topic Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet? in Pet Lovers

Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

On It — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 20:47:57 GMT

I have seen Belgian Malinois mostly as trained security dogs. The Crofts show routine where one did a musically choreographed obedience routine is beyond spectacular. I cannot seem to locate it on You Tube any longer. It is well worth the watch.

They are a breed I want to see at a dog show. I would like to talk to breeders about their traits. This post is just in case someone here knows the breed.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Kachina624 — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:00:41 GMT

They're dark and look kind of evil. Used most for police work. They appear to be smaller boned than a GSD. You don't often see them as pets.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Foxxee — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:05:21 GMT

No, never had one, but am familiar, and they are very high energy. Not good for new dog owners. Often compared to the larger German Shepherd that is more suitable as a pet, still needing a lot of training, though.

All I can say about dog breeds becoming very popular is to quote AKC.

"Saw it-Loved it-Bought it-Hated it-Dumped it,” a problem that recurs whenever a dog breed becomes newly fashionable.

According to AKC, this is a breed that is facing this dilemma.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

SloopJohnB — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:01:44 GMT

@On It wrote:
I have seen Belgian Malinois mostly as trained security dogs. The Crofts show routine where one did a musically choreographed obedience routine is beyond spectacular. I cannot seem to locate it on You Tube any longer. It is well worth the watch.

They are a breed I want to see at a dog show. I would like to talk to breeders about their traits. This post is just in case someone here knows the breed.

@On It No, not as a pet, but we had/have several at my workplace. As you saw, they are beautiful and highly trained canines. They really are work horses, I mean dogs. Lol. 🐕👮

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

On It — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:13:38 GMT

I hope these beautiful dogs don't get abused by bad owners. I enjoy exploring new breeds that I have never encountered. I am aware that the Navy Seals use them.

The best thing about these national dog shows is getting to meet breeds. Owners and breeders are quite helpful (except just before their time in the ring.) I will make a point to see them if I get to another show. San Antonio's Cluster of Dog Shows does attract a lot of the top dogs in every breed. I rather doubt Winston, the French Bulldog will be there, but many dogs trying to qualify for points will make an appearance. Perhaps we can get down there this year. Westminster seems out of reach, but I would love to see its breed shows.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

CrazyDaisy — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:22:20 GMT

Know a couple people who have them as pets, they love them. They are very active dogs and need an outlet for their energy. The ones I know participate in agility, Frisbee and dock diving. Don't think they would be happy being a family pet that hangs out in the back yard.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Kachina624 — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:33:37 GMT

@On It I believe the AKC list the personality characteristics of each breed on it website.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Snowpuppy — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:35:54 GMT

I am owned by 3 GSD's and familiar with Belgians.

I've only seen them used by law enforcement and not as pets. They are higher energy than most GSD's and require a "job" like most GSD's.

Personally, I don't think they are suitable for households with children and as with GSD's you need an experienced owner.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Citrine1 — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 22:55:01 GMT

Another one here who does not own a Belgian Malinois, but I do know a woman who rescues them. The only thing I can tell you is that, as others have mentioned, they are extremely high energy and need an outlet for that energy.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

beach-mom — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 23:01:38 GMT

@On It - DH (a veterinarian) says these dogs are more aggressive than German Shepherds. He has treated them, and says they are short-haired and get to be around 75 lbs. He said he would not recommend them as a family pet. They are mostly used for guard dogs, as everyone else has already said.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

On It — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 23:21:17 GMT

@beach-mom Thank you and your DH. I knew someone on here would have an answer. This morning I saw a photo of one sitting in an office chair filling out his police report. It said, "Found robber. Bit him." It reminded me of that highly trained one I saw perform obedience at Crofts. The audience and the commentators were amazed. The video was on You Tube, but I can't find it.

I have never seen one in person.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Marp — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 23:27:03 GMT

@Foxxee wrote:
No, never had one, but am familiar, and they are very high energy. Not good for new dog owners. Often compared to the larger German Shepherd that is more suitable as a pet, still needing a lot of training, though.

All I can say about dog breeds becoming very popular is to quote AKC.

"Saw it-Loved it-Bought it-Hated it-Dumped it,” a problem that recurs whenever a dog breed becomes newly fashionable.

According to AKC, this is a breed that is facing this dilemma.

