Malinois: breed description, nature and cultivation

The Malinois Sheepdog Breed is one of four types of dogs that have been bred in Belgium. Currently, the International Association of Cynologists has combined all these animals into one breed. However, each of them differs in its characteristics.

Only by the very name of these animals can we understand that they were bred in Belgium. It was the breeders of this country who came up with the idea of ​​creating a breed of shepherd dogs with a fairly short coat. It all started back in the 19th century, when the inhabitants of Belgium had a need to use dogs on pastures to protect livestock. Some dogs have already been used for these purposes, however, the breeders decided to slightly improve the existing breeds.

One of the very first breeders of this was Adolf Rühl, who was able to breed a purebred breed of dog. Already in 1898 an official club was created, which was one of the first to join the Union of Dog Dogs of Belgian Shepherds. A few years later, the nickname of the first dog, which became one of the founders of Malinois, was entered into the Family Book. but officially the Belgian Shepherd was registered only in 1990.

If we talk about Belgian breeds, then among them Malinois are not the largest individuals. However, these dogs have a fairly flexible and muscular body.All their movements are graceful. The description of the standard of this breed is as follows.

• Height an adult male can reach up to 61 centimeters, and females up to 55 centimeters.
• Weigh females no more than 30 kilograms, and males up to 37 kilograms.
• Head the shepherd is elongated and has a clear outline. The nape is rounded, has a pronounced transition from the muzzle to the forehead.
• Muzzle has a small size, and the line of the skull goes very smoothly into a completely straight nose.
• Lips tight enough to gums. They have small pigment spots that are painted in dark color.
• Cheeks flat and muscular. The nose is black with wide nostrils.
• Eyes medium in size and shallow fit. The iris is dark brown. They are circled in black. The dog’s look is very smart and wary.
• Teeth large and snow-white. Scissor bite.
• The ears Shepherds have a high landing. They are not too big, triangular in shape.
• Neck slightly elongated and muscular, extended to the shoulder girdle.
• Concerning corps, then it is quite massive, but at the same time not as heavy as it seems at first glance. In females, it is longer, since they have a genital function.
• Rib cage very narrow, but deep. The abdomen is firm and fit.
• Tail has an average size. It is always straight, thicker and stronger at the very base.
• Paws rather strong, but at the same time thin, located parallel to each other. The hips of the dog are muscular, and the toes are gathered together.

They are distinguished from other Belgian dogs by their coat, that is, its color and structure. It is quite short and dense with the same thick undercoat. Such wool can protect the animal in very severe frosts. But on the legs and tail, the hair is a little longer. The color in animals of such breeds can be either brown or brown-red. But at the same time, it has a charcoal hue on the lips and ears.

Belgian dogs are quite smart, and they also have a very stable psyche. They are quite independent, but require careful training. However, only a person who has a kind and strong character can grow an obedient and strong dog out of a puppy. And you must do this. After all, if this is not done, then in the future the animal will grow almost uncontrollable.

Malinois is playful enough, they like to play pranks, especially at a very young age. The dog will not be aggressive towards all family members. But if a stranger enters the territory of the site, the dog will become his opponent, completely incorruptible and strict.

If the owner gives his ward the order to “sit,” he will immediately calm down and will sit and watch the “invading enemy”. However, he will not show malice. Among all Belgian dogs in Malinois, the qualities of a watchdog are best developed. Exactly because of this reason they need a good upbringing, and you need to start working on this from puppyhood.

If we consider how dogs of such breeds relate to children, then there is no unequivocal answer to this question. It usually depends on the character of the dog and its small owner. In the event that a small child is not too intrusive, and also does not treat her as his own toy, Malinois will patiently play with the baby.

In addition, a well-trained dog, by order, will be able to follow even the smallest child. She will not take her eyes off him and will control that the baby does not leave the territory of the room. In addition, such a dog in no case will not allow strangers to the child. but do not leave your kids alone with the “Belgians”. After all, if the child pulls the dog’s tail or takes any other actions towards it, then it can show aggression.

If we talk about sharing "living" with other pets in the same territory, then dogs can’t always find a common language. This is especially true for animals such as cats. The dog will always want to show that it is superior to them in everything. therefore Conflict situations will be very difficult to avoid.

In addition, Belgian dogs have a strong hunting instinct. It will be very difficult for them to cope with it. Therefore, animals that are smaller than dogs in size will always feel uncomfortable next to these huge shepherd dogs. If the house has animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs, then in the case of clashes with Malinois, they may simply not survive. Therefore, they should be kept separately in the cells, and if released, then only under the supervision of the owners. Even if it seems that the dog is quite calm and friendly, all the same, you should not try to “make friends” with creatures that she can do harm.

