|
|
More Belgian Malinois Pictures
|
|
| Affection: |
  |
| Energy: |
|
| Playfulness: |
|
| Sociability - dogs: |
|
| Sociability - other pets: |
|
| Sociability - strangers: |
|
| Trainability: |
|
| Exercise needs: |
|
| Grooming needs: |
|
| Suitability to cold: |
|
| Suitability to heat: |
|
| Watch dog capability: |
|
| Guard dog capability: |
|
Belgian Malinois History
-
The Belgian Malinois is one of the three varieties of the Belgian Shepherd recognized in the United States; a fourth variety, known as the Laekenois, is not considered a separate breed in the US. The Malinois' name is derived from Malines, a city in Belgium. The Chien de Berger Belge, or Belgian Sheepherd, was developed during the late 18th century and early 19th century, and was designed to perform all the tasks required of a herding dog and be adaptable to the cold northern European climate.
Until 1891, there was no standard for the Belgian Shepherd. In that year, Belgian veterinarian Adolphe Reul brought together over 100 Belgian Shepherds and their owners to establish a breed standard. He found that many of the dogs were very similar in structure, but differed in coat color and type; this group of dogs, which in some countries is divided into four subcategories, was recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. While the Belgian Shepherd was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1911, it was not until 1959 that the breed was split into three distinct categories in the United States.
