Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are intelligent, hard working and alert dogs. As well as its watchful nature, these traits made Belgian Malinois useful on the farm as herding and guard dogs and now allow them to be service dogs in law enforcement, search & rescue and disability assistance. However, because of their athleticism, pet Belgians need physical and mental stimulation from their families, which can be provided through dog sports. Belgians are also sensitive, which increases the importance of a reward-based approach to training. The Belgians' reserved nature with those they don't know also implies some degree of low level fear or concern about strangers, but socialisation may minimise the development of fear-based defensive aggression.

Belgian Malinois History:

The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois was developed in Malines, Belgium in the Middle Ages for use as a herding and working dog. Its direct ancestors were thought to be local shepherd dogs. The breed is sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd rather than as a separate breed itself.

In the United States, the breed is recognised under the name Belgian Malinois. Imported Belgian Malinois usually originate from Belgium, France or Switzerland. Adolphe Reul, a Professor in the Belgian School of Veterinary Sciences, was instrumental in the establishment of the official breed standard.

The Malinois was imported into the United States during two specific time periods. Firstly in 1911 and the second was between the years 1963 and 1965. In the second period, the population of the Malinois grew rapidly. The breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1959 under the name Belgian Malinois.