Malinois (Belgian Shepherd): description and characteristics of the breed, price of puppies, photos and reviews

Malinois, Grünendal, Tervenur and Lakenen are varieties of the Belgian Shepherd. Many mistakenly believe that all these dogs are independent breeds. In fact, this is not so. The fact is that FCI approved a single breed standard, called the "Belgian Shepherd", which combines four varieties. Animals are very similar, but they also have certain differences. First of all, it manifests itself as a wool and in the working capacity of dogs.

To date, malinois (the Belgian Shepherd) is the most popular of the four varieties. Its name translates as "Shepherd from Malina". The Belgians call it the small town of Mechelen in Flanders. It was in his vicinity that this pedigree type was finally formed.

From the history of the breed

The appearance of the Malinois breed is due to Professor of Zootechnics Adolf Reul. In September 1891, the Belgian Shepherd Club began its activities. In the very first standard, the breed was divided into four groups:

• Black long-haired (grunendal);
• Long-haired redhead (tervenure);
• Short-haired with a black mask (malinois);
• Reddish or ash color coarse-wool (lakenen).

The first short-haired Belgian sheepdog became in 1891 Charlie. Later, this dog became a "model" of the Belgian Malinois for the artist A. Claris.

Features of the breed

The Malinois Sheepdog is an intelligent, easy-to-learn animal. This is a real hard worker who is absolutely happy when he has a permanent job. The Belgian malinois loves its owners infinitely, but with strangers is on guard. Protection of the owner for him is a natural thing, but he is not too aggressive.

Appearance

Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) is harmoniously combined. It is distinguished by elegance and proud posture, thanks always to the raised head. Since malinois is a short-haired dog, it is not difficult to keep it.

Representatives of this breed are strong, muscular and flexible animals. Front and hind legs are smooth, form a square. The overall exterior is impressive in depth and solidity, but it is not bulky.

Dimensions and proportions

The Belgian Shepherd Malinois, whose photo you can see in our article, is a rather large dog. The growth at the withers of males is 62-66 cm, the female - 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 male should be equal to the length of its back, a longer body is allowed in the bitches. Bones of medium gravity proportional to the growth of the animal. The Malinois sheepdog should have a shape resembling a square. Her body should not be too elongated and leggy or large and heavy.

The head is well defined, not too heavy, proportional to the body. Eyes almond shaped, medium in size, edged with black. Usually they are dark brown.

Muzzle slightly narrowing to the nose, but not sharp. Powerful and strong jaws. Lips are dense, black with pink.

Teeth are even and white. The bite should be scissor-shaped, straight. Overshot or undershot is considered a defect. A further disadvantage is the absence of one or more teeth. When a bite, when two or more upper incisors do not touch the lower ones, the dog may be disqualified.

Housing

Belgian Shepherd Malinois, photo of which is decorated with many cynological publications, 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, reaching the length to the knee joints. The docked tail is a sign of disqualification.

Wool

Sheepdog Malinois covered with a straight, short and fairly stiff hair with a thick undercoat. Thanks to him, the animal can withstand any weather conditions.

On the head, ears and legs the hair is very short. On the tail, hips and neck a little longer.

Color

According to the standard, malinois can be colored in various colors, from mahogany to light yellow. Mask, ears, tips of hairs should be black. Pale, but blurred color is a defect.

There may be white tips of the paws, as well as white spots on the chest, if they do not pass over the neck. Other white spots are disqualifying.

Application of Malinois

It has long been an excellent shepherd's dog, but since 1880 they have become indispensable helpers of policemen. According to Belgian experts, the breed of Malinois dogs is inextricably linked with ring-sport - competition of police dogs.

These animals were bred according to a special method, in which the working qualities are more valuable than the exterior. They "work" in the army and police, including in the search service, in rescue structures.

Character

Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) absorbed the best qualities of a guard, shepherd and defender. This is a very clever dog, which, strangely enough, is both a plus and a minus of the breed. In skillful and kind hands, she quickly and easily becomes an ideal working dog. Uneducated and unreassed malinois also quickly turns into an "evil genius", uncontrollable and willful. Probably, for this reason, experts believe that such a dog will not suit every owner. A very athletic and mobile animal is vitally necessary for work. The dog does not have enough physical exertion (long walks, running after a bicycle), it needs intellectual loads - agility, obedience classes, shepherd's or defensive service.

When a sheepdog mallinua misses, she can be somewhat obtrusive. She may start to play a naughty, but much more often the dog is stressed seriously. She is not at all aggressive, but she always closely follows the actions and movements of strangers.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois (a characteristic of experts convinces us of this) has a well-developed sentinel instinct, so it needs early socialization. This will help to direct her innate vigilance in the right direction.

