Malinois: description of the breed, nature and cultivation

The Malinois Sheepdog Breed is one of four species of dogs that were bred in Belgium. At present, the International Association of Dog Handlers has united all these animals into one breed. However, each of them has its own characteristics.

Only by the very name of these animals can we understand that they were engaged in breeding in Belgium. It was the breeders of this country who decided to create a breed of shepherd dogs with a rather short fur. It all started back in the 19th century, when the Belgians became aware of the need to use dogs on pastures to protect livestock. Some dogs have already been used for these purposes, but the breeders decided to slightly improve the existing breeds.

One of the very first breeders of this kind was Adolf Rühl, who was able to breed a purebred breed of dogs.. Already in 1898, an official club was created, which was one of the first members of the Union of Dog Handlers of the Belgian Shepherds. Within a few years after that, the first dog's name was added to the Generic Book, which became one of the forebears of Malinois. but The Belgian Shepherd Dog was officially registered only in 1990.

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

• Growth an adult male can reach up to 61 centimeters, and females up to 55 centimeters.
• Weigh females not more than 30 kilograms, and males - up to 37 kilograms.
• Head Shepherd dog is elongated and has clear outlines. The nape is rounded, has a brightly marked transition from the muzzle to the forehead.
• Muzzle has a small size, and the line of the skull very smoothly turns into a completely straight nose.
• Lips quite tight to the gums. They have small pigment spots that are colored dark.
• Cheeks flat and muscular. The nose is black with wide nostrils.
• Eyes have an average size and a shallow fit. The iris is colored dark brown. They are surrounded by black edging. The look of the dog is very intelligent and wary.
• Teeth large and white. Scissor bite.
• Ears Sheepdogs have a high landing. They are not too big, triangular.
• Neck slightly elongated and muscular, widened to the shoulder girdle.
• Concerning shellsthen it is rather massive, but at the same time it is not as heavy as it seems at first glance. In females, it is longer, since they have a reproductive function.
• Rib cage quite narrow, but deep. The belly is elastic and taut.
• Tail has an average size. He is always straight, thicker and stronger at the base.
• Paws quite strong, but at the same time thin, arranged parallel to each other. The hips in the dog are muscular, the toes on the legs are gathered together.

It is distinguished from other Belgian dogs by their coat, that is, its color and structure. It is rather short and dense with the same thick undercoat.Such wool can protect the animal in very cold weather. But on the paws and tail of the wool a little longer. The color of animals of such breeds can be both brown and brown-red. But at the same time on the lips and on the ears it has a carbon tint.

Belgian dogs are smart enough, besides they have a very stable psyche. They are quite independent, but require careful training. However, only a person with a good and strong character will be able to raise an obedient and strong dog from a puppy. And do it necessarily. After all, if this is not done, then in the future the animal will grow practically uncontrollable.

Malinois is quite playful, they love to play pranks, especially at a very early age. All family members will not be treated aggressively. But if an outsider enters the site, the dog will become his opponent, completely incorruptible and strict.

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

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

In addition, a well-trained dog will be able to follow even the smallest child on orders. 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 jerks the dog by the tail or shows any other actions to him, then it can show aggression.

If we talk about sharing "living" with other pets on the same territory, then dogs can not always find a common language take off. This is especially true of animals such as cats. A 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 there are animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs in the house, then in the case of a skirmish with raspberries they may simply not survive. Therefore, they should be kept separately in cages, and if released, it is only under the supervision of the owners. Even if it seems that the dog is quite calm and friendly, still, you should not try to “make friends” with creatures she can harm.

As for the other big dogs, shepherd dogs won't get along with them either. After all, they do not like to share the attention with one more pet. They will always be considered their rivals, over which it is imperative to win. In addition, they will be the instigators of the 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 in them not only from birth, but also formed depending on the attitude of the owners.

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

In addition, representatives of this breed of dogs smart enough. They understand any commands literally at a half-word and immediately execute them. Therefore, the Belgian Shepherd is best amenable and education, and training. They are also very patient, but at the same time they absolutely cannot tolerate a rude attitude towards them.

The advantages also include their big and loving heart. Getting into the family, they become not only good advocates, but also true friends. Malinois can support their owners on morning or evening runs, making them a company. In addition, they can go hiking with them and overcome various obstacles.

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

If we talk about the minuses, then these animals are not too many. For example, they absolutely do not tolerate loneliness and need attention, as well as care. If this is not the case, the dog simply becomes inadequate, and also loses its appetite.

Malinois are afraid of indoor spaces and need regular walking. Also these dogs are a little naughty. If they are not released from the aviary, they can do their own digging and break free.

They are quite aggressive towards their relatives, as well as to other animals. If they are not given proper education, they will not be obedient and may simply become 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, this procedure takes too much time.

Choosing 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 that have already proven themselves well and have a lot of positive feedback.

