Belgian Shepherd dogs. Belgian Shepherd: briefly about all the varieties. Colors and coat

Brief characteristics of the dog

Other dog names: Groenendael, Malinois, Laekenois, Tervueren.
Adult height: male 60-66 cm, female 56-62 cm.
Belgian Shepherd weight: male 25-30 kg, female 20-25 kg.
Characteristic coat color and length: The Belgian Shepherd is divided into types:

• Tervuren– long hair, black muzzle and brown-red color;
• Malinois– short hair, black muzzle and fawn color;
• Groenendael– long, smooth black coat;
• Laekenois– hard wool of medium length and red-red color.

Lifespan: 10-12 years old.
Advantages of the breed: sociable, smart and quick-witted, moderately flexible, an excellent watchman, gets along with children and other pets.
Difficulties of the breed: There may be mood swings, slightly fearful, and with a lack of upbringing, sometimes becomes aggressive.
How much does a Belgian Shepherd cost: The average price of Belgian Shepherd puppies is from $350 to $900.

History of the origin of the breed

The first Belgian Shepherd appeared by crossing other breeds in 1891, thanks to a Belgian veterinarian. His goal was to create an excellent herding breed that would become a national treasure. As a result, he managed to withdraw four type of this breed: Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Laekenois.

They all have the same disposition and characteristics, but they differ only in the quality and color of the coat. These species received their names from various cities. Tervuren is the city where the first breeder of the species of the same name lived. The town of Mechelen or Malin gave its name to the Malinois species. Groenendael is named after the city of Groenendael, where it was bred.

And only the small and almost unrecognized Laekenois received its name from the castle of Laeken, in which, in addition to the nobility, lived shepherds and breeders of one of the breeds that participated in the selection.
In 1907, separate standards were officially adopted for each type of this breed.

Purpose of the breed

First of all, Belgian Shepherds – excellent shepherds and watchmen, in principle, this is what this breed was bred for. Thanks to their intelligence and endurance, representatives of this breed can often be found in the service of security or law enforcement agencies, as well as among rescue and search teams.

Characteristics of the Belgian Shepherd breed

Belgian Shepherds are distinguished by their sharp mind and good memory. They quite smart and can independently make decisions according to circumstances without the participation of the owner.
They seem friendly, but are wary of strangers. Therefore, it is better not to allow strangers to come close, much less pet them.

They are very loyal to their owners and, if necessary, will fiercely protect you and your home.
Their shepherd nature affects their relationships with children. They often make wonderful and patient nannies who will obey the child. But you won’t get much playfulness from them.

Since this is a working breed of dog, they require a lot of active physical activity. These dogs will be happy to accompany you on a bike ride or hike. With a lack of exercise, they may develop nervousness and imbalance.

If a dog is not given due attention and is not trained enough, very often they begin to show aggression even towards their owners. Therefore, this breed is not entirely suitable for novice dog breeders who do not have good experience in keeping and raising large dogs.

The Belgian Shepherd cannot tolerate even the slightest bit of rude behavior towards itself. Of all the species of this breed, the Groenendael is considered the calmest and most balanced. He most suitable as a companion.

On the contrary, the Malinois has more developed working and fighting qualities. Also, the Belgian Malinois has a more hot-tempered character. She is often cast in the role of a security guard and watchman. This species takes an active part in various competitions.

Dogs of this breed require maximum free space and more suitable for outdoor use. Moreover, having severe Belgian hardening, they can withstand any weather conditions. Although Belgian Shepherds love to chase cats, they are often neutral towards other pets.

Video review of the breed

Whoever you choose as a pet (Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Laekenois), I recommend first watching the description of the Belgian Shepherd breed in the video:

How to choose a puppy

Once you have decided on the type, gender and purpose of your future four-legged pet, you are faced with the problem of choosing a puppy. Of course, it is better to take a puppy from a specialized nursery or from trusted breeders. Puppies are separated from their mother and accustomed to new living conditions from the age of one month.

First of all, pay attention to the living conditions of the mother and puppies. This should be a dry and clean place. Also ask about the number of puppies in the litter. The fewer there are, the stronger the kids, since they can get enough nutrition from their mother.

Be sure to hold the puppy in your arms. He should not smell unpleasant and be moderately well-fed and well-groomed. A healthy puppy's coat is smooth and shiny, without any bald spots or bald spots.
Also pay attention to the flat, without sagging back, smooth, without enlarged tubercles on the joints of the paws, protruding ears, mischievous shining eyes of the same color and a moist, cold nose.

