Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: breed

The Malinois is a medium-sized Belgian Shepherd Dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd Dog. Malinois are short-haired, black-colored dogs with a black mask. They are one of four types of Belgian herding dogs and have been shown in the United States as a separate breed since 1959.

Originally developed in Malines, Belgium, the Malinois has a lot of stamina and really enjoys working. They are intelligent and very active dogs that excel at many tasks. In addition to herding, they also do well with police work, search and rescue, and in performance events such as agility.

People who are unfamiliar with the Malinois often confuse it with the German Shepherd, but there are significant differences in body structure and temperament between the two breeds. Malinois are smaller dogs with lighter bones. They sit with their weight firmly on their toes, which gives them a square body profile, while the German Shepherd has a long, sloping back and carries its weight flatter on its legs. Malinois are light in color, red or brown, and the tips of the hair are black. In addition, the Malinois has a more refined head and smaller, more triangular ears.

Many believe the Malinois is more alert and quicker to respond than the German shepherd. They are also very sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh training methods. Some dogs are friendly and determined, but others are reserved and aloof with strangers. They should never have a fearful or aggressive temperament. Because of their energy level and sensitivity, Malinois are only recommended for people who have previously owned dogs and have experience with training them. Malinois are dogs that like to be included in all family activities. They are not suitable for people who work long hours or have to travel often, leaving them at home.

If you've decided that the Malinois is the breed for you, you should expose him to lots of people, dogs, other animals and situations as early as possible. This is a fast learner and is eager to do whatever you ask.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: brief history

The Belgian Malinois is one of the four breeds of Belgian Shepherd Dogs that were developed in Belgium in the late 1800s. The four varieties are Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois and Groenendael. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes all but the Laekenois as separate breeds in the U.S., while the United Kennel Club recognizes all four types as one.

The Club du Chien de Berger Belge (Belgian Shepherd Dog Club) was formed in September 1891 to determine which of the many types of dogs was representative of only the shepherd dogs developed in Belgium. In November, breeders and fanciers met on the outskirts of Brussels to examine the shepherd dogs of that area. After much deliberation, veterinary professor Adolphe Reul and a panel of judges concluded that the native shepherds of that province were the same, only the texture, color and length of hair were different. Subsequent examinations of dogs from other Belgian provinces led to similar findings.

By 1901, the Belgian Shepherd Dog was finally recognized as a breed.

Today's Malinois can be traced back to a breeding pair owned by a shepherd from Laeken named Adrien Janssens. Today, Vos I and Lise de Laeken are recognized as the ancestors of not only modern Belgian shepherd dogs, but also the Bouvier des Flandres and Dutch shepherd dogs.

Breeders decided to give each of the different varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog their own names. The city of Mechelen formed a club for the promotion of the Belgian Shepherd Dog in 1898. Louis Huyghebaert, as well as a judge, along with the Malines club did much to help popularize this short-haired breed.

In 1897, a year before the formation of the Malines club, Huyghebaert, suggested that since there were not many sheep left in Belgium, sheepdogs should have field trials to show their intelligence, obedience and loyalty. From this recommendation, sheepdog training trials were developed that tested a dog's ability to jump and perform other exercises. The first training trial, held on July 12, 1903 in Mechelen, was won by M. van Opdebeek and Cora van't Optewel.

Belgian shepherds have also been used as guard dogs. They were the first dogs to be used by the Belgian police. Before the Second World War, international police dog trials became very popular in Europe and Belgian dogs won a number of awards.

When the First World War broke out, many Belgian Shepherds were used by the army for a range of jobs, including messenger dogs, Red Cross dogs.

In the 1920s and 1930s, several exceptional Malinois kennels were released in Belgium. In the first decades of the 20th century, the Malinois and Groenendael were the most popular Belgian shepherd dog varieties to be exported to other countries. At that time, many were exported to Holland, France, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Argentina and Brazil.

In 1911, two Groenendaels and two Malinois were registered by the AKC under the name "German Shepherd Dog". In 1913, the AKC changed the name to "Belgian Shepherds". The first dogs were imported by Josse Hanssens of Norwalk, Connecticut. He sold the two Malinois to L.I. De Winter of Guttenberg, New Jersey.

After World War I, many American servicemen brought back Malinois and other Belgian Shepherds from Europe, and AKC registrations grew rapidly. The first Belgian Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1924 and became a member of the AKC shortly thereafter. In 1924 and 1925, Walter Mucklow, an attorney in Jacksonville, Florida, popularized the Malinois through the articles he wrote. He also bred Malinois for a short time under the name Castlehead Kennel.

