6 Types of People Who Should Own a Belgian Malinois

Are you looking for a furry friend full of energy and who loves to be on the move? 

Look no further than the Belgian Malinois! 

This breed is known for many things making them incredibly fun to be around. The Belgian Malinois might be the perfect fit if you're looking for a dog that keeps you active and brings endless joy!

Here's everything you need to know about them! 

Belgian Malinois are known as high-energy dogs.

Their background as working dogs has contributed significantly to the Belgian Malinois's very high energy levels. They were bred for tasks such as: 

• herding
• guarding
• and protecting livestock.

Having a high energy level has its advantages, such as: 

• excelling in activities like agility and obedience trials
• excellent companions for active individuals who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running
• natural protectors of their family and home
• perfect choice for those seeking a loyal and vigilant companion.

However, their high energy levels can also disadvantage some owners. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, they can: 

• become destructive or exhibit behavior issues such as chewing or excessive barking
• become anxious or develop separation anxiety

To handle their energy levels, it's crucial to provide them with the following: 

• plenty of daily exercises and mental stimulation
• positive and consistent obedience training
• plenty of socialization
• opportunity for human interaction to prevent anxiety or aggression.

They require a firm and consistent approach to obedience training.

These dogs may require a firm and consistent approach to obedience training because they are: 

• intelligent
• energetic
• and can be independent-minded.

Without proper training, they may become difficult to control, and they may also exhibit undesirable behaviors such as: 

• aggression
• destructive chewing
• digging
• escaping
• and barking.

Although these things are common in dogs, they can be a significant problem if they manifest with excessiveness. 

The things listed above are the reasons why having a firm and consistent approach to obedience training is necessary. Obedience training can help make your dog a joy to have around, but it can also help to: 

• prevent behavior issues
• have a well-trained and well-behaved dog
• improve socialization
• and enhance the bond between the dog and its owner.

However, there are disadvantages to this strict approach, including having an overly submissive dog that lacks confidence and initiative.

Balancing obedience training with positive reinforcement is vital to encourage good behavior and building trust. It's also important to avoid physical punishment or harsh correction methods, which can harm the dog's trust and confidence in its owner.

To handle the energy levels of a Belgian Malinois during obedience training, it's essential to provide plenty of exercises and mental stimulation beforehand to help the dog focus and be more receptive to training. 

Belgian Malinois are protective by nature and can be wary of strangers.

These dogs are very protective by nature. They have a history as working dogs bred to guard and protect. In addition, their intelligence and innate sense of territoriality make them very wary of strangers.

The advantages of having a dog with protective nature, like the Belgian Malinois, include the following: 

• they are effective watchdogs and guard dogs
• they provide a sense of security
• and they can deter potential threats.

However, there are also disadvantages to having a dog with a very protective nature. They can become overly aggressive or territorial, especially towards strangers. This is a primary concern for you if you happen to live in a densely populated area. 

That is why it is essential to socialize your Belgian Malinois from a young age and provide plenty of positive interactions to help mitigate any aggression.

They may be prone to chasing small animals, pedestrians, and cars.

This behavior is due to their background as herding and working dogs with a natural instinct to chase and corral animals.

The advantages of their chasing instinct include the following: 

• excelling in dog sports such as agility and flyball
• highly trainable in tracking and search and rescue activities.

But this chasing instinct can also lead to dangerous situations for your dog and the animals or people around them. If not mitigated, it can also lead to destructive behavior, such as:

• digging
• escaping
• and chasing prey.

Here's how you can manage this behavior: 

• Exercise to help channel its energy positively.
• Train and socialize to teach them appropriate behavior.
• Always supervise when off-leash.
• Keep on a leash in high-traffic areas.
• Provide a designated area to run and play.

Belgian Malinois requires regular grooming and maintenance.

Belgian Malinois coat sheds seasonally. As you may already know, they require regular grooming because their coat can become matted and tangled, leading to skin irritation and other issues.

The advantages of regular grooming your dog include the following: 

• a clean and healthy coat
• reduced shedding
• detecting potential health issues
• addressing issues early
• and strengthening your bond.

However, having a dog that has high grooming requirements can also have disadvantages, such as: 

• it can be time-consuming
• often require specialized equipment and products
• it can also be costly
• and it often requires hiring a professional groomer.

Remember that when grooming a Belgian Malinois, starting early and making it a regular routine is essential, so your dog becomes more comfortable. 

They can be prone to certain genetic conditions.

Like many purebred dogs, Belgian Malinois can be prone to certain genetic conditions. This is often due to their breeding history and genetic predisposition. Some common health issues that may affect your Belgian Malinois include: 

• hip and elbow dysplasia
• progressive retinal atrophy
• and epilepsy.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid such issues above, such as: 

• regular health screenings
• genetic testing
• and dietary changes

Remember that the treatment for some of these genetic conditions can also be costly and time-consuming on your part. 

Belgian Malinois are loyal and affectionate.

Belgian Malinois is often described as highly attached and dedicated to their human family, making them great companions and guard dogs.

This loyalty and affection signify a strong bond with you, making them easy to train. However, because of these traits, they may become overly protective and possessive of their owners.

It can lead to aggression towards strangers or other dogs which can be problematic if not properly addressed. Consistent obedience training and socialization can help to ensure your dogs are well-adjusted and comfortable in various situations.

They thrive in environments where they have a job to do.

The Belgian Malinois thrive in environments where they have a job to do. Historically, they were bred for herding, guarding, and other types of work. As a result, they have a strong desire to work.

Some advantages of this trait include their ability to excel in various types of work, such as: 

• police and military work
• search and rescue
• agility
• and obedience.

Their desire to work also means they are less likely to become bored and destructive when left alone for extended periods.

However, one disadvantage of this trait, when not appropriately addressed, is that: 

• they can become restless
• they can potentially be destructive
• and they may also develop behavior problems.

They are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

Here are some of the reasons why the Belgian Malinois can be too much to handle for first-time dog owners: 

• they have high-energy
• they are highly intelligent
• they have heavy grooming requirements
• they require significant training and socialization.
• and they need a lot of time and attention.

They can be too much for a household with young children.

Belgian Malinois can be too much for a household with young children due to its: 

• high energy levels
• strong prey drive
• and protective nature.

They may become too aggressive or territorial towards young children or other household pets if they are not correctly socialized and trained. Additionally, their high energy levels may make them difficult to control around young children, who may accidentally provoke or scare them.

Belgian Malinois can be stubborn at times during training.

Belgian Malinois can sometimes be stubborn during training because of their independent nature. They often like controlling their environment and may resist commands or training.

Although they can think for themselves, solve problems, and be more adaptable, they can also make training more challenging and time-consuming. 

These dogs require more patience, consistency, and creativity in training methods to overcome their stubbornness. Positive reinforcement training methods can be effective too. But it is also vital to make training sessions engaging and challenging.

Overall, the Belgian Malinois is a high-energy and intelligent breed that thrives in active environments with dedicated owners. Their athleticism and agility make them perfect companions for those who love to explore and exercise, while their loyalty and protectiveness make them an excellent addition to any family!