Belgian Malinois (Belgian Shepherd Dog)
The Belgian Malinois dog breed is a sturdy but elegant-looking herding
breed. The Belgian Malinois breed is officially recognized as a
distinct breed by the American Kennel Club. It is often considered
just a variety of the Belgian Shepherd breed, particularly in other
countries, according to Wikipedia. The angular dimensions of Belgian
Malinois dogs make their bodies seem a little rectangular, with a
firm, alert-looking stance. Despite their sturdiness, the dogs never
look bulky and are in fact quite agile. As a sheepdog, a Belgian
Malinois dog likes to get his or her paws dirty doing hard work.
Here are the characteristics of the Belgian Malinois breed as
determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.
Belgian Malinois' Behavior
Recommended for: police dog (according to Wikipedia); pet
The Belgian Malinois dogs tend to seem confident to humans, neither
shy nor aggressive, even in new situations. Though the Belgian
Malinois dog breed tends to seem reserved around strangers, the dogs
will usually try to guard their families against perceived threats. As
a hard-working breed, most Belgian Malinois sheepdogs love to stay
active and also to follow commands.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual
dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before
bringing them into your home.
Belgian Malinois' Physical Characteristics
Size: males: 24-26 inches; Females: 22-24 inches.
Coat: short, straight, and hard all-weather overcoat over a thick undercoat.
Color: "rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs," in the
words of the American Kennel Club's breed standard.
Eyes: medium-sized, slightly almond-shaped, dark brown eyes
Ears: very triangular, stiff and standing straight up
Skull: flattened and about as wide as it is long
Muzzle: pointed
Nose: black
Tail: sturdy
The Belgian Malinois' Origins and History
Here are some historical notes on the breed as taken from Wikipedia.
Original purpose: herding sheep
Historical notes: The American Kennel Club and its Australian and New
Zealand counterparts fully classify the Belgian Malinois as an
entirely distinct breed from other Belgian Shepherd Dogs. In the UK
and Canada, the Malinois is considered one of four varieties of the
Belgian Sheepdog. The other varieties are Groenendael, Laekenois, and
Tervueren.
Belgian Malinois / Belgian Shepherd Dog