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CLEAR ALLThe Belgian Shepherd Malinois is one of four shepherd breeds native to Belgium. These include the Tervueren, Malinois, Groenendael, and Laekenois. All of which were named after the region they were first bred in. The Malinois breed was initially created to be a hard-working herding dog and protector. As a result, they have become known for their high intelligence, strong work ethic, and desire to stay active. They have been highly prized in Belgium for decades, however, more recently, these handsome dogs are becoming recognised the world over.
These medium-sized dogs resemble German Shepherds in appearance and temperament. They are generally fawn-coloured with black masks and a willing temperament. This has seen them utilised as drug detection and police dogs the world over. In fact, they can easily be confused with German Shepherds, especially if you are not familiar with this rarer breed. However, Malinois are generally more compact and active. They also shed less.
The Belgian Shepherd Malinois is affectionate and can form strong bonds with their owners. However, these dogs have strong instincts so they need an owner that can devote plenty of time to training. Moreover, early socialisation is crucial to ensure your pup grows up into a well-balanced, confident, and obedient adult. Through proper training and handling, the Belgian Shepherd Malinois can excel in different canine activities. They can even be used as assistance and search and rescue dogs.
The Belgian Shepherd Malinois is one of four shepherd breeds native to Belgium. These include the Tervueren, Malinois, Groenendael, and Laekenois. All of which were named after the region they were first bred in. The Malinois breed was initially created to be a hard-working herding dog and protector. As a result, they have become known for their high intelligence, strong work ethic, and desire to stay active. They have been highly prized in Belgium for decades, however, more recently, these handsome dogs are becoming recognised the world over.
These medium-sized dogs resemble German Shepherds in appearance and temperament. They are generally fawn-coloured with black masks and a willing temperament. This has seen them utilised as drug detection and police dogs the world over. In fact, they can easily be confused with German Shepherds, especially if you are not familiar with this rarer breed. However, Malinois are generally more compact and active. They also shed less.
The Belgian Shepherd Malinois is affectionate and can form strong bonds with their owners. However, these dogs have strong instincts so they need an owner that can devote plenty of time to training. Moreover, early socialisation is crucial to ensure your pup grows up into a well-balanced, confident, and obedient adult. Through proper training and handling, the Belgian Shepherd Malinois can excel in different canine activities. They can even be used as assistance and search and rescue dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog, but there is a noticeable difference in the size of the females versus the males. Females typically stand 55-60 cm tall, while males are 60-66 cm. Similarly, females weigh between 18 and 27 kg while males can be up to 36 kilograms but rarely less than 27.
Both males and females have an elegant yet robust body. Their upper bodies are broad and well-muscled, while the rear slopes slightly. Their legs are powerful with relatively large feet, though the back feet are oval-shaped while the front feet are round.
Like their cousins, the Belgian Tervuren, these dogs have well-chiselled heads, adding to their elegant appearance. They have triangular-shaped ears held high on the head and almond-shaped brown eyes with black rims.
Malinois have double fawn-coloured coats with black face masks and short straight hair. Shades of red and grey are also accepted under the breed standard. They often also have a black overlay on the shoulders, back, and ribs, though this is more pronounced in the males.
The Malinois's tail has thicker and darker hair than the rest of the body. The coat is also typically thicker around the neck, forming a collar and on the hindlegs, creating a fringed look.
Like all four Belgian shepherd breeds, the Malinois is a highly energetic and hard-working canine. Their protective and devoted nature makes them excellent family pets and guard dogs. They are known to build strong ties with their owners, who they like to stay close to at all times, and are always eager to please.
The Belgian Malinois's high energy levels mean they need lots of physical activity (at least 40 minutes per day.). Thus, they best suit active people who take them out on their hikes and runs.
Mental stimulation is just as essential as the Malinois' bright mind can get bored quickly. Thus, you should schedule regular games, puzzles, and training sessions along with physical exercise.
