Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Lakenua are varieties of the Belgian Shepherd. Many mistakenly believe that all these dogs are independent breeds. This is actually not the case. The fact is that FCI has approved a single breed standard called the “Belgian Shepherd Dog,” which combines four varieties. Animals are very similar to each other, but have certain differences. This is primarily manifested in the quality of the coat and in the performance of dogs.
Today, Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) is the most popular of the four varieties. Its name translates as "shepherd from raspberries." Belgians call the small Flanders town of Mechelen. It was in its vicinity that this breed type was finally formed.
From the history of the breed
The Malinois breed owes its appearance to the professor of livestock Adolf Reul. In September 1891, the Belgian Shepherd Club began operations. In the very first standard, the breed was divided into four groups:
- black longhair (groenendael);
- long-haired red (tervuren);
- short-haired with a black mask (malinois);
- coarse red or ash color (lakenua).
The first short-haired Belgian shepherd was in 1891, Charlie. Later, this dog became the “model” of Belgian Malinois for the artist A. Clarice.
Breed features
Malinois Sheepdog is a smart, easily trained animal. This is a real hard worker who is absolutely happy when he has a permanent job. Belgian Malinois infinitely loves his masters, but he is wary of strangers. Protecting the owner is a natural thing for him, but at the same time he is not overly aggressive.
Appearance
Malinois (Belgian Shepherd Dog) is harmoniously folded. She is distinguished by elegance and a proud posture, thanks to the always high head. Since Malinois is a short-haired dog, keeping it simple is easy.
Representatives of this breed are strong, muscular and flexible animals. Front and hind legs are evenly spaced, form a square. The overall exterior impresses with depth and solidity, but it is not cumbersome.
Sizes and proportions
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois, the photo of which you can see in our article, is a rather large dog. Height at the withers of males is 62-66 cm, bitches are 56-62 cm. If the animal does not fit into these parameters, this is considered a disadvantage. In accordance with the standard, the height of the dog must be equal to the length of his back, with females a longer body is allowed. Bones of moderate severity, proportional to the growth of the animal. Malinois Sheepdog should have a shape resembling a square. Her body should not be too elongated and long-legged or large and heavy.
The head is well defined, not too heavy, proportional to the body. The eyes are almond- shaped, medium in size, edged in black. Usually they are dark brown.
Muzzle tapering slightly to nose, but not sharp. Powerful and strong jaws. Lips are tight, black with pink.
The teeth are even and white. The bite should be scissor-shaped, straight. An overshot or overshot is considered a defect. An even greater disadvantage is the absence of one or more teeth. During a snack, when two or more upper incisors do not touch the lower, the dog may be disqualified.
Housing
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois, whose photo is decorated with many dog books, has a massive, but not heavy body. The chest is deep, but not wide. The lumbar region is wide and short.
The tail is strong at the base, extending to the length of the knee joints. Docked tail is a sign of disqualification.
Wool
The Malinois Sheepdog is covered with a straight, short and fairly stiff coat with a dense undercoat. Thanks to him, the animal can withstand any weather conditions.
The hair on the head, ears and legs is very short. On the tail, hips and neck a little longer.
Color
According to the standard, in Malinois, wool can be dyed in various colors, ranging from mahogany to light yellow. The mask, ears, tips of the hairs should be black. Fawn, but blurry color - a defect.
The tips of the paws can be white, and white spots on the chest are also allowed if they do not go to the neck. Other white spots are disqualifying.
Malinois
Since ancient times, these were excellent shepherd dogs, but since 1880 they have become indispensable assistants to the police. According to Belgian experts, the Malinois dog breed is inextricably linked to ring sport - police dog competitions .
These animals were bred according to a special technique, in which working qualities are more appreciated than the exterior. They "work" in the army and police, including the search service, in rescue structures.
Character
Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) has incorporated the best qualities of a guard, shepherd and protector. This is a very smart dog, which, oddly enough, is both a plus and minus of the breed. With skillful and kind hands, she quickly and easily becomes an ideal working dog. An uneducated and untrained Malinois just as quickly turns into an “evil genius”, uncontrollable and wayward. Probably for this reason, experts believe that such a dog is not suitable for every owner. A very athletic and moving animal vital work. The dog does not have enough physical exertion (long walks, running after the bike), it needs intellectual loads - agility, obedience classes, a shepherd or protective service.
When a Malinois shepherd is bored, it can be somewhat intrusive. She may start to be mischievous, but much more often the dog is seriously stressed. She is not at all aggressive, but she always follows attentively the actions and movements of strangers.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois (the characterization of specialists convinces us of this) has a well-developed watchdog instinct, so it needs early socialization. This will help to direct her innate vigilance in the right direction.
Learning and training
Belgian Shepherd is fully focused on its owner. She responds with joy and even enthusiasm to all his suggestions. If from the very first meeting between the animal and man close psychological contact has been established, then training a pet will not cause any difficulties. But the novice owner may encounter some difficulties. To prevent this from happening, you need to know that Malinois is extremely sensitive to physical effects, so training should be done by a person with a strong will, but without rudeness.