Training and training

Belgian Shepherd is completely focused on its owner. She joyfully, and even enthusiastically responds to all his proposals. If from the very first acquaintance between an animal and a person close psychological contact is established, then the training of the pet will not cause any difficulties. But the newbie owner may face some difficulties. To prevent this from happening, you need to know that malinois is extremely sensitive to physical effects, so a person with a strong will, but without rudeness, should train.

Malinois has an instant reaction, the dog grasps everything "on the fly." Therefore, the master must accurately grasp the moment of encouragement or blame. Otherwise, you can generate unwanted behavior.

It should be noted that malinois very accurately reads all the gestures of the host and his facial expression. Sometimes this leads the inexperienced owner into confusion - it creates the feeling that the dog is always a step ahead. Belgian Shepherds need consistent training - they like to cope with the task at hand and proceed to the next.

Physical exercise

Owners without experience should not be confused by the external elegance and even the refinement of the malinois. These are very strong and even sharp dogs. Often to five years old they behave like active puppies. If they lack physical or mental exercises, animals can demonstrate destructive behavior.

Maintenance and care

Belgian Shepherd in the house will require compliance with certain hygienic rules. Often, such a dog should not be bathed, since even very high-quality shampoos for dogs can spoil your pet's coat. It can lose its inherent natural haze and stiffness. It should not be soft and shiny.

To get rid of the characteristic canine "flavor", you can use the available products, but they should be used very dosed. Puppies should not bathe for a year.

Wool must 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 rare teeth.

Eyes, nose and ears are cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in warm water.

Malinois - puppies

Before making a decision to purchase a pet, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons. This is necessary in order to ensure the full development of the animal, its proper upbringing. You should clearly define for yourself, for what purpose you need this particular dog. Before buying a puppy, try to get the most detailed advice of 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 can even absorb the first lessons of education.

It is necessary to buy a dog in a specialized nursery or from a well-established breeder. This gives you certain guarantees that you acquire a thoroughbred, and most importantly - a healthy animal. You need to get acquainted with all the "canine documents": the pedigree, the puppy's card, find out how the vaccination was conducted. 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 become a great watchdog. Due to his understanding, he can become a neat and attentive guide for visually impaired people. Can become a hero and a winner of dog shows and just a reliable and devoted friend. After you have purchased a puppy - his fate is in your hands.

Raising a puppy will require the owner of significant efforts. Try not to disturb the baby during the first months in the first months, do not tire him with long walks and games. First of all, your baby should learn to walk on a leash, to master his nickname.

By the way, the puppy should be named briefly and distinctly. 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 has a detrimental effect on the dog's psyche. Such an attitude can turn a ready-for-all puppy into an unhappy coward and neurasthenic.

Health

There are some diseases inherent in this breed. Among them: epilepsy, diseases of the eyes and thyroid gland, joint dysplasia. Undoubtedly, there are a number of infectious diseases, from many of which your pet will be able to protect timely vaccination.

Food

Simpler to feed malinois should not be. This active dog needs to receive a wide variety of products every day to replenish the energy reserve. By the way, meat, which is so loved and well digested by dogs, should be combined with other products.

For the normal development of an active dog, proteins, both animal and vegetable, are necessary. To this end, the diet should include products such as fish, dairy products (but not milk), eggs, meat. Malinois should also receive carbohydrates, which are contained in such porridges as rice, wheat, buckwheat, pearl barley.

Do not forget to include in your pet's diet vegetable and butter. Animals and vegetable fats contribute to the accumulation of energy.

When feeding a dog with natural food, minerals and vitamins should be added, without which the normal functioning of the dog's organism is impossible. They are found in fresh as well as lightly boiled vegetables and fruits.

Some owners of malinois feed their pets with ready dry food. But one can not ignore the fact that often these foods are poorly digested and can cause problems with the intestines. Therefore, it is better to consult your veterinarian first. It will help you find the right food, which is most suitable for your dog, taking into account its age, weight and overall 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 satisfied with their pets. They note the combination in them of remarkable physical strength and elegance. Owners note their universality and believe that such a dog can be prepared for any task. In addition, many note her vigilance and strongly developed protective instincts. Belgian Shepherd Malinois, whose price varies from 30 to 50 thousand rubles, is an excellent companion and loyal friend.

Malinois, who live in families, are much more friendly towards children and strangers than their cousins, "servants" in the police. In many families where there are children, parents trust the Malinois to look after the small owners. However, you should not leave a dog with a child under five. No, she will not offend her junior under any circumstances! Simply taking into account the size of the animal, the dog, after playing it, can accidentally push the child or poke a curious face in the face of the baby.

Minuses of this breed, some owners consider possible aggressive behavior of the dog in relation to strangers. However, we have already said that this can happen only in case of untimely or insufficient socialization.