Observe their behavior for some time and ask the dog owner about it. He will be able to tell you more about their habits and the already emerging traits of their future character. Ask to provide documents for the mother and puppy records. And ask about possible hereditary problems with the puppy's behavior or health. Conscientious breeders who value their reputation will not hide anything from you.

Dog names

When registering newborn puppies, breeders, as a rule, already assign names to them, according to generally accepted rules. Officially, according to documents, the dog will always bear only this name. If this nickname does not suit you, then you have the right to name the dog whatever is convenient for you.

Often, before purchasing a puppy, future owners already know what they will call their little friend. But if you haven’t decided on this yet, then choose a nickname that emphasizes his peculiarity, intelligence or other qualities.

Example nicknames for boys: Bruno, Dantes, Raj, Marcel, etc.
The girls are called: Dana, Iris, Dakota, Shuma, Daisy, Jasper, Myrtle.
In any case, the last word remains with you.

If you follow certain rules, then there is nothing complicated here. From puppyhood, your dog must be trained in a certain place, or better yet, outside the house. To do this, the puppy needs to be taken out as often as possible at first. An adult dog will need a good quality walk twice a day. If you keep a dog in an apartment, wash its paws and dirty parts of its body after every walk.

It is necessary to wipe your eyes daily with a cotton pad soaked in clean water. And also once a week, the ears, thereby preventing the appearance of ear mites.
Belgians should be bathed no more often than once every two months, and special products should be used for this.

Depending on the type of Belgian Shepherd, coat care also differs. This is easiest with a Malinois. This is a short-haired species that requires virtually no grooming. Sometimes it is enough to walk over the dog’s body with a special glove or brush.

Tervuren and Groenendael are long-haired types and require special attention. They need to be combed well every day with a special comb to prevent the fur from matting. And also, if necessary, trim off excess hair between the fingertips.

Possible health problems

Overall Belgian Shepherd has excellent health. This probably reflects genetic hardening by the harsh Belgian climate. But sometimes there are some problems. These include:

• anterior and posterior joints. Its presence can only be confirmed or refuted by taking an x-ray;
• retinal disease (cataracts), which can lead to complete blindness;
• rare cases of epilepsy, which can occur from overstimulation of the brain.

In any case, even if there are seemingly minor deviations in the pet’s behavior or condition, it is better to immediately show it to a veterinarian. This will prevent the possible onset of any serious health problems.
And also do not forget to take preventive measures in a timely manner according to age.

Nutrition for puppy and adult dog

The daily diet of both and an adult dog must include protein foods in sufficient quantities. These are fish, meat or offal, eggs and milk or its fermented milk variants.

Fish and meat should be taken of low-fat varieties so that the dog does not have digestive disorders. As for chicken, it is extremely It is not advisable to give tubular bones. They can significantly damage the esophagus and stomach. And be careful with oatmeal, as it is a little weaker. It is better to mix it with other cereals.

Your pets will benefit from eating a reasonable amount of butter or vegetable oils. As well as vegetables and fruits. And from time to time, give your pets age-appropriate vitamins.

Of course, you can also use dry ready-made food, but only verified manufacturers. And also select them depending on the dog’s needs. Such feeds, as a rule, already include all the necessary vitamins.

Without fail, regardless of the type of food, the dog must always have clean water.
A small puppy needs to be fed 5-6 times a day. And as they grow older, gradually switch to feeding in the morning and evening. Try to regulate the amount of food and not overfeed your dog.

Belgian Shepherd dog training

The Belgian Shepherd (Malinois and other types) is quite intelligent and well trained, so it usually does not pose any particular difficulties. Here the main thing is to be patient and act firmly and clearly. If you doubt that you can do this yourself, it is better to seek help from experienced dog handlers.

Before training begins, you must have a good, trusting relationship in which you will be the dog’s unquestioning authority. Feeling the slightest weakness on your part, she will easily show you all the willfulness of her character. During training, you should not show the slightest bit of uncertainty, and, of course, do not forget about praise and treats.

AND remember that dogs of this breed become aggressive from improper or insufficiently qualified training. And by doing this you will endanger others and yourself first of all.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Belgian Shepherd impresses with its grace, intelligence and intelligence. This excellent companions and guards. She quickly adapts to any conditions, and also faithfully and faithfully serves her owner. An active and temperamental dog who won't suit people who are accustomed to leading a more passive lifestyle.

