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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ABOUT BELGIAN MALINOIS




    _________________________________________________________________



  What is a Malinois?

  The Malinois is the short-coated variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog.
   They are fawn colored with a black mask.  In the United States they
  have been shown as a separate breed since 1959. Dogs are 24 to 26
  inches at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Bitches are 22 to
  24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. This is a "high energy" dog that
  does best when it has a definite purpose in life. It is generally not
  a dog for the novice dog owner, for, while it is extremely trainable,
  it does not do well with poor or insufficient training.

  How is a Malinois different from a German Shepherd Dog (GSD)?

  They are significantly different both in body structure and
  temperament. The Malinois is a somewhat smaller dog with lighter
  bone. The Malinois stands square, well up on its toes, while the GSD
  has a long, sloping back and walks flatter on the foot. The Malinois
  head is more refined and chiseled, with smaller, more triangular
  ears. The Malinois is a fawn dog, with black overlay (the tips of the
  hair are black), while the GSD is typically tan, with a black saddle.
  The Malinois is considered to be more alert and faster to respond
  than the GSD, but also more sensitive, which can make its training
  more difficult.

  What kind of home is suitable for a Malinois?

  An owner who gets the most out of his or her Malinois is usually one
  who has had some previous experience of dog ownership and dog
  training. Even so, many new owners are not prepared for the high
  degree of "intensity" in this dog's personality. Whatever they do,
  they do to the maximum: whether that be work, play, or just adoring
  you, their master. The Malinois likes to be included in all your
  activities, so if you like jogging, hiking, running, biking,
  obedience, out-of-door activities, or just spending a lot of time
  with your dog, then the Malinois may be a good choice for you.
  However, if you often work extended hours, must travel frequently, or
  have other activities that often keep you away from your dog, then
  this is definitely not the breed for you.

  What kind of training does the Malinois need?

  The Malinois is an active, intelligent dog that requires early
  exposure to different people and dogs so that he will be accepting of
  them when he grows up. The Malinois also requires training to control
  his high energy and exuberance and channel them into useful
  activities. A puppy socialization or puppy kindergarten class is
  recommended for Malinois puppies. First-time Malinois owners are
  often amazed and delighted at how quickly these dogs learn and how
  sensitive they are to corrections, but these same traits can get them
  into trouble if their owner fails to take the time to train them
  properly, or combines harsh corrections with poor training
  techniques.

  What activities do Malinois excel at?

  Just about anything their master asks them to do! There is almost
  nothing a Malinois won't try if encouraged by his master. These dogs
  excel at obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, herding, showing,
  Schutzhund and other protection sports, search and rescue, police
  work, and just about anything else a dog can do. There are even
  Malinois who lure course! These dogs are described by professional
  trainers as having high "play drive" which means that everything is a
  game to them, and they love games!

  Are Malinois aggressive?

  The Malinois is a "protection" breed -- it will defend its master and
  its master's home. However, a well-bred, well-socialized, and
  well-trained dog will calmly evaluate every situation and use good
  judgment in responding. It should not be aggressive or nervous in its
  attitude towards strange people or situations. Dogs with poor
  temperaments or who have been poorly socialized or trained, however,
  may be "shy-sharp" -- snapping or growling out of fear or aggression.
  For this reason, it is important to buy your Malinois from a breeder
  who produces dogs with good temperament and to get your puppy used to
  meeting new people and dogs early in life, so that he will have a
  relaxed and accepting attitude towards them when he grows up.

  Are Malinois good with children?

  Yes, particularly if they are raised with them. If they are not raised
  with children, they should be given ample opportunity when young to
  meet and interact with children. Remember, however, that this is a
  relatively large, very active, very quick-to-respond dog. As with any
  such dog, they should never be left unsupervised with very small, or
  unruly children.

  What kinds of health problems do Malinois have?

  Malinois are generally healthy dogs, living an average of 10 to 12
  years.  They are susceptible to hip dysplasia, however, which is a
  crippling inherited disorder, so it is important when getting a puppy
  to make sure that both its parents have had their hips checked and
  been certified by the OFA (a canine orthopedic organization) as good
  or excellent.  Breeders will generally tell you that a sire or dam is
  "OFA excellent" or "OFA good."  If a sire or dam is not OFA
  certified, be sure to ask why.

  How can I learn more about Malinois?

  The American Belgian Malinois Club can provide you with a packet of
  information about the breed and about the club. Contact Susan Morse,
  ABMC Corresponding Secretary, 7 Sunset West Circle, Ithaca, NY 14850.
   Please enclose a self-addressed envelope stamped with 55 cents in
  postage along with a check in the amount of $3 made out to the
  American Belgian Malinois Club to cover costs of preparing the
  package.

  An excellent  place to see Malinois is at a local dog show.  Don't
  approach handlers waiting to go into the ring, however, since they
  are usually very preoccupied at this time. Instead, wait until the
  class is over and then introduce yourself. Most owners and handlers
  will be more than happy to talk with you once the "main event" is
  over.