Dog Breeds > B > Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is a breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. The Malinois is recognized in the United States under the name Belgian Malinois

Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Malinois is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family. The Malinois is recognized by its short brown and yellow coat and its black ears, cheeks, and muzzle.

In the United States, Germany and other European countries, the Malinois is bred primarily as a working dog for protection, bomb and drug detection and police work. These working lines produce a dog that can be very aggressive and requires strong firm handling to teach desirable behavior and set limits on behavior early in life. Abusive, harsh or overly permissive training may result in uncontrolled aggression and a serious liability. This is a working dog for an experienced dog owner.

Malinois can vary greatly in appearance. Most Malinois with a fawn coat will have white patches on the paws and chest. Darker Malinois do not generally share this trait. Female Malinois aresais to average 55-65 lb, while males are larger 65-75 lb. Malinois can range from stocky to slender, but always squarely built.

Far less popular than their cousin the German Shepherd, the Malinois breed has luckily been spared the negative effects of overbreeding.

Most police forces have switched to Malinois in favor of all other breeds due to the breed's intense "prey drive". The Malinois is unmatched in terms of toughness and focus. Definitely NOT the breed for the average owner.

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