The dog requires quality training and regular physical activity. With a lack of upbringing, she becomes aggressive and unbalanced.

Such types of Belgians as Tervuren and Groenendael, they shed a lot and require daily grooming.

The Belgian Malinois is one of 4 types of dogs native to Belgium. Today, the International Canine Association unites them under one standard, although in many countries the Groenendael, Laekenois, Tervuren and Malinois are recognized as separate breeds. Of course, all “Belgian women” have similar characteristics, but they are not devoid of individuality. How do Malinois differ from their brothers, and what should future owners know about before the pet crosses the threshold of the house?

Already from the name it is clear that Belgian breeders were engaged in breeding. It was they who came up with the idea to develop a type of shepherd dog with short hair. The history of this breed began in the 19th century, when the need for working herding dogs arose.

At that time, there already existed a type of efficient dogs that guarded and performed herding activities, but experts set themselves the task of improving their natural qualities.

Adolf Rühl is considered the first breeder of Belgian Shepherds; it was he who became interested in these dogs and began painstaking work to highlight purebred characteristics. The breed was officially recognized in the 90s of the 19th century, and it was included in the Pedigree Book of Belgium in 1901.

Description of the Belgian Shepherd Malinois breed

Among the Belgian Shepherds, the Malinois is not the largest representative; for example, long-haired Tervurens look more voluminous and impressive. But individuals of this type are flexible, muscular, graceful and lean.

Average height males are 60 cm, females – 56 cm. Maximum weight males - 30 kg, females 5 kg lighter, it is indeed extremely rare to find Malinois that weigh more than 30 kg.

In the standard, individuals are described as follows:

Coat and possible colors

A distinctive feature of all Belgian Shepherds is their coat - its structure and color. In Malinois it is short, dense, with abundant undercoat. This coat provides good protection even in severe frosts. On the tail and in the riding breeches it is a little fuller.

There are individuals with red-brown and light yellow fur. On the face, lips, and ears it is charcoal in color.

Temperament and character traits of the Malinois

Dogs of this breed are very smart, they have a stable psyche and some independence. Therefore, such a pet needs careful training and early education.

Only a kind and skillful owner can make a Malinois an ideal protector and obedient pet. If the owner does not engage with his four-legged friend, the dog becomes uncontrollable and completely independent. Therefore, professionals have a well-established opinion that beginners and people who do not have the desire and ability to regularly train a dog should not own a Belgian Shepherd of any type.

A shepherd dog, in the absence of attention from the owner, can behave somewhat intrusively. Malinois puppies are very playful and capable of mischief. But most often the pet behaves quite seriously. Such a dog will not show aggression towards the owner, members of his family and acquaintances.

However, if a stranger invades its territory, the dog becomes a dangerous adversary, incorruptible and stern. If the owner gives a certain command, then the pet will “accompany the target,” that is, carefully observe strangers, without anger or other negative manifestations.

Perhaps, if we compare all the “Belgians”, it is the Malinois that has the best developed watchdog qualities. Because of this, they need early socialization more than others. Without it, the dog can grow up to be overly suspicious and angry.

Belgian Shepherds get along well with children, but this is only possible if the child does not bother the dog too much and does not treat it as his own toy. It is not recommended to leave children alone with such a serious dog.

Most Belgians find a common language with other pets, but some individuals of this breed have too pronounced a hunting instinct. Such a dog will not be able to deny himself the pleasure of chasing smaller animals.

Some Malinois, especially males, are quite dominant, so they can conflict with brothers of the same sex, proving their superiority over and over again.

Raising and training Belgian Shepherds

“Belgians” are very smart, and sooner or later they begin to understand why the owner gives them treats, toys or, on the contrary, deprives them of pleasure and sends them to their place. Such a pet sensitively picks up the intonations of the voice, so you can punish your pet in a stern voice, without assault.

Initially, Belgian Shepherds were able to restore order among the herd and successfully guard the territory entrusted to them. In Malinois, these skills are present at the genetic level. The pet treats its owner with respect and devotion, so during training it will try to follow commands clearly. But only if he perceives the owner as a leader.