@Foxxee, I so agree with this. I was not a happy camper when I saw the Chihuahua featured on the new Will Trent show. I fully expect another round of I want a Chihuahua like what occurred with Paris Hilton and her Chis, the Taco Bell Chihuahua and a couple of movies.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

tervuren — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 01:26:36 GMT

I have had one of the other Belgian breeds which are much calmer than the Malinois. The Mals are very intense and definitely not for a person wanting a calm dog.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

juanitalinda — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 03:22:36 GMT

We walk our Belgian Shepherd Tervuren in the same area where the sheriffs and Search and Rescue guys train.. They always stop by to pet our 'fuzzy' version of the Belgian Malinois.

Some of the guys laugh at our 'fuzzy' dog and compare him to their 'Mali-gators'.

Breeding is everything, some are great pets, but from the sounds of it, not all of them.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Cookie2025 — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:56:29 GMT

@On It wrote:
I have seen Belgian Malinois mostly as trained security dogs. The Crofts show routine where one did a musically choreographed obedience routine is beyond spectacular. I cannot seem to locate it on You Tube any longer. It is well worth the watch.

They are a breed I want to see at a dog show. I would like to talk to breeders about their traits. This post is just in case someone here knows the breed.

Our home had become a dumping ground for people who had animals they could not handle, afford ... I took them in.

I was totally unaware of the Belgian Malinois reputation. The Family who told me about this 2 year old dog did tell me they he had several homes. We lived in the Country and thought it would be a good running ground for our Dusty.

Dusty was a powerful, beautiful dog but he had NO TRAINING. After speaking with a neighbor he recommended I call the Baltimore County PD and inqire if they may want him. That fell through so we just did what we could with Dusty. He was excellent as far as keeping people in their cars. He somehow had the insight as to who was friendly - the Meter Reader, mail man, UPS man ... but if a stranger came up the driveway to the home his presence kept them in the car.

Dusty was smart and a fast learner but it was a lot of work. He tore up a lot of dog beds.

Dusty lived to a ripe old age of 13.

BTW - He was also excellent with Children.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Skyegirl21 — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:51:44 GMT

I never had one either but they are a serious Working breed, who needs a job ( if not police work), or someone to walk/ run them daily- One of the smartest breeds.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

KCDiva — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:36:58 GMT

My niece had one and he was not aggressive but excitable and would bite at my great nephew from time to time. He needed more training and attention than they could give him. He was a sweet dog just needed training. I would not recommend anyone get a Belgian unless you have the time and experience with training a dog like this. You cannot just rehome these dogs you have to find someone qualified to take them and train them properly. We keep up with his owner, Dana Farris from Malinois Talent's Ranch Rescue, and he is so sweet. They just need time and training. See attached from her at Christmas. He is her personal pet now. If anyone has any questions regarding a Malinois I would contact them.

Merry Christmas from Ranch Alumni Rommell. I am the dog that started Ms Dana’s career as a foster to help her save so many I have lost count. So my Christmas wish is a donation to the Ranch, in honor of all those who crossed Ms Dana’s door and found a forever home. If your dog crossed Ms Dana’s door to success please post a picture in the comments with name of dog. She misses them and loves to see success. Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

cindyNC — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:21:50 GMT

I love the Belgian Shepherds......they are stunning, remarkable dogs and way out of my comfort zone. I had German Shepherds when I was younger and they were a lot of work in terms of exercise, training and consistancy.

The Belgian Shepherd dog is the only breed in the world that comes in 4 varieties: the short-coated red, fawn or grey 'Malinois', the long-haired fawn, red or grey 'Tervueren', the long-haired black 'Groenendael', and the rarer rough-coated reddish fawn 'Laekenois'.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

mimomof4 — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:50:08 GMT

I don't have Begian Malinois but I have 2 German Shepherds. The Belgian is smaller than the German. They are both working breeds and are not for the faint of heart. That is why these breeds tend to be used in law enforcement. You need to be willing to spend time working with them. These dogs are sooo intelligent. Mine get slightly destructive when bored. I wouldn't recommend these breeds as a first dog.

My German's are attached to me like glue - after having Goldens they are a big difference.

Re: Has Anyone Had a Belgian Malinois as a Pet?

Barbara-QVC — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:52:27 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC because link