Family: Shepherd
Breed Group: Herding, AKC Herding
Origin: Belgium
Date of Origin: 19th Century
Originally used for: Sheepdog
Used today: Working dog for protection, bomb, & drug detection and police work, companion
Other Name(s): Belgian Shepherd, Malinois, Pastor Belga Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge, Mechelse
History of the Breed: In the late 19th century the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed to determining if Belgium had a true
native shepherd dog. The club did find native breeds within Belgium and as a result created a Shepherd Dog standard. This standard
recognized three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats. As a result four breeds were identified, the Groenendael
also called the Belgian Sheepdog, the Malinois, the Tervuren, and the Laekenois.
The Belgian Malinois was bred in Malines (how the name was derived) for guarding and herding sheep. It was formally recognized as one of
the Belgian Shepherd Dogs in 1891. It has historically been the favorite type of Belgian Shepherd in its native Belgium.
General Appearance: Somewhat resembling a German Shepherd Dog the Malinois is a medium sized, well balanced, square dog that is both agile and strong.
the head has a skull that is flat rather than rounded with the width approximately the same as the length. The stop is moderate. The muzzle is
moderately pointed leading to a black nose. The eyes are dark brown almond shaped and of medium size. The ears are triangle shaped and are erect.
The chest is not broad but it is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. The loin is relatively short but broad and strong. The tail reaches to the hock.
The coat is short except for the back of the thighs, the tail, and around the neck where longer hair forms a collarette. The coat is brown and yellow in color with black ears, cheeks, and muzzle.
Height & Weight:
Height 22-26 Inches
Weight 60-65 Pounds
Coat: Short, straight, weather resistant with a dense undercoat. Very short on the head, ears, and lower legs. The hair is somewhat
longer around the neck where it forms a collarette, and on the tail and backs of the thighs.
Color: Rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs. The mask and ears are black. The underparts of the body, tail and breeches
are lighter fawn.
Grooming needs: Low
Temperament of Breed: The Malinois will defend its master and its master's home so effort should be made to socialize this dog around
people and pets. This is a working dog for an experienced dog owner.
Friendly with children: Yes, with children it knows. It should not be left unsupervised with very small, or unruly children.
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, if properly socialized
Suitability as a watchdog: High
Exercise Level: High
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 12-13 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 90
First Registered by the AKC: 1959
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, ANKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
America Belgian Malinois Club Inc. (ABMC)
|
