Posted by A lot of people in the world, including Americans, consider pats a part of their family members. According to Microsoft Start, there are almost 87 million households that own a dog in the United States. In this country, the most popular pets are dogs.
Talking about owning a dog as a companion, you may also be interested in adding a dog into your family. While looking for a dog, you may come across Belgian Malinois dogs. However, you may want to learn about this breed more before getting one. Fortunately, you are here where you will be able to find information about the Belgian Malinois dog breed, including its characteristics.
History and Origin of the Belgian Malinois Dog
The Belgian Malinois is the name of the breed that was bred for the first time around the city of Malines. For those who are not familiar with Malines, it is located in the northwestern region of Belgium. Along with the long-haired black Belgian Shepherd or Groenendael, the rough-haired fawn Laekenois, and the long-haired fawn Tervuren, the short-haired fawn Belgian Malinois is included in the list of the four closely related breeds of Belgian herding dogs. The quartet is known as the Belgian Sheepdog.
In Belgium, the Belgian Malinois is popular as a strong livestock herder. Their breeders are known to be serious dog people. When bred for the first time, their breeders intended to produce dogs with strong work ethics. Aside from being known as herders of every kind of stock, they are also favored by the likes of police and military K-9s due to their versatility and high work-drive. It has been proven that they can serve well with the existence of a life-size bronze of a Belgian Malinois dog located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
In 1911, the Belgian Malinois was brought to America for the first time. At first, they were doing fine. However, their existence was at risk during World War II when the importation of European breeding stock was forced to end. After the war until the early 1960s, the situation was bad. When the period ended, the population of the Belgian Malinois was seen again.
Physical Characteristics of the Belgian Malinois Dog
The Belgian Malinois dogs have distinct physical characteristics, as follows:
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- Eyes: The most popular eye colors of the Belgian Malinois are brown and dark born. As for the size, they are usually medium with slightly oval in shape.
- Ears: The Belgian Malinois dogs have erect and triangular ears. They sit high atop their heads.
- Nose: The Belgian Malinois dogs have pointed noses. As for the color, it is fully black.
- Height: The male Belgian Malinois dogs usually stand between 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. As for female ones, they are slightly smaller, ranging from 22 to 24 inches.
- Weight: The Belgian Malinois dogs usually weigh around 60 to 80 pounds for male and 40 to 60 pounds for females.
- Coat: The Belgian Malinois have a short-hair coat. Their coat is straight and has a thick undercoat. However, the fur around their neck is longer. This one is called a collarette. As for the color, it is usually black-tipped at the end. Sometimes, it is fawn or mahogany. It does not have brindle markings or have a solid white or blue color.
- Tail: The tail of the Belgian Malinois dog is known to be long. Aside from that, it is also strong. When they are in action, their tails slightly curve.
Personality of the Belgian Malinois Dog
Most Belgian Malinois dogs are playful. Besides, they are also curious. They are interested in getting close to people and getting held by them. However, it should be not that this is not always the case, especially to strangers as they are usually known to be reserved to them until they have observed enough. When it comes to their family members, there is no doubt that they are affectionate.
The Belgian Malinois dogs have pretty decent confidence. It is rare to find them shy. As a working dog, they are also protective and always be aware in any situation. They will try their best to protect their family members and their property.
While the Belgian Malinois dogs are known to be lovely and have rare aggression, it does not mean they do not have temperament. Sometimes, they can act badly due to heredity, training, or socialization. In order to prevent them from getting a bad temperament, it is recommended for the owners to socialize them early. Making them learn about many different kinds of people, sights, sounds, and experiences since they are young is important so that they can grow well.
Health of the Belgian Malinois Dog
In general, the Belgian Malinois are healthy. However, this breed is prone to several health conditions, just like the other breeds. Some of the common health issues seen in this breed include:
1. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is described as a condition when the thigh bone of the dog does not fit snugly into the hip joint. This one is inherited by their parents. Besides, it can also happen due to rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries caused by jumping or falling on slick floors. Sometimes, this condition can be seen in a dog if they show pain and lameness on one or two of their rear legs. However, it is also possible for them to not show any signs of discomfort. Keep in mind that the older the dog the higher their chance to have arthritis developed. As the owner, you are recommended to X-ray screen your dog for hip dysplasia that is usually done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Programs or PennHIP.
2. Progressive retinal atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a degenerative eye disorder. This one can cause the dog to be blind because they will lose the photoreceptors at the back of their eye. Before the dog turns blind, the signs of this disorder are able to be seen. The good news is that it will not affect the dog that much because they have other senses to use. So, even though they are blind, they will still be able to live well. However, as the owner, you should not move the furniture around.
3. Elbow dysplasia
As the Belgian Malinois dogs are large-breed dogs, they can get a condition called elbow dysplasia. Just like hip dysplasia, this one is also heritable. Apart from being inherited by their parents, they can also get it if the three bones that make up their elbow have different growth rates that cause joint laxity. If your dog has this health condition, they will feel the pain and they will lame when walking. In order to resolve the issue, surgery may be needed.
4. Anesthesia sensitivity
The Belgian Malinois dogs are known to be sensitive to anesthesia. The chance of them to die when put under anesthesia. For those who are wondering why, it is because of their muscle-to-fat ratio. If your dog who has anesthesia sensitivity needs a surgery or needs their teeth to be cleaned, it is a must for you to inform your vet regarding this sensitivity beforehand.
Caring for a Belgian Malinois Dog
1. Exercise
As suggested by the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois is suggested to have exercise with their owner. They are not the kind of breed that can do exercise alone. Apart from that, they also need enough time to exercise. Remember that daily walks are not enough. These things should be done for the sake of their happiness.
2. Training
Due to their intelligence, the Belgian Malinois are easy to be trained. It is easy to make them respond to positive reinforcement and consistent instruction. As has been mentioned above, it is important for your dog to get early training and socialization.
3. Grooming
It is pretty easy to take care of the short, waterproof coat of the Belgian Malinois. All that you have to do is to occasionally brush it by using a medium-bristle brush. Do not forget to also wear a rubber grooming mitt or tool or a hound glove. By following the tips, the new hair growth of your dog will be promoted and the skin oils will be distributed throughout the coat. When it sheds, use a slicker brush to get rid of the loose hair. Not only the hair, but also the nails should be cared for. Make sure to trim them regularly. Do not let them over long as they can cause your pet to feel the pain when they are walking and running.
4. Diet and nutrition
In order to make your Belgian Malinois dog healthy, you need to feed it with a high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. Do it twice a day. Regarding the meals, it is better for you to discuss it with your veterinarian because it can vary, depending on age, size, activity level, and other factors. Do not forget to also give it fresh water because it needs it just like human beings.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Belgian Malinois dog breed refers to the breed that is originally from Malines located in the northwestern region of Belgium, hence the name. This breed is popular for their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility. They are best for those who are active or families who can meet their high physical and mental demands. They can be a loyal companion if they get property training, care, and socialization.
