The Common-sense Dog: Careful before adopting a Malinois
Our recent fostering process with the Belgian Malinois named Reb, and the global news about the hero Belgian Malinois taking down bad guys have sparked a lot of interest in the breed. I’d like to use the column today to talk a little about these dogs and why you should think twice before owning one.
The dog we are fostering has very few Malinois qualities. He is friendly, low-drive, and low-energy, but it is important to know that this is not the norm for this breed, and without extensive research, training, and consistent stimulation, a Malinois can be a very dangerous addition to the family.
The Malinois is another intense herding dog. They are bred to WORK, even more so than other working breeds. They love to chase, bite, and take direction.
Let me put this into perspective. The average family dog should do just fine with a couple of walks each day and a little bit of fetch in the evening. The Malinois will chase the ball for 8 straight hours and never slow down.
In addition to that, they love to handle things with their teeth. You know that puppy biting that we all hate so much? The Malinois never really outgrows that phase, and when a Malinois latches on, it can be almost impossible to get them to release. They carry the nicknames “maligators” or “raptors” for a reason.
It is not uncommon for these dogs to be territorial and protective. That means they may not be social butterflies with people, kids, or other dogs. They might also become territorial over your home, car, or property.
Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, the Malinois can be highly destructive. They can destroy your yard, fence, cars, furniture, flooring, walls, windows, office, etc.
The needs of a Belgian Malinois are more than most dogs, and if the stimulation, training, and socialization needs are not met, these dogs can develop reactivity and aggression, a very dangerous combination in a powerful breed bred for chasing and biting.
That being said, if you do your research, dedicate plenty of time to mental stimulation, offer daily intense exercise, and plan to train for the duration of the dog’s life, you might just be ready for a Malinois. In the right hands, they are incredible dogs.
If you already own a Malinois and are doing what is necessary to meet their needs, give yourself a pat on the back! You deserve it.
The Belgian Malinois is one of the coolest breeds there is, but without the right guidance, they can be a disaster.
Happy training!
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Stephanie Vichinsky is the owner/head trainer of Method K9 in Post Falls.