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

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

In Russia, buying a small Malinois puppy will be quite easy. This can be done in the kennel "From Solnik", where all the necessary documents are provided. Already literally two months after the birth of a puppy, you can take it home. Its value depends largely on the place of its birth, as well as how close it is to the “ideal.” So, for example, a half-breed, which has 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 look like its parents.

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

Since the Belgian Shepherd Dogs have a rather dense coat, as well as a thick undercoat, this allows them to live outside even in cold climates. Of course, ideally, the dog must have a large aviary, which will be located on the site.

It will be difficult to keep such animals in the apartment. They molt strongly enough, besides this, they will feel themselves constrained and will not be able to afford anything extra, especially if the puppy is absolutely small.

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

For combing 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 who live on the street molt 2 times a year. During this period they shed their hair too much, therefore you need to comb them daily and you need to use a tougher comb. This is very important for malinois, because in the event that this is not done, the animal may experience irritation on the skin and even eczema.

Animals that live in apartments, you must also bathe. This should be done several times a year with a special detergent. It must be chosen very carefully so that the animal does not have any dermatological diseases. It is necessary to accustom the dog to bathing from an early age, so that when he grows up, the dog does not feel any discomfort.

Teeth should be brushed to their pets extremely rarely and only when necessary. For prophylaxis, it is best to give her soft cartilage or specially made treats for dogs, which can be purchased at pet shops 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 dogs, but if the animals are too active, then they can also shake them off. In addition, 4 times a year, dogs should be given special preparations for worms. But from external parasites it is necessary to process dogs 2 times a year. It is best to do this in spring or autumn.

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

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

After 21 days it will be possible to carry out re-vaccination 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 at this time the dog does not change teeth. Vaccinations can continue to be done only after the teeth are completely replaced. When the pups are one year old, they will need to re-comprehensive vaccination. Further, it will be necessary to vaccinate the dog every year. Only a qualified veterinarian is required to do this. All vaccinations are done either in the thigh or in the neck.

A pet must have a dog passport. It is necessary to record the vaccinations carried out in order to know when to carry out all the subsequent ones. Virtually all Belgian Shepherds have excellent health. But at the same time they may have some diseases.

• Various eye diseases. Among them, cataract or atrophic retinal changes are worth noting. In a state of neglect, it can even lead to blindness, so timely diagnosis and treatment will be required.
• Damage to the largest joints. Such violations can lead to more severe development of such diseases. Most often this leads to surgery.
• Hormonal failure. The animal is impaired by the thyroid gland and diabetes may appear.
• Indigestionwhich may arise from malnutrition.
• Inversion of the stomach. Such a pathological disease can not be noticed ahead of time or somehow predict. The dog's stomach is swollen, the stomach is disturbed. In this case, surgery is required.
• Some dogs may even have epilepsy.
• Injuries. They occur in dogs due to their high activity of animals.
• Obesity. It is necessary to carefully monitor the feeding of their pets so that they do not gain extra weight. After all, it can lead to various pathologies.

Care also provides for daily walking of animals. Do not forget about mating sheepdogs. As early as 1.5-2 years, males become fully mature. In females, maturity occurs at 18 months.

When the female is in heat, it should be allowed to the male only after 18-19 days. When the mating process itself takes place, the animals need to be kept a little, and in some cases even put pillows on.

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 complete and balanced diet. For this fit and natural food, and industrial.

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

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

Also has its advantages and natural nutrition. The dog will receive only fresh and healthy products. However, first you need to contact a specialist so that he can create the correct menu for the raspberry. It should include the following products:

• lean meat - chicken, rabbit, beef;
• offal, such as 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.

Approximately 70% of the diet should be proteins. Diet is completely dependent on the age of the animal. In 2 months you need to feed the puppies 6 times a day. When they are six months old, you can transfer the dogs to 4-time feeding. But from 10 months shepherd should be transferred to a 2-time feeding.

Since the appetite of Malinois puppies is excellent, you definitely need to monitor the size of servings for animals. After all, if you do not, then they may come obesity. It is very easy to do. If the puppy does not finish eating its portion, then you just need to trim it. If, on the contrary, it completely eats it, you should not increase its size.

All Belgian Shepherd dogs are smart and learn quickly if they are properly educated. They very quickly catch the slightest changes in the intonation of the voice of their master, so the owners can be both affectionate and strict. The main thing - never to use assault.

In order to get an obedient and faithful dog in the future, it is necessary to have patience first. In addition, a person from the first workout must demonstrate his superiority over the dog. Otherwise the animal will not obey him. You can start training in the period from 2 to 5 months.

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

As the puppy grows up, various intellectual games can be played with it. With their help, you can train the dog so that he can later participate even in search work. However, for such work it is best to contact the experts to avoid mistakes. Dog handlers will help teach the dog to listen and carry out all the commands of its owner without question.

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