Belgian Mals

[cop1211]

I have one for my K9 partner. I would much rather have him than alot of people on my department.

Great dogs, they can do whatever you want them to do as long as you put the time in to train them.

[Littlelebowski]

You mean that they shed less and require less grooming?

Yup. An entire world of difference. Compared to a GSD, the Mal doesn't even shed at all.

[ToddG]

Lil'L, I've got to admit this thread got me thinking. We just might need to consider a Mal for our next dog. Our ridgeback-mix is eleven years old and beginning to have some issues that suggest he's not going to live to be a hundred and eleven (Tolkien reference... bonus). I'm not sure he could handle a high-energy puppy in the house.

[Littlelebowski]

Lil'L, I've got to admit this thread got me thinking. We just might need to consider a Mal for our next dog. Our ridgeback-mix is eleven years old and beginning to have some issues that suggest he's not going to live to be a hundred and eleven (Tolkien reference... bonus). I'm not sure he could handle a high-energy puppy in the house.

I'll send you an email in the morning with info on an opportunity to adopt Mals that have washed out of a mil K9 program due to lack of agression. Seems like a perfect fit though they probably won't live to eleventy

[four]

Dude,
my wife now wants to play with that little mali you've got there.

Todd, before you commit to a Mali, you can come play with my bitey little monster. They're very high energy, emotional, and absolutely must have a job. But they are awesome dogs. I have a friend that has been doing Schutzhund with GSD's for years and has switched over to Malinois. I'm learning quite a bit about dogs in general but about this breed specifically as we put our little guy through his schooling.

[Littlelebowski]

Lil'L, I've got to admit this thread got me thinking. We just might need to consider a Mal for our next dog. Our ridgeback-mix is eleven years old and beginning to have some issues that suggest he's not going to live to be a hundred and eleven (Tolkien reference... bonus). I'm not sure he could handle a high-energy puppy in the house.

Also, of course you are free to come by and meet my Mal. He's good with strangers.

[MarshallDodge]

Nice looking dog LL.

[Mjolnir]

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.

Great points - especially about the crossbreed. It's known that the Dutch cross Pit Bulldog blood into their Dutch Sheperds and then cross back several generations into hard driving Dutchies. The results are damned good. I have a friend in Atlanta that crosses Pit Bulldog blood into his Malinau and the results are phenomenal. They are tougher, similarly agile but calmer and less sensitive. Personally, I prefer the looks with less Pit Bull influence so two generations into a "fast lane", high drive Mal (since the Pit Bull blood SHOULD calm the drive for protection work) should be "just about perfect" if that's the type of animal one needs.

I'd like to own either (Mal, Dutch or either with "bulldog" blood as described above) but with my luck it will have more drive than I need for an alert companion.

Obedience Titles, SAR and a bit of bite work should make him perfect, Lee.

[Cascades236]

I've quarried for 10s of police dogs and the mals have always been terrifying on their bite. They all seem to hit really hard. Badass dogs

[Littlelebowski]

This dog is very different than my (admittedly older GSD). Curious like a cat and that is not an exaggeration. His nose is into everything. He's a willing, enthusiastic playmate and follows me everywhere. My GSD was a Nazi You followed his rules and respected his property/family and you were fine. Cross the line and he was on you.

I'm told that the Mal will become protective as time goes on. Right now, he's just soaking up all of the attention he can get.