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Belgian Shepherd Malinois

Feature image

The playful Malinois is just one of four types of Belgian Shepherd, and are distinguished by their gorgeous reddish fur.

These animated dogs are excellent additions to families looking for a little excitement in their lives.

Where I'm From

Malinois were bred as herding dogs by Belgian farmers for many years, as their protective nature made them reliable for keeping sheep safe and stopping them from wandering off.

In the late 19th century, a vet called Adolphe Reul set out to establish a standard for Belgian Shepherds, only to discover that four distinct varieties existed. One of those types was the shepherd developed in the city of Malines, and were characterised by their short, tawny coats.

These Malinois were later used during WWII in different military roles such as messengers, scouts and patrol dogs. Nowadays, apart from being devoted family companions, the breed is also used by police as guard dogs, and in search and rescue operations.

What I Look Like

The trait that unifies all Malinois is their rough, reddish brown two-layered coat. They also have elegant black masks and adorable markings that they love to show-off. These proud dogs have a regal patch of long hair around their necks, that beautifully complements their noble appearance.

These pooches are muscular animals with long, athletic bodies and outstanding physical stamina. Malinois’ are very quick and agile, and can be told apart from similar breeds, such as the German Shepherd, by their slighter frame.

How I Act

These Belgian Shepherds are an attentive bunch, that quickly learn new tasks. It’s their intelligence and assertive nature which makes them extremely versatile.

Known to be extremely friendly towards people, these guys love to have a bit of a play, and enjoy keeping their owners entertained. Be ready to spend a lot of time goofing around with your pet, as they are always keen for a game.

Looking After Me

Ideally, you would brush your pet Malinois’ every week in order to get rid of any loose hairs, as well as keeping them clean and debris-free.

These active shepherds need a lot of exercise to stay fit, and you should take them out for walks every single day. A nice stroll around the beach or park for about 30 minutes should keep your Malinois in top physical condition.

Like any other breed, you should never neglect your pet. Malinois’ that feel abandoned can become deeply introverted, or even worse, they may become destructive. These affectionate friends need attention and are not suitable for people who work all day or travel often.

It is extremely important that your Malinois is socialised from a very young age, otherwise, their protective instinct might kick in, and they can act aggressively towards strangers.

Am I the pet for you?

Pros

  • This breed is highly intelligent and capable of undertaking many different tasks
  • Malinois’ are playful pets that will keep their owners entertained
  • Grooming requirements are minimal

  • Malinois’ that feel alone can misbehave
  • They are not a good choice for people who are often out of home
  • Can be defensive against strangers if they are not properly socialised

Dog cough reason

Panda is coughing and dry wretching when he was running round he is eating drinking and bright as he does have allergies and is currently on antibiotics and loratadine for his allergies as he had a rash under his armpits they have healed but he is coughing last 2 days when running could it be allergies to something else does he need to get checked or wait a few days.

Cateracts eye

hello teammy snow white Pommy has lost one eye due to Cateracts and his remaining one is going fast maybe 80% he needs help asap as i fear he'll be totally blind. Dr Chris Brown tv show audience would gush over how cute and smart little Harley is. Hes my world please help. Aaronbrochmann@gmail.com if u can help my only son my puppy Harley.

How do I toilet train my cat

I rescued an adult female, desexed cat six months ago. Apparently she’s always been an outside cat. I have another cat who is mostly indoors and I would only let outside during the day if I was home. Luna didn’t like being indoors and wasn’t using the litter tray properly. I had her confined in the bathroom for a few days to get use to it and she would go next to it, rarely in it. She will sometimes use a tray otherwise will urinate or poop on the floor. I am at wits end. I have two trays, I’ve changed the type of litter, put dirt in the tray, picked up the poop and put it in the tray to show her that where it goes. I’ve used spray in the tray to attract her to want to use the tray. I bought felliway diffuser which is meant to calm cats and have also used the rescue remedy drops in her food. I’ve recently moved house where there is a cat enclosure so she can go in and out when ever she pleases but still goes in the kitchen (as I now close the bathroom door when she started going to the toilet in there), but tonight I noticed she’s been going in the spare room if anything is left on the floor which is carpeted. So I’ve now cleared that whole room to prevent her from going to the toilet. She is still going in the kitchen. I’ve tried cleaning the area and eliminating her scent by using water and vinegar then once dry use bi carb soda and hydrogen peroxide and it has made no difference. She’s been tested for a bladder infection which came up negative. I love animals. I have another cat which she now gets along with and two dogs which she is still getting use to. I don’t know what else to do and I don’t want to give her up but feel like I will have no choice.

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