Belgian Shepherds: one species, varying in coat type. It was only in 1907 that a decision was made to divide the Belgians into 4 subspecies, differing in coat type and color: Malinois (short-haired); Laekenois (wire-haired); Groenendael and Tervuren (long-haired).

The table below describes the Malinois breed standards.

Signs according to which rejection occurs:

• Increased aggression or cowardice.
• Undershot or overshot.
• Drop ears.
• Tail docked at birth or during life.
• Curling tail.
• No mask on the face.
• White spots on the body.

Each dog has a unique mask, which can be seen in the photo of the Malinois shepherd dog.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois breed description

Malinois are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build. The weight of the pets is about 25-30 kg, the height at the withers is approximately 60-65 cm.

Malinois have a powerful neck without folds, on which an elongated head is located. Their ears are triangular and set high, their eyes are almond-shaped and brown. The nose should be black. The tail is quite thick, curved at the end.

The Malinois, unlike other types of Belgian Shepherds, has a short coat. It is not very rigid and fits snugly to the body. Their undercoat is well developed and dense. The Malinois' coat protects them well from the elements. The coat color is always red with varying shades of black or brown.

Character

The Malinois has a balanced character. He is vigilant, not timid, and has innate protective qualities. Obedience and affection make him a loyal friend and companion. A lively and active dog needs an equally energetic owner. Without physical exercise, the Malinois can become aggressive, because the historical purpose of the shepherd requires a burst of energy. With proper upbringing, he becomes a full member of the family, a friend for children.

The Belgian Malinois is able to accurately recognize a person’s mood and the atmosphere in the house.

Will not tolerate rude treatment, indifference is a real punishment for the Belgian. Does not strive to be the dominant one in the family; he considers the owner to be the center of the Universe. The main characteristic of the breed is determination and efficiency.

Application

The Belgian Malinois is a hardy, strong animal. Adapted to various weather conditions, it is not afraid of rain, heat or cold. The Malinois is considered the most adapted to harsh conditions compared to other Belgians. After all, dogs were originally bred to help herd and guard livestock. Over time, these qualities improved, and the most productive individuals were selected for further breeding. Such qualities as resistance to stress, sociability, and gentleness were valued.

Modern Belgian Malinois dogs are divided into two groups: working dogs and ring participants. Working dogs are used in the service of law enforcement agencies. Their help in searching for missing people, in police service, and security is invaluable. Ring dogs are also hard workers, but in a different direction. Participation in sports competitions and exhibition shows fully demonstrates the dog’s capabilities.

Socialization

Socialization is the level of a dog’s comfortable state of health in a particular setting or situation. If a Malinois dog lives in an urban environment, then such qualities as not being afraid of city noise, transport, lack of aggression towards large numbers of people, and an indifferent attitude towards stray dogs and cats are instilled.

The dog requires early socialization to develop its character, otherwise it will grow up suspicious and aggressive.

Animals in rural areas need to be socialized more than their urban counterparts. Especially if the dog is planned to be exhibited in the future. A Malinois sitting behind a fence, not seeing anyone except members of the household, will not be able to behave adequately in the ring if it finds itself in an unfamiliar environment.

The first activities are carried out after scheduled vaccinations. They begin to take the puppy to quiet places. Each time they increase the walking area, introducing them to new surroundings. Once the puppy has established contact with its owner, you can move on to the next stage—meeting other dogs and people.

How to choose a Belgian Shepherd

A healthy and purebred Malinois puppy, not a mixed breed, can only be purchased in a specialized nursery. How much will you have to spend: the cost of a baby starts from 30 thousand rubles, the price for an exhibition specimen rises to 50-70 thousand rubles.

When purchasing please note:

• availability of pedigree and veterinary passport;
• maternal behavior and health;
• baby's activity and appetite.

Dog experts advise buying a puppy together with an experienced specialist or veterinarian. They will be able to recognize genetic diseases and prevent the acquisition of a known sick baby.

The Belgian Malinois, like other representatives of the breed, are active and cheerful animals. They are not suitable for people who lead an inactive lifestyle or do not have sufficient strength of character. Service dogs capable of guarding the home require a full course of training.

How to choose a puppy

When choosing a puppy for an exhibition, you should prefer those nurseries that can boast of achievements in exhibition activities. Future ring champions and participants in various show programs are bred here.

