The Belgian Malinois
Country of origin
The Belgian Malinois was bred in Belgium originally as sheepdogs and guard dogs, but are now more widely known to do police work, dog sports, herding and protection. The other three Belgian shepherds are the Laekenois, Groenendael and the Tervuren.
Size
These wonderful dogs are usually 22 to 26 inches tall and are 55 to 65 kilograms in weight. They have triangular ears, pointed muzzles, and squared-shape bodies. Their light built make them very agile and much faster than the German Shepherd Dog, which is another popular choice in police work.
Coat
Belgian Malinois are usually red, brown, or fawn in color with a black mask and black ears. They have short coats that shed seasonally.
Character
This breed is very intelligent and versatile, often living up to their handlers’ expectations in any task given to them. They have very protective instincts; so early socialization is crucial if they are destined to work in the police force. They are loyal dogs that make great house pets, especially for people who love outdoor activities such as biking or hiking. They are not recommended for first timers though, as they only tend to follow the commands of those who are firm and know how to take control, but at the same time are not harsh or violent.
Temperament
Being instinctively protective, without proper socialization these dogs can be very suspicious of strangers and aggressive towards other dogs and small animals. But if introduced properly, they can live and get along well with others. They are excellent guard dogs that bark to alert, but at the same time can be confident when meeting strangers, with the ability to distinguish suspicious behavior from non-threatening behavior. This is also why they are one of the top choices to train as protection dogs. They are loyal and have high energy levels that need to be shed off with appropriate exercise. Although they can be good with children, there are times when their herding instincts can kick in because of kids’ quick and sudden movements. These behaviors (like nipping) should be discouraged, and the children must be taught how to properly interact with the dogs.
Care
These amazing dogs can live in apartments as long as they get enough exercise. Their smooth double coats need a weekly brush to keep healthy. Off-leash time in a fenced yard could also be beneficial for them, as they enjoy running due to their herding-related heritage.
Training
Belgian Malinois need a handler with a lot of experience and someone who can take the role of a leader. These are highly intelligent dogs with plenty of drive that if used properly, can turn them into excellent working dogs.
Activity
The Belgian Malinois is very active and can perform in all sorts of activities such as dog agility, fly ball, herding, obedience, and of course police work like tracking, shutzhund-related work, and even therapy work. They are also great at Frisbee and are an all around exercise buddy.
