| |  | | | | | | Belgian Malinois GiftsThe Belgian Malinois is one of four distinct members of the Belgian Shepherd breed of dogs. In the last years of the 19th century, a Belgian veterinarian called together dozens of owners and over a hundred dogs, to propose that they establish a breed standard. While the dogs were all of similar type, they varied in coat length and color. The recommendation was to breed like coat to like coat, regardless of color. (continued below)
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 | (continued) The first World War took a toll on the dog’s numbers and they were allowed to interbreed regardless of coat. As a result, they began registering by coat phenotype, what they were born with, as opposed to genotype, or that of their parents. Not until 1959 did the AKC split the Belgian Shepherd into four breeds.
A Malinois will measure 21-27 inches at the withers, and weigh 55-75 lbs. depending on the sex. Their base color ranges through gray, to fawn and mahogany with a black mask and ears and a reasonable amount of black tipping on the coat hairs.
As a double-coated breed, they usually shed twice a year, if not in a slow, constant manner. Regular grooming is an absolute necessity. Bred to be a working and guard dog, they can be a good family companion, but only if a fair amount of time is spent socializing the dog with the people and pets that live in the home, and providing the Malinois with directed activity and frequent exercise. A strong willed dog, they are not ideal for a first time buyer. © DogDecor.com |
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