The high-energy Belgian Malinois, sometimes known as “Mal,” is a breed of herding dog that enjoys using his sharp intelligence and unwavering attention. Read up on living with Belgian Malinois.
Origin of Belgian Malinois
Although the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd may appear to be linked at first glance, the breeds are separate and historically unconnected. The Mals are a robust, clever breed that was originally raised in northwest Belgium, near the city of Malines, where they were valued for their tenacity and used to herd sheep and cattle.
The Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois, and Groenendael breeds of Belgian shepherds were historically combined into a single breed. According to the ABMC, Malinois were among the first Belgian shepherd dogs imported into the United States (they arrived in 1911). They had a sustained period of popularity up to the start of World War II, which halted the shipments from Europe.
In 1959, when the AKC recognised the Belgian shepherd dogs as a distinct breed, interest in the Mal increased, albeit it lagged behind the three other Belgian shepherds in terms of popularity. According to the ABMC, Belgian Malinois have a long history in the military and have served as machine gun pullers, ambulance dogs, and message bearers during World War I.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, a tribute honoring military dogs includes a life-size statue of a Mal. This is a testament to how highly the breed is regarded for its service. Most notably and most recently, a Mal by the name of Cairo supported Seal Team Six during the 2011 mission that resulted in the death of terrorist Osama bin Laden.
The breed is now in high demand as a working dog for a variety of jobs, including guarding and herding livestock and working with law enforcement. Modern Mals also make wonderful family pets because of their kind, lively nature and strong loyal inclinations. The Belgian Malinois is the 41st most common breed according to the AKC as of 2020.
Physical Characteristics of Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a large herding dog (pronounced MAL-in-wah). Mals are bred to labor, therefore while having robust muscles, their bodies seem lovely. They have perked-up ears, friendly, dark chocolate eyes, and a somewhat bushy tail.
They are tall—up to 2 feet at the shoulders!—and always attentive. The Mal has a short, thick coat that ranges in color from fawn to mahogany, and its ears and mask are frequently black. The Mal often looks like a German shepherd at first glance. These canines are unrelated, distinct breeds, despite the fact that they seem similar and are both favourites of police and soldiers all around the world.
Male Belgian Malinois are often larger than medium-sized female Malinois, which weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. The waterproof coat of the Malinois is simple to maintain. Weekly brushing will disperse healthy oils and remove dead hair from his coat, keeping your Mal looking lustrous.
This breed does shed twice a year, and during these times you should continue to brush your dog at least once a day to avoid an infestation of dog hair in your home. The Belgian Malinois can go a long without showers because of their sleek coats, and unless they roll in anything nasty, they won’t need to be properly bathed more than a few times each year.
Temperament of Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois breed is a popular among working dogs for a reason. There isn’t much this dog can’t achieve with his lean, muscular frame and self-assured attitude. The Mal is a loyal friend, whether he’s working with Navy SEALS or keeping a close check on his family at home.
Belgian Malinois are extremely devoted and enthusiastic learners who respond well to positive reinforcement training. Like other dogs, your Mal has to be trained. He is an intense dog, while being lovely, sensitive, and utterly devoted, and would function best in a home with a seasoned dog owner.
Due to their high level of energy and intelligence, mals need a lot of daily mental and physical stimulation. If not appropriately handled, their desire and limitless energy might become a problem. Due to their ferocity and incessant need to work, Mals are frequently used as workers rather than maintained as pets by families.
For many years, Malinois have been a great choice for bomb and narcotics detection, tracking, and search and rescue dogs. The Belgian Malinois is devoted and watchful, especially when it comes to the people they care about. A well-rounded Mal requires early human and animal interaction, exposure to new sights and sounds, and positive reinforcement training.
Mals, who were created to herd, may be too much for little children and other pets. A puppy would be a preferable option if you intend to integrate a Mal into a home that already has children or other animals, as Mals that are introduced early on usually perform better.
It’s crucial to teach kids how to behave around dogs and to constantly watch them while they’re playing with any animal. Malamutes are among the most devoted and devoted dogs you can find, so if you’re prepared to put in the work, you’ll reap great rewards.
Health of Belgian Malinois
The longevity of the Belgian Malinois is 14–16 years, and it is regarded as an overall healthy breed. But the Mal is susceptible to some health issues, just as all breeds. The official breed club, the American Belgian Malinois Club, mandates that all registered breeders run hip and elbow dysplasia tests as well as conduct comprehensive eye examinations.
The group also suggests getting checked for hemangiosarcoma and epilepsy. Although not all Mals may experience major health problems, you should be aware of these frequent worries when thinking about this breed.