As for the other large dogs, the shepherd dogs also will not get along with them. After all, they do not like to share attention to themselves with another pet. They will always be considered their rivals, which must be defeated. In addition, they will be the instigators of fights, especially if the owner is nearby. In this case, the Belgian dogs will want to show him their superiority over the competitor.

Like any animal, the Belgian Shepherd has both positive and negative qualities that are inherent not only from birth itself, but also are formed depending on the attitude of the owners.

Since these dogs were originally bred in order to guard sheep or other livestock, their most important virtue is observation and responsibility. They are quite serious about everything related to their work. Malinois is not only helpful, but also very loyal to its owners. They will carry out any of their orders without question, without even thinking about its meaning.

In addition, representatives of this breed of dogs smart enough. They understand literally any command and immediately execute them. Therefore, Belgian shepherds are best suited to both education and training. They are also very patient, but at the same time they cannot stand the rude attitude towards them.

The advantages can also be attributed to their large and loving heart. Once in the family, they become not only good advocates, but also true friends. Malinois can support their hosts on morning or evening runs, keeping them company. In addition, they can go hiking with them and overcome various obstacles.

Shepherd dogs are hardy enough. They are not afraid of either cold or heat. In addition, these dogs are not too picky about food. These dogs can notice any danger before anyone else.

If we talk about the downsides, then these animals do not have too many of them. For example, they cannot stand loneliness at all and need attention as well as care. If this is not the case, then the dog simply becomes inadequate, and also loses its appetite.

Malinois is afraid of enclosed spaces and needs regular walking. Also these dogs are a bit shy. If they are not released from the aviary, they can independently dig and break free.

They are quite aggressive in relation to their relatives, as well as to other animals. If they are not given proper education, they will not be obedient and may become simply uncontrollable. Such dogs molt for a very long time, especially those who live in an apartment, therefore require daily combingthat not everyone can do. After all, such a procedure takes too much time.

Selecting a Belgian Shepherd puppy is not easy. For many, this is a rather difficult task, because sellers do not always act honestly when selling puppies. It is recommended to buy dogs in specialized kennels, which are already quite well established and have a lot of positive feedback.

First of all, you need to inspect the puppy and make sure that it meets all breed standards. In addition, he must have the appropriate temperament, as well as have an excellent grip.

In order for the dog to turn out to be a good watchdog in the future, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with its pedigree. Already at an early age all the features of their parents begin to manifest themselves in puppies. And this is not only the appearance, but also the character. In addition, many specialized institutions do special tests to help determine the future temperament of the dog.

In Russia, buying a little Malinois puppy will be quite easy. This can be done in the nursery "From Solnik", where all the necessary documents are provided. Just two months after the birth of the puppy, you can take it home. Its value largely depends on the place of his birth, as well as on how close he is to the "ideal". So, for example, a mestizo, with at least one parent - Malinois, will cost up to 15 thousand rubles. However, such a cross does not guarantee that in the future the shepherd will be similar to its parents.

But purebred dogs will cost at least 30 thousand rubles. For a puppy from the champion they can ask up to 50 thousand rubles. However, when buying puppies, it is necessary to check all the documents that are on them to be 100% sure of their belonging to a purebred breed.

Since Belgian shepherd dogs have a fairly dense coat, as well as a dense undercoat, this allows them to live outdoors even in cold climates. Of course, ideally, the dog must have a large aviary, which will be placed on the site.

It will be difficult to keep such animals in the apartment. They molt quite strongly, besides this, they will feel constrained and cannot afford anything superfluous, especially if the puppy is very small.

Malinois need at regular loads. It can be a walk or a jog in the fresh air. In addition, many experts recommend playing sports, such as frisbee or obedience.

To comb the wool, you can buy a special rubber glove or a brush that can be used 5-6 times a month or as needed. Those of the dogs that live on the street molt 2 times a year. During this period, they lose their wool too much, and therefore comb them out daily and use a tougher comb. This is very important for Malinois, because if this is not done, the animal may appear irritated on the skin and even eczema.

Animals that live in apartments should also be bathed. This should be done several times a year with a special detergent. It must be selected very carefully so that the animal does not have any dermatological diseases. It is necessary to teach a dog to swim from an early age, so that the dog does not feel any discomfort as an adult.

It is extremely rare for your pets to brush their teeth, and only if necessary. For prevention, it is best to give her soft cartilage or treats specially created for dogs, which can be purchased at pet stores or veterinary clinics.

3-4 times a week, you need to clean your pets ears. You can use a slightly moistened cotton pad for this. It will also help in the future not to develop various infections.

Several times a month, you need to cut the claws of the dogs, but if the animals are too active, then they can grind them themselves. In addition, 4 times a year, dogs should be given special preparations for worms. But from external parasites, dogs need to be treated 2 times a year. This is best done in spring or fall.