A decent breeder is always ready to make contact with the future owner of the puppy, will tell you everything about the Malinois breed, and give advice on care and maintenance. The main condition is that the puppy, like his mother, must look healthy: moderately well-fed, eyes, nose and ears free of purulent discharge. The coat should cover the entire body evenly, without bald spots. A healthy puppy has a good appetite, so it’s worth trying (with the breeder’s permission) to feed him.

The baby goes to a new home at the age of 8-9 weeks. At this point, the first series of scheduled vaccinations has already been done, and the puppy has begun to try “adult” food. To prevent the Malinois puppy from being sad, you need to take with you something with the smell of its mother: a bedding or some other rag. This makes it easier for him to cope with the stress of moving.

It is not recommended to buy a puppy secondhand at bird markets or through private advertisements. No one will give any guarantees regarding breed and health status.

Maintenance and care

Malinois, bred to live outdoors, do not require specific care, but if you want your pet to be beautiful and impressive, you will have to make some effort. The first and fundamental aspect of the content is proper nutrition and timely vitamin courses. Without good nutrition, the dog will not have a beautiful coat, developed bones, and will develop a mediocre character. Natural food or high-quality industrial feed is not a fundamental question. The main thing is that the diet is composed correctly and focused on the needs of a particular dog. Otherwise, care is quite simple.

• Combing the coat with a massage glove or comb once every 1–2 weeks.

• Active and daily brushing during shedding. If the loose undercoat is not removed in time, the dog may experience skin irritation, even eczema. Nothing fatal, but the disease causes discomfort to the pet and is quite difficult to treat.

• Bathing 2-4 times a year. Please note that Malinois cannot be bathed using non-specialized means. Dog skin is softer and drier than human skin. If a Malinois develops dermatitis, it will be noticed only at the acute stage, because slight redness is invisible under the undercoat.

• Daily examination of teeth, ears and eyes.

• Ear cleaning once every 2 weeks.

• Brushing teeth as needed. To prevent the formation of tartar, dogs are fed soft cartilage or hygiene sticks.

• Trim nails every 2 weeks or less.

• Treatment for worms once every 3 months.

• Flea treatment 2 times a season or as needed.

Features of maintenance and care

Shepherds are working dogs. It is better to keep them in a private house with a spacious yard or area where the dog can run freely. They adapt well to living in city apartments. In this case, the owner must devote more time to walking the pet. The peculiarity of the breed is that a Malinois sitting idle for too long can become irritable and aggressive.

Grooming

Grooming procedures can be carried out at home, which significantly saves the family budget.

• Grooming

The Malinois' coat is easy to care for - comb out during shedding with a fine-toothed comb, and periodically wipe the surface of the entire body with a damp cloth. These manipulations are enough.

• Nail care

Trim as it grows. Usually once every 2-3 weeks.

• Ear care

Once a week, wipe the inside surface from dust and dirt. During the period of tick activity, inspection for their presence is necessary. A dog that spends most of its time outside is examined daily. To treat an animal against parasites, sprays are used that repel ticks and other blood-sucking insects.

Bathing

The dog was bred to live outside, so it does not need frequent bathing. It is enough to wash once every 3 months. Its fur has dirt-repellent properties. Of course, when you come back from a walk in rainy weather, you wash your paws. The animal is accustomed to this procedure from early childhood. In summer, swimming in open water is recommended; there are no restrictions. Malinois usually love to swim in the river or sea.

Walk

In order not to lose physical shape, the animal needs long walks and significant physical activity. The Malinois needs this vitally. Loves ball games, frisbee (games with a flying disc), agility (overcoming various obstacles). Any active actions delight the Belgian. You won't find a better companion for long hikes.

Feeding

Proper nutrition from an early age will allow you to raise a healthy and harmoniously developed dog. The Malinois needs a balanced diet that will satisfy the animal's need for all nutrients. Overfeeding, as well as underfeeding, may in the future result in problems with metabolism and the functioning of the reproductive system.

An adult dog is fed twice a day. Products included in the Malinois' natural diet:

• Meat.
• Roots.
• Cereals.
• Fermented milk products.
• Fish.

With a natural diet, you need to periodically provide a multivitamin supplement.

The drinking regime is calculated based on the dog's needs. An adult dog has 40 grams of water per 1 kg of animal weight. Young animals need 80-90 grams of fluid per 1 kg of weight.