By the late 1920s, Belgian Groenendael and Malinois shepherds had grown in popularity to rank among the top five breeds. During the Great Depression, breeding dogs was a luxury that most could not afford, and the first Belgian Shepherd Club in America ceased to exist. In the 1930s, a few Malinois were registered with the AKC, while imports flooded into the country. Even after the Great Depression, there were so few Malinois dogs and interest in the breed waned so much that the AKC placed them in the Miscellaneous classes at AKC shows in the 1930s and 1940s.

In 1949, a second Belgian Shepherd Club of America was formed in Indiana. That same year, John Cowley imported two Malinois and started the Netherlair kennel. He showed some of his dogs and several people became interested in them. By the 1960s, several people were breeding Malinois. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club was granted AKC parent club status.

Over the past decade, Belgian Malinois dogs have received much attention for their work with the military, drug detection agencies, search and rescue operations, and police forces across the country. As a result, over the past few years, many Malinois have been imported to the US. They rank 90th out of 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: size

Males are between 61 and 66 centimeters tall and weigh between 27 and 36 kilograms. Females are between 56 and 61 centimeters and weigh between 18 and 27 kilograms.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: personality

This is an extraordinary working dog that is confident and protective in any situation. It is affectionate with family members but reserved with strangers. The Malinois's watchdog skills are excellent. It protects its people and property with as much force as necessary. Shyness and aggression are never appropriate in this breed.

That said, temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training and socialization. Puppies with cute temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach and be held by people.

Like any dog, the Belgian Shepherd Malinois needs early socialization, exposure to lots of people, sights, sounds and experiences when young. Socialization helps ensure that your pet will be a friendly and pleasant dog.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: health

Belgian Malinois are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Not all dogs will have any of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you are considering this breed.

If you are buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you the health records of the puppy's parents. Health certificates prove that a dog has been tested and recovered from a specific condition.

• Hip dysplasia: This occurs quite frequently in Malinois. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this hip joint deformity. Some dogs affected by this problem may be able to lead a normal, healthy life, but some may require surgery to move around easily.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness due to the loss of photoreceptors in the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life.
• Elbow dysplasia: similar to hip dysplasia, it is also a degenerative disease. It is thought to be caused by abnormal growth and development, resulting in a malformed and weak joint. The disease varies in severity: the dog could develop arthritis or become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight control, medical management and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Sensitivity to anesthesia. Belgian Malinois are very sensitive to anesthesia. They have a higher than average death rate when anesthetized because of their muscle-to-fat ratio. Make sure your veterinarian understands this sensitivity before allowing your Malinois to have surgery or even have his teeth cleaned.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: care

Belgian Malinois shepherds can do well in small areas if given enough effort. They prefer cool climates, but adapt well to warmer environments. They do best when allowed to be part of the family and are able to live indoors at least part of the time.

If possible, make sure your Malinois has some exercise space in a fenced area, in addition to long walks or jogs. Malinois need about 20 minutes of activity three or four times a day, and a leisurely walk won't satisfy them. They're built for action. If you enjoy hiking or jogging, your Malinois will be happy to join you. Consider training him to compete in obedience or agility. It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you keep him active. Don't be surprised if he runs in big circles in your yard, it's a remnant of his heritage.

Be firm, calm and consistent with Malinois. Anger and physical force are counterproductive.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: feeding

Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Note: How much an adult dog eats depends on size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like humans, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that an extremely active dog will need more food compared to a less active one. The quality of the dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the food, the more nutrients and satiety it will provide, without you having to constantly check the bowl.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: fur color and maintenance

The Belgian Malinois has a short, straight coat that feels hard to the touch. The tough, dense coat provides weather resistance for a dog that has been bred to work outdoors in all conditions. The coat is usually colored in mahogany colors with a black mask on the face, black ears and black tips. The coat is easy to groom. Its coat falls all year round, but more heavily in spring and fall.

Brush your Malinois Shepherd Dog's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria that lurks inside. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Remove your nails once or twice a month. Start getting him used to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Frequently handle his paws and check his mouth. With a positive experience full of praise and rewards, you'll lay the groundwork for easy vet exams and other maneuvers when he's an adult.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois for sale: relationship with children and other animals

Well-socialized Malinois are good with children, especially if raised with them. An adult dog that is unfamiliar with children may live best in a home with children old enough to interact with it properly.

As with every breed, however, you need to teach children how to approach and touch dogs and always supervise any interaction between them to prevent any biting. Teach your child never to approach the dog while eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food. No dog, however friendly, should be left unattended with a child.

Malinois can be aggressive towards other dogs and cats unless it has been raised with them since childhood. If you want your Belgian shepherd Malinois to get along with other animals, you need to start early and reward him for appropriate behavior. If your dog has not socialized with other animals, it is your responsibility to keep him under control in their presence.