If you’re considering adding a Belgian Malinois to your family, let me tell you something! You’re in for a wild ride. These amazing dogs are known for their incredible work ethic, loyalty, and intelligence.
But as with any breed, there are pros and cons to owning a Belgian Malinois that you might not have heard about before.
Firstly, here are the 4 pros of owing a Belgian Malinois.
1. Protection:
If you’re looking for a dog that will protect you from anything and everything, look no further than the Malinois. These guys take their job as watchdogs very seriously – it’s like having your own personal security guard! I mean, seriously, these dogs are so protective, you could have a pack of wild bears outside your front door and they wouldn’t even flinch.
And don’t even think about trying to sneak up on their owners – these dogs have a sixth sense when it comes to detecting potential threats. But let’s be real, with a Belgian Malinois by your side, you’ll never have to worry about unwanted visitors. Just don’t be surprised if they start barking at the mailman – well, they’re just doing their job!
2. Trainability:
A dog that’s smarter than Einstein and more obedient than a soldier, the Belgian Malinois is one of the most trainable dogs out there! These canines are so intelligent, they could probably outsmart most humans! You could probably teach them calculus and they’d ace the test.
And the best part? They actually enjoy training! And you know how some people say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Well, with a Bel Mal, you could probably teach them how to fly a plane if you wanted to.
Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea, right? Let them show off their skills at every opportunity – ‘cause they simply love impressing their humans!
3. Athleticism:
If you’re looking for a dog that could give Usain Bolt a run for his money, the Malinois is the dog for you! They can jump, run, and climb like nobody’s business. And don’t even think about trying to tire these pups out – they have an almost infinite amount of energy.
You know how some dogs are content with just a leisurely walk around the block? Not this friend. They need to be constantly challenged and stimulated, or they’ll start bouncing off the walls like a hyperactive kangaroo. Provide your Mal with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied, or you might just end up with a dog-shaped tornado in your living room!
Also check out: Great Dane – Pros and Cons.
4. Versatility:
Belgian Malinois are a versatile breed of dogs that are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. They are often used in a variety of roles, such as serving in the military and police, aiding in search & rescue operations, and providing emotional support as therapy dogs.
According to the US Department of Defense, Belgian Malinois are one of the best breeds of choice for military and police work thanks to their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. They are used for a variety of tasks such as detecting explosives, tracking suspects, and providing security. In fact, the US Navy SEALs have been known to use Belgian Malinois in their missions. They excel in search and rescue work due to their ability to follow scent trails and their endurance.
Moreover, these furry friends can also be trained as therapy dogs, providing comfort and companionship to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities. In fact, a Belgian Malinois named “Layka” was recognized by the American Humane Association as a hero for her work with veterans suffering from PTSD.
While Malinois certainly have many positive traits, let’s face it, they are not the perfect dog for everyone. So before you decide to bring one home, here are 4 cons of owning a Belgian Malinois.
1. Energy level:
Oh boy, where do I start? They have more energy than a toddler who just had a bag of candy and a can of soda. If you’re looking for a dog that can laze around all day, Mals are definitely not for you. These dogs need a lot of exercise, both physical and mental, or they’ll turn your house into their personal playground.
And trust me, you don’t want that! You’ll need to take your Belgian Malinois on long walks, play fetch with them, take them to the park, and engage them in other activities that can tire them out. And even after all that, they’ll still be ready for more!
If you don’t provide enough exercise and stimulation for your Belgian Malinois, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves, and it will definitely not be pretty. They might chew furniture, dig holes in your garden, or even jump over fence and go for a little adventure.
2. Aggression:
While Mals may be loyal and protective, they can also be a little overprotective at times. Let’s just say that they take their job as a guard dog very seriously. If you don’t socialize your Malinois properly, they may view every stranger as a potential threat and react aggressively towards them. And if they encounter another dog that they don’t like, they may not hesitate to show their teeth.
So, if you want to avoid a scene, you’ve gotta socialize your guy from a young age. Take them to puppy classes, introduce them to different people and dogs, and give them opportunities to have plenty of positive experiences. But even after you do all that, there’s still a chance that your Mal will be a little…um, let’s say “overzealous” when it comes to protecting their home and family.
3. Shedding:
Yup! These pups are known for their double coats, which means they shed like crazy. And not just a little shedding, mind you. It’s like a fur tornado hits your house every time they shake! If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with fur on every surface in your house. Your Malinois is trying to leave its mark on every inch of your life.
But don’t worry, there are ways to manage the shedding. You can brush your Malinois regularly to remove the loose fur and vacuum your house like it’s your full-time job. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll have a loyal and loving companion that just happens to leave a little extra fur wherever they go.
4. Health Issues
Belgian Malinois, like many other breeds, are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Hip dysplasia can cause pain and discomfort in your Belgian Malinois’ hips and may even lead to arthritis, while eye problems can cause vision loss and discomfort.
Still, there are ways to manage these health issues. You can take your Mal to the vet regularly for check-ups and screenings, and provide them with a healthy diet and exercise to keep their joints and eyes in good condition. And if all else fails, you can always enroll them in a doggie yoga class to help them relax and stay healthy!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading!
While they can be challenging at times, they’re also incredibly rewarding and loyal companions that will give you their all. Are you up for the challenge? Let us know in the comments if you’re ready to bring one of these guys home.
Here are other articles on the Belgian Malinois if you’re interested to know more about the breed.