Eating industrial food (dry, canned) gives confidence that the pet is fully provided with all the vitamins and nutrients that fully satisfy the dog’s needs. The value of ready-made dry food is that it is easily selected according to the dog’s age, and also corrects emerging diseases.

Classification of dry food:

• For puppies.
• For adult animals.
• For nursing bitches.
• For older dogs.
• Hypoallergenic food.
• Food that improves digestion.

Proper maintenance and care

Conditions for a happy Malinois life:

• owner-leader - moderately strict and demanding. The shepherd loves him selflessly and devotedly, and is friendly towards the rest of the pack. But do not get this breed if there are cats or rabbits in the house (there is a chance that they will be exterminated). She won't tolerate other dogs either;
• space, fresh air. It is better if your pet lives in a house with a plot and a fence, not on a leash. He is not afraid of the changeable Moscow weather. But it can also be kept in an apartment, subject to daily long walks (2-3 times, at least 2-3 hours a day);
• daily physical activity and intellectual activities. Raising Malinois at home requires creativity. For example, your student will not be happy about jogging behind a bicycle. But he will be delighted when, on a walk, you look for a lost toy or a hidden child together. Belgian Shepherds love to learn and are always ready for lessons where you need to show the ability to analyze and think;
• funny Games. Despite all their seriousness, dogs are very playful, and remain so until old age;
• love and constant communication with family. In the absence of attention, they grow up aggressive and angry;
• daily care. The Malinois, unlike other members of the Belgian Shepherd family, has short, coarse hair. It is not difficult to care for it - bathe it when it gets dirty, comb it every other day with a wide-tooth comb and collect the hair with a glove. Regular examination and care of ears, eyes, and teeth prevents the risk of diseases. Follow the breeder's recommendations when feeding your pet. Introduce new products gradually. You can give natural products or industrial feed (combine dry and wet diet) of at least premium class.

Health

The Belgian Malinois is considered one of the healthiest breeds: it is suitable for outdoor living and is not susceptible to colds. With proper care, a dog can live up to 14-15 years, while maintaining its working qualities for up to 10-12 years.

Diseases

Common diseases include food allergies. Also, due to improper nutrition and lack of exercise, the dog may become obese.

Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations are required for Malinois just like all dogs. No animal is immune from such life-threatening diseases as plague and rabies. Vaccinations performed strictly according to an individual schedule will reduce the risk of disease.

The first standard manipulations are carried out at 2 months of age. The puppy is first treated for fleas and worms: the presence of parasites can negate the effectiveness of vaccinations. In the table below you can see the planned immunization activities.

Care and maintenance

Belgian Malinois are easy to care for. The average size of the dog makes it possible to keep it even in urban conditions. Although in a small apartment it will be a bit cramped for a “Belgian”. This dog cannot remain motionless for a long time. This can lead to depression and mental problems.

But, of course, it will be better for the shepherd if it has the yard of a private house at its disposal. Please note that Malinois cannot be kept on a chain. A spacious enclosure and a good-quality booth are suitable for her.

In an apartment, the “Belgian” bed should be placed in a secluded corner without drafts. Spacious enough for the dog to quietly stretch out without disturbing anyone.

Family

In any case, no matter where you live, this dog breed needs long, active walks. It is advisable to engage in sports, such as agility or parkour. Otherwise, the dog will find somewhere to throw out his ebullient energy. And you definitely won't like it. The “four-legged typhoon” will not spare personal belongings or furniture.

Important! It is necessary to work with a Belgian Shepherd every day and stress the pet not only physically, but also mentally. This breed is not for inert people.

Basic rules for caring for a Belgian Shepherd:

• The coat should be brushed once a week. During molting periods (twice a year) - daily;
• You shouldn’t wash your dog often, 2-3 times a year or if necessary is enough;
• Inspect paws daily in order to promptly treat possible damage. Wipe dry after washing, otherwise irritation between the fingers may occur;
• the claws usually grind down on their own, otherwise you will have to trim them once a month;
• Inspect your eyes and ears regularly and clean them if necessary;
• Brush your teeth with a special paste. To prevent dental diseases, give cartilage or veal bones;
• deworm in time and vaccinate according to veterinarian recommendations.

Malinois are unpretentious when it comes to food. But the increased activity of shepherd dogs requires high-calorie, easily digestible food. The basis of the diet is meat and offal. The shepherd also needs cereals, fish, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and eggs.