Malinois has an instant reaction, the dog grasps everything on the fly. Therefore, the owner must accurately capture the moment of encouragement or censure. Otherwise, unwanted behavior can be generated.
It should be noted that Malinois very accurately reads all the movements of the owner and his facial expression. Sometimes this leads the inexperienced owner into confusion - it creates the feeling that the dog is always one step ahead. Belgian Shepherds need consistent training - they like to cope with the task and proceed to the next.
Physical exercise
Owners without experience should not be embarrassed by the outward elegance and even the sophistication of Malinois. These are very strong and even sharp dogs. Up to five years old, they often behave like active puppies. If they lack physical or mental exercise, animals may exhibit destructive behavior.
Maintenance and care
A Belgian shepherd in a home will require certain hygiene rules. Often you should not bathe such a dog, since even very high-quality dog shampoos can ruin your pet's coat. She may lose her natural matte and stiffness. It should not be soft and shiny.
To get rid of the characteristic dog "aroma", you can use commercially available products, but they should be used very carefully. Puppies up to a year should not be bathed at all.
Wool should be cleaned with a dry brush about once a week (adult dog) and twice a week if it is a puppy. The comb for combing should be with sparse teeth.
Eyes, nose and ears are cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in warm water.
Malinois - puppies
Before deciding to purchase a pet, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons. This is necessary in order to guarantee the full development of the animal, its proper upbringing. You must clearly define for yourself for what purpose you need this particular dog. Before buying a puppy, try to get the most detailed advice from a specialist about the breed.
Puppies can be taken from the mother at the age of 10-16 weeks. By this age, the baby is already quite independent and even able to learn the first lessons of education.
You must buy a dog in a specialized kennel or from a well-established breeder. This gives you certain guarantees that you get a thoroughbred, and most importantly - a healthy animal. You need to familiarize yourself with all the “dog documents”: the pedigree, the puppy’s card, find out how the vaccination was carried out. It will not be superfluous to get acquainted with his parents, or at least one of them, so that you have an idea of how your Malinois will grow. The Belgian Shepherd can be a great watchdog. Thanks to its understanding, it can become a neat and attentive guide for visually impaired people. It can become a hero and a winner of dog shows and just a reliable and loyal friend. After you have acquired a puppy, his fate is in your hands.
Raising a puppy will require significant efforts from the owner. Try not to disturb the baby during his first months during his rest, do not tire him with too long walks and games. First of all, your baby must learn to walk on a leash, learn his nickname.
By the way, you should name the puppy briefly and clearly. Over time, he will begin to associate his “name” with attention and affection.
In the hands of an attentive and experienced owner, Malinois easily performs the most difficult tasks, while a rude attitude destructively affects the dog's psyche. Such an attitude can turn a puppy ready for anything for the owner into an unhappy coward and neurasthenic.
Health
There are some diseases characteristic of this breed. Among them: epilepsy, diseases of the eyes and thyroid gland, joint dysplasia. Undoubtedly, there are also a number of infectious diseases, many of which timely vaccination can protect your pet from.
Nutrition
Simplified feed malinois should not be. This active dog needs to receive a wide variety of foods daily to replenish energy. By the way, meat, which is so loved and perfectly assimilated by dogs, should be combined with other products.
For the normal development of an active dog, proteins of both animal and plant origin are needed. To do this, foods such as fish, dairy products (but not milk), eggs, and meat should be included in the diet. Malinois should also receive carbohydrates that are found in cereals such as rice, wheat, buckwheat, and pearl barley.
Do not forget to include vegetable and butter in your pet's diet. Animal and vegetable fats contribute to energy storage.
When feeding the dog with natural food, minerals and vitamins should be added, without which the normal functioning of the dog's body is impossible. They are found in both fresh and slightly boiled vegetables and fruits.
Some Malinois owners feed their pets with prepared, dry food. But we can not ignore the fact that often such feed is poorly absorbed and can cause intestinal problems. Therefore, it is best to consult your veterinarian first. He will help you find the right food that best suits your dog, taking into account its age, weight and general health.
Do not forget that your pet should always have unlimited access to drinking water.
Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois - owner reviews
The owners of these magnificent dogs are very happy with their pets. They note the combination of remarkable physical strength and elegance in them. Owners note their versatility and believe that such a dog can be prepared for any task. In addition, many note her vigilance and highly developed protective instincts. The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois, the price of which varies from 30 to 50 thousand rubles, is an excellent companion and loyal friend.
Malinois, living in families, is much friendlier to children and strangers than their cages, "employees" in the police. In many families with children, parents trust Malinois to look after the small owners. However, do not leave the dog with a child under five years old. No, under no circumstances will she offend her younger master! Just taking into account the dimensions of the animal, the dog, having played too much, can accidentally push the child or poke a curious muzzle in the face of the baby.
The downsides of this breed, some owners consider the dog's possible aggressive behavior towards strangers. However, we have already said that this can happen only in case of untimely or insufficient socialization.