Belgian Mals

[Littlelebowski]

mind if I ask who did the eval? Was she with one of the Schnd clubs?

This lady.

Just realized I have to train him to urinate on Infinitis! Lots of work to prepare for the next time Todd comes over

[ToddG]

If he can establish an interest in biting anyone with an interesting carrying an HK in the "appendix" positino, then he is a GREAT DOG!

And I bet he understand English better than Grant already!

[Kentucky Cop]

Congrats LB,

As I have been a Canine handler for my department, I can tell you that you choose a first rate working breed. Mal's will do anything you ask once you establish that bond and dominance. I agree with Hop, pay close attentions to his mood as they can snap in a heartbeat. We have had a few at the department that would get pissed if they weren't being "worked" or socialized with and bite. They are a high drive dog that usually loves a ball reward. Good luck and go slow as you test his trust..., and make sure you socialize the hell out of him with others in the family and dog parks. They again can get extremely protective at the worst time. And yes, I am jealous....he is beautiful.

[CarlosDJackal]

I once worked with a BM during a SAR mission named Maggie (I don't remember the handler/owner's name). I first thought it was a GS but only smaller.

That dog was a bundle of energy - it was hell keeping up with her. But she was one of the most smartest dogs I have ever come across. If I had the time for a pet I would get one for myself.

Do a search for "Belgian Malanois" on youtube and you can see what they can do.

Here is some information I found about the breed that may be of use to you: Breed Info

[Littlelebowski]

We did some ball and bite work last week. She evaluated him as being laid back for a Mal with not quite enough drive for K9 work. He's socialized pretty well with my other dog, wife, and even the cats. He's not a biter with humans, I've introduced him to 5 strange males and he was fine. I've already seen him around toddlers when I picked him up from his last family and he was great with the kids.

[four]

We did some ball and bite work last week. She evaluated him as being laid back for a Mal with not quite enough drive for K9 work. He's socialized pretty well with my other dog, wife, and even the cats. He's not a biter with humans, I've introduced him to 5 strange males and he was fine. I've already seen him around toddlers when I picked him up from his last family and he was great with the kids.

How long have you had him? if it hasn't been too long do yourself a favor.


Working him will help with this since it sets very clear boundries and expectations, but with every rescue I've ever seen, there is a six month honeymoon. The dog is on their best behavior, trying to figure out the rules and boundries. after about six months you get to see it all hang out.

It could go either way, you could see more assertiveness and aggression. Or you could see more cuddles and affection. just keep in mind the dog might be on Date Behavior. if you see anything that makes you concerned in the first six months you should pay special attention because that behaviour could be the tip of the iceberg. So make sure you reward and praise the hell out of him every time he tries to that HK appendix holster on the positoni.

[Gutshot John]

I had a Malanois/Kelpie mix and you would be hard pressed to find a more alert, loyal, devoted and intelligent breed. They are also extraordinarily keyed in to the mood and will take cues from you. If you're uptight the dogs can be squirrelly but if you're relaxed and in control they respond very very well.

They need a ton of exercise and thing to entertain their mind. I'd find a big park that allows offleashing. Firm discipline is also a must. It took me about 5 years to figure that one out. The dog needs guidance...a lot of guidance, without it they will act up, with it they will do things to please you that will blow your mind. He wants/needs you to be the boss and you (and your family) can't hesitate to control him if he starts pushing boundaries.

Pay no attention to those that say he can't be a working dog but if that's important to you test a few times especially someone who has a background in schutzhund. Dogs won't work as well for people they don't like so the "lacks focus" assessment might be premature. Schutzhund guys tend to be a different type and since it's intrinsically related to shooting/hunting so it should be fun.

[Preferred User]

Mals are great working dogs. Don't let anyone kid you into thinking yours does not have enough drive. You just haven't found the right switch yet. Personally I find training Mals that are laid back much easier because they can actually focus. Too many are "always on" and damn tough to get focused. From my perspective that leads to K-9s that can perform a reveal of a suspect, but forget that clamping on is not done without a command after the reveal. It also makes them forget to release on command as well.

Don't worry Mals have a high protection drive for their people, even the laid back ones.

[Iraqgunz]

Lebowski,

A friend of mine who was a K9 handler with BW in the old days as well Covenant Special projects swears by Mals. My wife has been pressing me about getting a dog and it would be my first choice as well.

[Ed L.]

After having a German Shepherd, the difference in shedding and grooming is awesome!

You mean that they shed less and require less grooming?