Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
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| Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) | ||
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| Classification and breed standards
<tr style="text-align: left;"><th>FCI:</th><td>Group 1 Section 1 #015</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>AKC:</th><td>Herding</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>ANKC:</th><td>Group 5 (Working Dogs)</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>CKC:</th><td>Group 7 - Herding</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th style="white-space: nowrap;">KC (UK):</th><td>Pastoral</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>NZKC:</th><td>Working</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>UKC:</th><td>Herding Dog</td><td>Stds</td></tr> |
The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) (IPA: [ˈmælɪnˌwɑː]) 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. Its name is the French word for Mechlinian, which is in Dutch either 'Mechels' (from Mechelen) or 'Mechelaar' (one from Mechelen).
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[edit] Appearance
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.
[edit] Coat and color
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.
[edit] Size
Female Malinois are said to average 25-30 kg (55-65 lb), while males are heavier at 29-34 kg (65-75 lb). Malinois can range from stocky to slender, but are always squarely built.
[edit] History
In the United States, Germany and other European countries, the Malinois is bred primarily as a working dog for protection, dectection and police work. This is not only because they can be aggressive when they need to be but also because they are fast learners of new tasks. This dog needs to be properly trained from the start of his life. Abusive, harsh or overly permissive training may result in a dog without the proper attitudes and because of its size and aggressiveness may harm people or other creatures. This is a working dog for an experienced dog owner. 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, and is not a dog recommended for inexperienced or even "average" dog owners.
[edit] Health
Far less popular than the similar German Shepherd, the Malinois has luckily been spared the negative effects of overbreeding in puppy mills. However like most large breeds hip dysplasia is a prevalent genetic disorder.
[edit] See also
- Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)
- Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)
- Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren)
[edit] External links
- American Working Malinois
- Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Canada
- American Belgian Malinois Club
- World Federation of Belgian Shepherd Dogs
- Dutch Association for Belgian Shepherds Dogs
fr:Malinois (chien) lt:Malinua nl:Mechelse herder no:Malinois pl:Owczarek belgijski Malinois sr:Малиноа