Additionally, it’s crucial to buy all dogs from trustworthy breeders who will subject the animals to all health examinations advised by the OFA and present you to the animal’s parents and siblings. When adopting a Belgian Malinois, request the rescue’s complete medical history.
Belgian Malinois Price in India
The city of Malinois inspired the name of the Belgian Malinois dog. Belgian Malinois are a popular dog breed in India. The cost of a Belgian Malinois in India ranges from 70,000 to 100,000 Indian rupees. This pricing range is for a purebred Belgian Malinois with KCI registration.
Maintenance Costs and All Other Expenses of Belgian Malinois
Food cost
The quality and amount of food provided for the dog affect the price of Belgian Malinois dog food. However, the average monthly cost of food is between 3,000 and 8,000 rupees.
In daily living, food should contain necessary vitamins and minerals. So, we encourage customers to buy the best dog food possible. Although homemade food will be somewhat less expensive, it will lower the breed quality of your dog.
Grooming cost
The coat of a Belgian Malinois may be readily cared for at home. For coat quality maintenance, weekly brushing is sufficient. Belgian Malinois don’t have a problem with shedding. However, they do lose quality every year.
So, although a professional groomer may charge 3,000 to 5,000 rupees for one session, you can groom Belgian Malinois at home for 500 rupees each month.
Vet and Vaccination cost
Belgian Malinois vaccinations in India will cost between 2,000 and 2,500 rupees. The vet may also charge you around $1,500 for each examination. The fee will change based on the need.
Other costs
Belgian Malinois are easily taught various skills. You must feed him goodies while you are teaching, which will cost you between 1,000 and 3,000 rupees. Every animal needs to play from time to time. The Belgian Malinois breed of dog requires at least one hour of exercise every day. As a result, you must buy dog toys, which are around 500 rupees each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Belgian Malinois survive in India?
The majority of Indians can have one of these dogs as a pet. Belgian Malinois dogs are affordable to own and keep, easy to teach, and have a respectable tolerance for heat and high temperatures. And for all these factors, they are a perfect match for many prospective Indian dog owners.
Are Belgian Malinois clingy?
They may be bred as working dogs, which may be another factor contributing to their clinginess. This indicates that they are accustomed to interacting with and working directly with individuals on a daily basis. As a result, individuals could get close to and be connected to a particular person or group of people.
What do Belgian Malinois dogs look like?
Belgian Malinois are alert, proud, and squarely formed herders that stand between 22 and 26 inches tall. They have a strong, well-muscled appearance that is more graceful than massive, and they have an unpretentious appearance appropriate for dogs bred to work hard for their food. The lofty head carriage is a breed characteristic.
Is Belgian Malinois available in India?
In India, a Belgian Malinois puppy may be easily purchased for between Rs. 73,000 and Rs. 75,000. It is usually advised to purchase these puppies from home-bred litters, reputable breeders, or retail establishments.
Do Belgian Malinois dogs shed?
Malinois does shed twice a year, and the best way to prevent this is to give your dog a daily once-over with a slicker brush. As with all breeds, the nails should be cut periodically since excessively long nails can hurt the dog and make it difficult for it to run and walk.
Are Malinois family dogs?
A well-trained Belgian Malinois is perceptive, sociable, and capable of being fiercely guarding. Being a family dog, the Belgian Malinois finds it challenging to live in kennels. For their human family, they always act with confidence and protection, yet they are cautious about strangers.
Can Belgian Malinois be service dogs?
The Belgian Malinois is an energetic and devoted breed of dog that is frequently employed as a military service dog. The breed has demonstrated proficiency in search and rescue operations as well as narcotics and explosives detection.
Can Belgian Malinois be hunting dogs?
Despite the fact that Malinois are sheep herding dogs and not hunters, they may be trained to be trackers.
Can Belgian Malinois be guard dogs?
The Malinois, which resembles the German shepherd in looks, is a powerful, perceptive, and devoted breed that would make an excellent security dog.
Does Belgian Malinois get attached to one person?
If they are not properly socialized, they will only get close to one or two members of the family or team and will be distrustful of everyone else. Malinois breeders must “work” their dogs. They need vigorous exercise, including running and other sports. They have busy minds and are always searching for ways to help their humans and burn energy.
Where does Belgian Malinois come from?
The Belgian Malinois is a working and herding dog breed that originated in the 1800s in the Malines region of Belgium. The Belgian Malinois is an almost square-shaped dog that is strong and well-muscled. It weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and is between 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) tall at the withers (18.1 to 36.2 kg).