You should also note that training is required to control this dog's protective and territorial streak. Without training, they can develop unwanted behaviours like chasing or showing aggression toward other dogs. So it is best to sign them up for obedience classes.
Because of the Belgian Malinois's high energy and training needs, these dogs are not recommended for first-time dog owners or people who lead busy lifestyles. Instead, they thrive with people who lead an active lifestyle and can effectively train dogs.
As highly affectionate pets, Malinois become incredibly close to everyone they live with, including children. However, they prove best suited to homes with older children as they can be too boisterous for younger children, even with training.
Like other Belgian Shepherd dogs, the Malinois will live harmoniously with any cats or dogs it grows us with from puppyhood. However, they may show dominance, possessiveness, and even aggression to new pets introduced to the household when they are fully grown.
Their stories
We love happy endings. Discover stories of pets who found their beloved family with the help of The Pedigree Paws <3.
Neo
Russian Blue
We had some concerns purchasing a kitten online but our experience with The Pedigree Paws was great. They connected us with Caroline, the Russian Blue breeder and we had many conversations and received multiple pictures and videos. She answered to all our questions.
The Pedigree Paws verified for us all the vaccinations and health checks to make sure our new kitten was 100% healthy.
Thank you for all your help The Pedigree Paws! Highly recommended!
Jack
Miniature Dachshund
One of the reasons I was hesitant to order a puppy from The Pedigree Paws is because I live in Spain. However they connected me with a very good FCI breeder in Barcelona.
He showed me all the health documents of both parents, their pedigree and answer to all my questions. I am so happy they helped me to find a healthy puppy as finding one by myself was very overwhelming. Contacting The Pedigree Paws was the best decision and I highly recommend them to everybody!
Stitch
Chartreux
From the kittens's selection to the arrival of our Chartreux kitten, The Pedigree Paws was there to assist us. We had great experience with them, and they breeder Alexandra from France with whom they connected us and from whom we got our kitten from. They are very prompt in answering our initial and follow-up questions while our kitten was in transit. Very reliable and trustworthy!
Thank you so much for all your help. We are very happy with our new family member. We will definitely recommend it to all our friends.
Athena
Chihuahua
It's been a few months since we decided to find a Chihuahua puppy to join our family, however we had issues finding a good breeder.
We contacted The Pedigree Paws and they connected us with a very unique breeder in Greece. Many videos and pictures were shown, the breeder shared with us the proof of vaccinations, deworming and her 5 generation pedigree. We were fortunate as George, the breeder was able to deliver the puppy to us personally. We are very pleased with our beautiful Athena. Thank you, The Pedigree Paws, for being truthful and transparent.
Thor
Abyssinian
I feel wonderful having help from The Pedigree Paws finding the dream Abyssinian kitten I was looking for. Thor is the absolute dream! The Pedigree Paws team was really patient and responsible in everything. Lovely experience! They replied to every questions, requirements, and information I ask about the kitten.
Fin
Chihuahua
Thank you for finding for me such a beautiful Chihuahua puppy! I love him so much from the minute I saw him. He changed my world.
Kate, from The Pedigree Paws assisted me through the whole process informing me about everything from health checks to arranging a Pet Nanny to transport Fin directly to my door. So thankful that the experience went so well! I love my Fin.
Emi
Ragdoll
I have always wanted a Ragdoll kitten as it was my dream cat breed, but didnt know how to find one as heard a lot about kitten farms and bad breeders. I reached out to The Pedigree Paws and they were very accommodating and transparent from the start. They offered me few kittens from their list of breeders and when I saw Emi I knew she was the one! We went through the kitten's parents DNA testing as for me that was a priority to have a kitten free from genetic disorders. We sealed the deal and now I have the best kitten I could dream of! Thank you very much for all your help
Shima
Russian Blue
I really wanted a Russian Blue kitten, but was very nervous getting one after reading horror stories about scammers on the Internet. I had my first call with Natalia, from The Pedigree Paws and with her help I was able to connect with the breeder, that I knew I could trust. I am very lucky to have now Shima, she is an absolute joy to live with.
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