To get an obedient dog that responds to commands the first time, you will have to be patient. The Malinois needs attention, and a person can demand obedience from him only if he has a friendly relationship with his four-legged friend. If a dog sits within four walls most of the time, then he becomes stubborn and wayward.

How to care for your pet

Belgians need intense exercise, long walks and regular exercise, but when it comes to grooming, they can be called unpretentious. The owner should purchase a massage rubber glove or brush and comb the pet 3-4 times a month.

Malinois traditionally shed twice - in the off-season; during this period their hair falls out profusely, and in order to rid the dog of dead hairs, it is recommended to treat it with a hard comb every day. This procedure is important for the animal, since if the undercoat is not removed, it may experience skin irritation, even developing eczema.

Belgians are not bathed often; it is enough to do this once every 4-6 months, using specialized detergents. Again, the risks of dermatological problems are high.

The dog's teeth, ears and eyes should be regularly examined for contamination and infectious and pathological processes. The ears are cleaned 2-3 times a month, removing accumulated dirt and excess earwax with a damp disc, preventing the occurrence and further development of infection.

Teeth are brushed if necessary. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to give your pet soft cartilage and dental treats, which can be purchased at a pet store. Nails are trimmed 1-2 times a month; in overly active or working dogs, they are ground down on their own.

In general, experts note that Belgian Shepherds have excellent health. The lifespan of a Malinois is 12-15 years. However, representatives of this breed may also develop some diseases, including those of a genetic nature:

• eye problems - atrophic changes in the retina, cataracts, in advanced cases can lead to blindness of the animal; early diagnosis and proper treatment are required;
• dysplasia of large joints; such a violation negatively affects the formation of joint tissue; the disease has a protracted development, therefore it is most often detected in an advanced stage; in most cases requires surgical intervention;
• hormonal imbalance – a malfunction of the thyroid gland can cause a number of diseases, ranging from depression to diabetes;
• Gastric volvulus is a pathology that is impossible to predict and is accompanied by pain and swelling of the peritoneum; with oxygen deficiency, damage and death of stomach cells occurs; surgical assistance is required;
• epilepsy.

Due to excessive activity and mobility, Malinois are often injured. These dogs never give in to difficulties; they “take” new records, which is why they develop damage to their paws and muscles.

If your pet is not provided with the necessary exercise, he can quickly gain excess weight. Naturally, obesity will negatively affect the overall well-being of the animal, it develops heart pathologies, and its psychological state also worsens.

Diet and diet

In order for the Belgian Shepherd to look well-groomed, healthy and active, it is important to provide it with a nutritious, balanced diet. The Malinois owner has a choice - to feed his pet natural food or industrial food, especially since today both options have adherents.

Advantages of dry food:

• cost - even an expensive ready-made diet will cost less than a natural menu, including fish, meat, and offal;
• balance - specialists develop the composition of the product, including all the necessary components in certain proportions, which is difficult to achieve when preparing conventional products;
• variety - owners have a choice, and they can purchase food that is most suitable for their pet, based on size, age, needs, health;
• There is no need for additional vitamin supplements.

But natural nutrition also has its advantages:

• naturalness - the owner is confident that his pet will receive healthy, fresh food; but the data on the food packaging may raise some doubts;
• usefulness - if the owner takes the issue seriously, selects only the necessary products and combines them correctly, then such a menu may be more suitable food for a four-legged friend.

If the owner has any doubts, he can always consult a veterinarian or breeder.

Conditions for keeping a Belgian Shepherd

Malinois have a dense coat with a rich undercoat, so they can live outdoors, regardless of climatic conditions. It is ideal if the dog has a spacious enclosure located in the local area.

But it is not recommended to keep a “Belgian” in an apartment: pets shed heavily, feel constrained and can indulge in excess, especially if we are talking about a puppy.

Photo of Belgian Shepherd Malinois

Video about the Belgian Malinois

Purchasing a puppy: how to choose and where to buy

The Malinois is a serious dog, so it is recommended to purchase a puppy from a kennel that has an excellent reputation and positive reviews. It is important that the baby meets the standard requirements and has the necessary temperament and acumen.

In order not to make a mistake and choose a puppy with excellent working properties, you should take a closer look at its parents. Most often, the offspring show their bright features - appearance and character. Many breed clubs conduct special tests to determine the puppy's future temperament.