Are Belgian Malinois friendly?
A well-trained Belgian Malinois is perceptive, sociable, and capable of being fiercely guarding. Being a family dog, the Belgian Malinois finds it challenging to live in kennels. For their human family, they always act with confidence and protection, yet they are cautious about strangers.
Are Belgian Malinois smart dogs?
The Belgian Malinois is a very intelligent and submissive canine. He has strong instincts for both territory and protection. This breed requires substantial early socialization as well as tough yet kind discipline. Belgians are innately protective, thus it is important to socialize and teach them carefully from an early age.
Are Belgian Malinois loyal dogs?
Although Belgian Malinois are extremely intelligent and devoted, they are also high-energy dogs who require a lot of stimulation and exercise. Simply said, this breed requires more than a stroll.
Are Belgian Malinois police dogs?
As word of the Malinois breed spreads, it is becoming increasingly common in police enforcement. It is currently the second most common breed of working dog in the US. Police dogs are taught to detect their particular scent in one of two methods.
Are Belgian Malinois herding dogs?
The Breeding of Belgian Malinois to Be Herding Dogs
The Belgian Malinois is really one of four varieties of sheepdogs native to Belgium that were all bred for herding and originated in various regions of the nation.
Are Belgian Malinois good dogs?
The Belgian Malinois is a very intelligent and submissive canine. He has strong instincts for both territory and protection. This breed requires substantial early socialization as well as tough yet kind discipline. Belgians are innately protective, thus it is important to socialize and teach them carefully from an early age.
Are Belgian Malinois dogs dangerous?
The Belgian Malinois is a powerful, hardy dog that can be aggressive and have a broad range of temperaments. Households with young, unruly children should avoid this breed. The Belgian Malinois is a working breed with requirements that can only be met by a knowledgeable owner.
Can a Belgian Malinois be left alone?
Belgian Malinois will find something to entertain themselves if they are left home alone for hours on end with nothing to do, and chances are you won’t like what they come up with. They can tolerate an hour or two of solitude, but after that, they will need to plan exercise into their day to burn off extra energy and prevent damaging actions.
Does Belgian Malinois have separation anxiety?
Any breed or cross can develop separation anxiety, although German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherds, and Catahoulas are more likely than other breeds to do so.
Can a Belgian Malinois be left alone for 8 hours?
Belgian Malinois will find something to entertain themselves if they are left home alone for hours on end with nothing to do, and chances are you won’t like what they come up with. They can tolerate an hour or two of solitude, but after that, they will need to plan exercise into their day to burn off extra energy and prevent damaging actions.
How can I determine the purebred status of my Belgian Malinois?
Fawn may seem lighter on the body’s underside, the tail, and the breeches, but not in a washed-out manner. Track down any black marks. A Belgian Malinois’s hair seems to be overlaid because some of its strands have black tips. Additionally, the malinois frequently sports black ears and a black face mask.
Belgian Malinois puppy not eating
However, if they go more than a meal or two without eating and if their lack of appetite is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, you could have a problem. If so, you should consult a veterinarian to see if there could be a health problem that has to be resolved.
What dog can beat a Belgian Malinois?
However, the Pitbull really outperforms the other dog in direct competition. Pitbulls can hang on to an assailant more successfully than Belgian Malinois because they have stronger jaws. Additionally, they have larger muscle mass, which gives them the ability to defeat an attacker.
Belgian Malinois dog vs german shepherd
At the withers, males are 24-26 inches tall and females 22–24 inches. But compared to most German Shepherds, most Malinois are smaller. The Malinois female weighs 40–60 pounds, compared to the male’s 60–80 pounds. A female German Shepherd may weigh up to 70 pounds, while a male can weigh up to 90 pounds.
Are Belgian Malinois good fighting dogs?
The breed is very trainable, and if they get up in the wrong hands, they might rapidly turn lethal. As you are aware, Vick ended up teaching pit bulls to kill and fight. Pit bulls and Belgian Malinois both have the ability to fight, and both breeds are regularly utilized by the military and police.
Conclusion
The Belgian Malinois might not be the best companion for someone who has never had a dog. This is due to the fact that owners of this dog breed must devote a lot of time and care to them.
The Belgian Malinois does not have a lot of health issues that you should be concerned about, but they are quite simple to train and groom. Their food requirements and nutritional requirements are similarly typical. In general, Belgian herding dogs lead a highly busy and healthy existence.
We sincerely hope you liked reading about these stunning Belgian dogs; keep checking in for updates!
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