K9 handler: focus on the Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is the most emblematic and most used working dog. Very versatile, it is found as much in the field of private security as in that of law enforcement and military. Let's discover together why the one also called Belgian shepherd has become so indispensable to dog handlers and canine officers around the world.

Summary:

• Origin
• Physical appearance
• Character
• Learning abilities
• Needs
• Professions

Originally from the Malines region in Belgium, the Malinois is one of the four varieties of Belgian shepherds :

• the Belgian Groenendael shepherd

• the Belgian Tervuren shepherd

• the Belgian Malinois shepherd

• the Belgian Laekenois shepherd

The Belgian Malinois is officially recognized as a variety in the very early 1900s. The breed belongs to group 1 which includes herding and cattle dogs.

Medium-sized, this Belgian shepherd dog fits everywhere. Its lean musculature and power are assets that have allowed it to establish itself as an intervention dog and war dog; disciplines that require bite, endurance and physical strength. Added to its many assets is a certain hardiness that allows it to adapt to a wide range of environments and climatic conditions. It requires little maintenance, except for brushing once a week outside the molting period.

The "identity card" of the Belgian Malinois:

• Size: 56 to 62cm at the withers

• Weight: 20 to 30kg

• Origin: Belgium

• Hair: short

• Coat: fawn with black overlay

• Breed distinctions: black mask on the face

• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

• Common diseases: hip dysplasia

A dog with a strong temperament, the Belgian Malinois is balanced, lively and endowed with great learning abilities that must be regularly stimulated. If it is well trained, it is obedient, faithful to its master and fearless without being reckless.

The character traits of the Belgian Malinois:

• Playful

• Calm

• Intelligent

• Loyal

• Courageous

• Sensitive

• Protective

• Wary of strangers

Its playful behavior, liveliness and great intelligence make the Belgian shepherd a dog predisposed to training. Less food-motivated than other dog breeds (the Labrador for example), it is nevertheless still sensitive to treats. The Malinois seeks above all to please its master. Naturally suspicious and nervous, the puppy must be well trained and socialized to avoid problems once it reaches adulthood. The Belgian Malinois is not an ideal breed for a "first dog". To flourish, it must be entrusted to an experienced person.

As long as its needs are met, the Belgian Malinois can live as well in an apartment as in a house with a garden. Very intelligent and athletic, it's a dog that must exercise several hours a day physically (long walks) and mentally (tracking games, walks rich in new smells, meeting other dogs,...). If the owner of a Belgian Malinois doesn't take enough care of it, it's a dog that can develop destructive behavior.

The Belgian Malinois is very commonly used as an intervention and assault dog by canine brigades of the army, police and gendarmerie (GIGN, RAID, army, paratroopers, …). For the National Gendarmerie, for example, the Belgian Malinois represents no less than 75% of the livestock.

It can also be used by canine search and rescue teams (gendarmerie, firefighters, ...) after natural disasters or accidents : avalanches, fires, debris, …etc.

In private, it makes a very good guard and defense dog and is frequently used in the private security field for guarding, building surveillance or during sporting or cultural events and other large gatherings.

The Malinois has a good sense of smell that allows it to work in canine teams of customs or armed forces for the search of narcotics, explosives, fire accelerant products, ...etc. However, other dog breeds excel more in this role. This is for example the case of the Bloodhound which is increasingly used, notably by the national gendarmerie.

As its name so aptly suggests, the Belgian Malinois is originally a herding dog even if today, it's perhaps the last role that comes to mind when we think of this emblematic animal.

Outside the professional framework, the Belgian Malinois is an animal that excels in all canine sports : cani-cross, agility, ring, obedience, ...

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