The Belgian Shepherd dog is a working and herding dog, and its high energy level does not like to sit still. These dogs will run continually in sweeping circles to keep moving when confined. They make excellent pet dogs for your right home. The dogs also work as military and police dogs and are popular as family companions.
History and Origin of Belgian Shepherd
The Belgian Shepherd dog or Malinois Shepherd is considered one breed with four variations in every country but the United States, where each type is considered a separate breed: the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Tervuren, the Belgian Sheepdog, and the Belgian Laekenois. The Belgian Malinois was developed in Belgium by livestock herders and guardians in the late nineteenth century.
Belgian Shepherd was also used as a search, tracker, and guard dog in police and military working dogs. In 1891, a panel of dog experts discovered whether there was one Belgian Shepherd Dog that fit a particular quality. They determined that the Belgian Malinois were similar in size and shape but differed in coat length, color, and texture. The dog breed was given names based on the villages or regions in which each was developed.
Physical Description Malinois Shepherd
The Belgian Shepherd dogs are brave, large, muscular, elegant, and squarely built. The head is strong with a moderately pointed muzzle and equal in length to the skull. They have dark brown, slightly almond-shaped eyes and large, triangular prick ears.
These deep-chested shepherds differ by coat color, length, and texture. The Belgian Malinois has a short, straight, hard coat that is fawn to mahogany, with black tips, a black mask, and ears.
The Belgian Tervuren has a long double coat and is fawn to mahogany with black tips. The Belgian Sheepdog has a long black coat, and the Belgian Laekenois has a wiry fawn to mahogany coat with a black overlay.
Height, Weight, and LifeSpan of Belgian Malinois
The average height of the Malinois Shepherd is about 22 to 26 inches, and the weight is about 40 to 80 pounds. The life expectancy is about 12 to 14 years.
Temperament or Personality Belgian Shepherd Dog
Belgian Malinois dogs are intelligent and easily trainable with strong working abilities. They are affectionate with their owner, families, and kids but reserved with protective and territorial strangers. Malinois Shepherd dogs are highly energetic and responsive but tend to be one-person dogs.
Best Ownership of the Malinois Shepherd
Belgian Shepherd Dogs do best with active, dog-experienced owners in rural or suburban homes.
Special Needs of Belgian Shepherd Dog
Belgian Malinois is one of the most effective working dog breeds. The dog is active, agile, energetic, intelligent, and loyal. The dog is exceptional and needs special care in the following aspects:
- Attention.
- Job or activity.
- Positive training.
- Socialization.
- Exercise.
- Grooming.
- Proper diet and nutrition.
- Skincare.
- Dental care.
Health Concerns of Belgian Malinois Dog
The dog is healthy and ready for work most of the time. The dog is affected by widespread canine diseases. You must ensure regular vaccination and deworming to prevent common viral and parasitic diseases. You must take extra care about the following disease or conditions:
- Anesthesia Sensitivity.
- Cancer.
- Epilepsy.
- Elbow dysplasia.
- Hip Dysplasia.
- PRA.
- Thyroid problems.
Takeaway Points on Belgian Shepherd Dog
The Belgian Shepherd Dogs are affectionate with family members and kids. They are brilliant dogs, easy to groom and train, and have the potential for playfulness. They need proper diet, nutrition, and exercise. In my article, I have to discuss all the information about the Malinois Shepherd dogs that are very interesting for dog lovers. Thank you for your time.
