Breeds of dogs: Belgian Shepherd Malinois

The fact is that there is four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd, differing in color, texture and lengthwool, - grunendal, lakenua, malinois and tervenure. The International Cynological Federation considers representatives of all four species to be dogs of the same breed.

However, in the USA, for example, the Belgian sheepdog is only called the Grünendahl species. Varieties of malinois and tervenure there are recorded as separate breeds (Belgian Malinois and Belgian tervenure), and the rarest variety, lakenua, is not recognized at all.

Malinois sheepdog is a short-haired species of the Belgian sheepdog, color - homogeneous red with "coal" (black) andblack mask. Black mask should occupy 8% of the skin surface. The breed received its name in honor of the small Belgian city of Melechen (the French version of the name is Malin, from which the malinois derivative was derived, "from Malina").

The sheepdog of Malinois resembles a German Shepherd. It has a powerful, but not heavy body,the addition of the dog is harmonious and proportional. Height at the withers is 60-66 cm for males and 56-62 cm for bitches, weight - 25-30 kg for males and 20-25 kg for females. In females the body is usually slightly more elongated than in males.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois dense and thick wool of good structure, there is a silky undercoat. Such a coat perfectly protects the dog from unfavorable weather conditions. It is not too difficult to take care of such a hair, it is enough to comb it out and brush it periodically.

Shepherd Malinois - clever and intelligent dog, endowed with good memory. Representatives of this breed are goodefficiency and excellent training abilities: to master a new team they need from 5 to 15 repetitions, and they execute the team from the first time in 85% of cases and more.

The trainer must be moderately strict and correct. You can not over-indulge the dog, but also roughTreatment during training is unacceptable: it will not bring any benefit, only harm. If malinois is properly educated from puppyhood, you will find an obedient, bold, responsible, sympathetic and friendly companion, always ready to stand up for the protection of the owner and his family members.

The Malinois Sheepdog is a fairly active and energetic dog that can maintain its puppy energy to three and even five years. This breed of dogs needs frequent and long walks with games and tasks, so that the dog can throw out his energy.

Correctly trained Malinois Shepherd will never be aggressive towards a person, but she can show aggression towards other dogs and chase small pets (like cats), so do not take your eyes off your pet for a walk.

The life expectancy of the Malinois shepherd is 12-14 years. There are a number of diseases peculiar to this breed. These include epilepsy, diseasesthyroid gland, eye disease (cataract, retinal atrophy, chronic inflammation of the cornea) and hip dysplasia. Although due to selection breeding, these problems have been minimized, the dog's health still needs to be given special attention.

The Malinois sheepdog can become a wonderful watchman and companion, but for this It is necessary to accustom it from puppyhood to the society of people, and also to spend a lot of time walking with the dog. If this is not a problem for you, in the person of the Belgian Shepherd Malinois you will find not only a loyal pet, but also a wonderful friend.