The puppy's diet should include more liquid food. Porridge with broth and milk, minced meat, fruit purees, cottage cheese. Until 6 months of age, puppies are fed 3-5 times a day, after 6 months they are switched to two meals a day.

- Om-Nom-nom..

The easiest way is to feed your pet ready-made food of the highest quality. They comply with all proportions and add vitamins and microelements necessary for the dog’s health.

Attention! Under no circumstances should you overfeed your dog. All active activities should be carried out before feeding to avoid intestinal problems.

Mating

The best age for the first mating of both a female and a male is 1.5-2 years. To find a suitable partner, contact the nursery. There you can choose the best copy. The dogs are walked before the meeting; there is no need to feed them. The “bride” arrives at the “groom’s” territory. Malinois usually knit on their own and do not need human help. To consolidate the result, it is recommended to repeat mating after 1-2 days.

Matings between different types of Belgian Shepherds are prohibited.

How much do Malinois puppies cost?

To purchase a puppy with a good pedigree, you should contact a nursery. The price for working dog puppies will range from 35 to 50 thousand rubles. For puppies intended for show shows, the price can reach 60 thousand rubles.

Sometimes puppies appear in nurseries with traces of defects, due to which the dog cannot participate in exhibitions and breeding in the future. Such puppies are given away almost for nothing. If you need a dog to guard your home, or just as a friend, without plans for a show future, then you can take it without a pedigree.

Nurseries

Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) is the most popular dog for service in the police and army, in disaster medicine units. Thanks to its high sense of smell, it is the best assistant in searching for people and detecting narcotic and illegal substances. A dog whose life without work is impossible. Malinois puppies purchased from professional nurseries have every chance of becoming ring champions.

Vyatkina nursery https://working-malinois.com/

Service dog nursery https://www.freiwind.ru/index.html

Faithful, selflessly devoted, ready to come to the rescue at any moment, and at the same time affectionate dog - the most suitable description of the Malinois breed. An ideal companion for sporty and socializing people.

Caring for a Belgian Shepherd

Shepherd dogs can be kept both in a city apartment and in a private house. Their small size allows them to fit comfortably in small spaces. A prerequisite is long walks and intense physical activity. Caring for a pet is not complicated and includes standard procedures.

Constant activity

Features of feeding and diet

Adult animals can be fed with both ready-made industrial feed and natural food. The option depends on the preferences of the owner and his availability of free time.

Purchased diets must meet quality criteria and belong to the super-premium class or holistic. Cheap feeds will cause health problems and require long-term treatment. Industrial variations are developed taking into account the needs of pets and completely compensate for losses. There is no need to purchase additional multivitamin complexes.

Natural food consists of offal and high-quality meat. Veal, lean pork, heart, kidneys and beef liver are served boiled or fresh. Millet, buckwheat or barley are used as a side dish. The diet is supplemented with fermented milk products, vegetables and fish.

Feeding process

Caring for ears, claws, eyes and teeth

The owner must conduct regular inspections and, if there is contamination, treat the area of ​​the visual organs and ears, removing accumulated dirt from them. Teeth cleaning is carried out with a special paste and a brush, once a year - with the help of a veterinarian (removing tartar and plaque).

Important! Only apartment pets have their nails trimmed monthly. Everyone else grinds them down themselves.

Grooming

In the autumn and spring months, during the period of active molting, combing occurs daily. The rest of the time - up to 4 times a month, using a massage brush.

Dogs are bathed rarely, with a product intended for short-haired individuals.

Important! At home, pets are not washed. The coat is cleaned using dry shampoo.

Baby's choice

Interesting stories

In 2021, which is considered the year of the dog according to the Chinese calendar, a short film “A New Year's Story Told by a Malinois” was prepared. The main role is given to this wonderful dog, and the story is told from her perspective. The film was created with the participation of the Russian National Guard film studio.

photo of dog

Another example from the film career of four-legged Belgians. In 2015, the film “Max” was released, telling about the difficult fate of the Malinois. While serving in Afghanistan, he loses his friend and partner Kyle. After suffering stress, the dog cannot perform combat missions, and the military believes that the animal must be euthanized. But Kyle's family decides to take Max for themselves. This film is about how Max learns to exist in a world without bombings and shootings, about friendship and loyalty.