It is worthwhile to study in more detail the necessary vaccinations for your pets. These are vaccines against plague, parovirus enteritis, hepatitis, rabies, trichophytosis and several other vaccinations important for animals.

The puppy is first vaccinated when he is two months old. However, after vaccination, you can not wash the dog, as well as overfeeding it and even taking it for a walk. After all, immunity to the disease will be developed in the puppy within two weeks. At this time, the dog may have a fever, weakness and even diarrhea.

After 21 days, it will be possible to re-vaccinate with the same drug. But in this case, adaptation is much easier. However, the animal must also be protected for two weeks. When this time passes, walks can be resumed. When the puppy is 6 months old, he needs to be vaccinated against rabies, as well as a complex of vaccines against various diseases.

Care must be taken that the dog does not change teeth at this time. Vaccinations can be continued only after the teeth have completely changed. When the puppies turn one year old, they will need repeated complex vaccination. Further it will be necessary to vaccinate the dog every year. Only a qualified veterinarian must do this. All vaccinations are given either in the thigh or in the scruff of the neck.

The pet must have a dog passport. It is necessary to write down the vaccinations carried out in it, in order to know when to carry out all subsequent ones. Almost all Belgian shepherd dogs have excellent health. But at the same time, they may appear some diseases.

• Various eye diseases. Among them, it is worth noting cataracts or atrophic changes in the retina. In a too neglected state, this can even lead to blindness, so timely diagnosis and treatment will be required.
• Damage to the largest joints. Such disorders can lead to more severe development of such diseases. Most often, this leads to surgical intervention.
• Hormonal background failure. The thyroid gland is disturbed in the animal and diabetes mellitus may appear.
• Indigestionthat may arise from malnutrition.
• Inversion of the stomach. Such a pathological disease cannot be noticed ahead of time or somehow predicted. The dog’s stomach swells, the stomach is disturbed. In this case, surgical intervention is required.
• Some dogs may even have epilepsy.
• Injuries. They occur in dogs due to their high animal activity.
• Obesity. It is necessary to carefully monitor the feeding of your pets so that they do not gain excess weight. After all, this can lead to various pathologies.

Leaving also provides and daily walk of animals. Do not forget about the mating of shepherd dogs. Already in 1.5-2 years, males become fully mature. In females, maturity occurs at 18 months.

When a female estrus sets in, she must be allowed into the male only after 18-19 days. When the mating process takes place, the animals need to be held a little, and in some cases even put pillows.

In order for the Belgian Shepherd to always look beautiful, as well as to be completely healthy and active enough, it is necessary to provide it with a full and balanced diet. For this, both natural nutrition and industrial nutrition are suitable.

Those who choose the second option of feeding, most often do not have time to cook food. In addition, such food is slightly cheaper than natural. After all, meat and fish are many times more expensive than dry food. In addition, they include all the products necessary for the animal.

The food can be selected according to the age or weight of the shepherd. There are also feeds that are intended for a castrated animal or pregnant. The dog will not need to additionally buy vitamins, since they are already in the feed.

Natural nutrition also has its advantages. The dog will receive only fresh and healthy products. However, first you need to contact a specialist so that he can make the right menu for Malinois. It should include the following products:

• lean meat - chicken, rabbit, beef;
• offal, for example, liver;
• chicken eggs, which can be both boiled and fried;
• any dairy products - low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat yogurt and even yogurt;
• boneless sea or river fish;
• cereals - rice, buckwheat, wheat;
• boiled or raw vegetables.

About 70% of the diet should be protein. The diet depends on the age of the animal. At 2 months, puppies should be fed 6 times a day. When they turn six months old, then you can transfer the dogs to 4 single feeding. But from 10 months the shepherd must be transferred to 2 single feeding.

Since the appetite for Malinois puppies is excellent, it is imperative to monitor the portion sizes for the animals. After all, if this is not done, then they may have obesity. It is very easy to do. If the puppy does not eat up his portion, then you just need to cut it. If, on the contrary, he completely eats it, do not increase its size.

All Belgian shepherd dogs are smart and learn quickly if properly trained. They very quickly pick up the slightest changes in the intonation of the voice of their master, so the owners can be both affectionate and strict. The main thing is never to use physical abuse.

To get an obedient and faithful dog in the future, you must initially be patient. In addition, a person from the first training must show his superiority over the dog. Otherwise, the animal will not listen to him. You can start training in the period from 2 to 5 months.

At this time, the dog can be taught commands such as “sit” or “lay”, as well as “place”. Training should take no more than 10-15 minutes a day. To consolidate the material you need to repeat classes daily.

As a puppy grows up, you can conduct various intellectual games with him. With their help, you can train your dog so that he can later participate even in search work. However, for such work it is best to contact specialists in order to prevent mistakes.Dog handlers will help teach a dog to listen and execute all the commands of its owner implicitly.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.