Belgian Malinois:

Origin & Development

The Malinois (pronounced ma-lin-wäh') is one of the four varieties (Malinois, Laekenois, Tervuren, Groenendael) of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The name Malinois came from the Belgian city of Malines, where this breed was born towards the end of the 19th Century. At the beginning, the Malinois was bred to be a herding dog. Because of his alertness and strong protective instinct, the breed was employed in the first and second World Wars and has been further developed to better suit military style of patrol, guard, detect, and search work. Currently, Malinois is used extensively in police, military, detection, security, personal protection, and competitive sports through out the world especially in Europe and North America.

Temperament

The Malinois is a bright, bold, spirited, energetic, and instinctual animal with plenty of drives. He is territorial and protective of his pack. The breed possesses a strong desire to work and is quick and responsive to commands from his master. He is wary of strangers but affectionate to family members.

Malinois are very rapid learners, for both good and bad things. They need extensive exposures with a broad range of environments, people, and domestic animals from an early age, due to their heightened senses and guarding nature . A lack of early exposures might result as a shy, unsure, insecure, or overly aggressive dog.

To bring out the best of their working ability, motivational training foundation from handlers with a high level of self control is highly recommended. Harsh, unfair, and erratic handling will create either a very stubborn and handler aggressive dog, or an overly sensitive dog always worrying about punishments from his master.

For more information about the up-bringing of this breed, please read my article - Foundational Training for Companion Dogs .

Appearance

Malinois is a well-balanced, square-structured dog with a light frame. Despite their lighter weight comparing to a German Shepherd Dog, they are very fast, agile, and powerful. Whatever is lacked in size is made up by his courage, will, and speed. The dog is strong, muscular, alert, and full of life.

Males are 60 to 67cm in height; females are 55 to 62cm; measured from the dog's shoulders to the ground. The length from shoulders to base of the tail equals to the height approximately. Bone structure is moderately heavy in proportion to height so that the dog is well balanced throughout. The weight of a male is about 28 to 35kg, with females a little lighter.

The smooth, short coat of the Malinois is easy to groom. The basic colouring is rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance. Medium size ears are carried up right and pointed. His face is decorated with a black mask. Gait is free and effortless.

Recognition

FMBB – International Belgian Shepherd Federation
FCI - Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KKUSH – Belgian Kennel Club
AKC - American Kennel Club
UKC - United Kennel Club
KCGB - Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC - Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC - Australian National Kennel Club
NZKC - New Zealand Kennel Club
HKKC – Hong Kong Kennel Club