Among the Belgian Shepherds, Malinois and Groenendael are the most widespread in Russia, so there should be no problems with purchasing a pet. There is an excellent kennel in Moscow - “Kennel from Solnik”, http://solnik.ru/new/index.php (Belgian Shepherds: Tervuren, Malinois, Grenundael and Jack Russell Terrier).

Usually the puppy is ready to go with its new owners at the age of 1.5-2 months. The cost depends on where the baby will be purchased, how well it meets standard requirements, whether it has vaccinations and relevant documentation.

A mixed-breed puppy with a Malinois as one of its parents will cost about 10,000-15,000 rubles. Naturally, in this case, there are no guarantees about how similar he will grow up to his purebred parent.

Purebred offspring from a nursery costs 30,000-40,000 rubles. For the future champion of exhibitions you will have to pay a little more - at least 50,000 rubles.

The Malinois is a serious dog that requires an equally serious approach. Such a pet is not suitable as a first dog; it should not be owned by people who are often absent from the house and cannot pay due attention to their four-legged friend. By taking a “Belgian” into the home, the family receives not only a faithful and devoted pet, but also a certain responsibility.

Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Laekenois are varieties of the Belgian Shepherd. Many people mistakenly believe that all these dogs are separate breeds. Actually this is not true. The fact is that the FCI has approved a single breed standard, called the “Belgian Shepherd,” which unites four varieties. Animals are very similar to each other, but they also have certain differences. First of all, this manifests itself in the quality of the coat and the performance of dogs.

Today, the Malinois is the most popular of the four varieties. Its name translates as “shepherd dog from Malin”. The Belgians call the small Flemish town of Mechelen that way. It was in its vicinity that this breed type was finally formed.

From the history of the breed

The Malinois breed owes its appearance to Professor of Animal Science Adolf Reul. In September 1891, the Belgian Shepherd Club began its activities. In the very first standard, the breed was divided into four groups:

• black longhair (groenendael);
• long-haired red (Tervuren);
• shorthair with black mask (Malinois);
• red or ash-colored rough-haired (Laekenois).

The first short-haired Belgian Shepherd was Charlie in 1891. Later, this dog became the “model” of the Belgian Malinois for the artist A. Claris.

Breed Features

The Malinois Shepherd is an intelligent, easily trained animal. This is a real hard worker who is absolutely happy when he has a permanent job. The Belgian Malinois loves his owners infinitely, but is wary of strangers. Protecting the owner is a natural thing for him, but at the same time he is not overly aggressive.

Appearance

Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) is harmoniously built. She is distinguished by her elegance and proud posture, thanks to her head always held high. Since the Malinois is a short-haired dog, it is not difficult to keep.

Representatives of this breed are strong, muscular and flexible animals. The front and hind legs are level and form a square. The overall exterior impresses with depth and substance without being bulky.

Dimensions and proportions

The Belgian Malinois, a photo of which you can see in our article, is a rather large dog. Height at the withers for males is 62-66 cm, for females - 56-62 cm. If the animal does not fit into these parameters, this is considered a fault. In accordance with the standard, the height of a male dog should be equal to the length of his back; females are allowed a longer body. Bones of medium weight, proportional to the height of the animal. The Malinois Shepherd should have a square-like outline. Her body should not be too elongated and long-legged or large and heavy.

The head is well defined, not too heavy, and in proportion to the body. shape, medium size, edged in black. They are usually dark brown.

The muzzle is slightly tapering towards the nose, but not sharp. Powerful and strong jaws. The lips are dense, black and pink.

The teeth are straight and white. The bite should be scissor-shaped and straight. An undershot or overshot bite is considered a defect. An even bigger disadvantage is the absence of one or more teeth. If there is an overbite, when two or more upper incisors do not touch the lower ones, the dog may be disqualified.

Frame

The Belgian Malinois, whose photos adorn many cynological publications, has a massive, but not heavy body. The chest is deep, but not wide. The lumbar region is wide and short.

The tail is strong at the base, reaching the length of the knee joints. A docked tail is a sign of disqualification.

Wool

The Malinois Shepherd is covered with straight, short and fairly coarse hair with a thick undercoat. Thanks to him, the animal can withstand any weather conditions.

The hair on the head, ears and legs is very short. Slightly longer on the tail, hips and neck.

Color

According to the Malinois standard, the coat can be colored in a variety of colors, ranging from mahogany to light yellow. The mask, ears, and hair tips should be black. Fawn but blurred color is a defect.

The tips of the paws may be white, and white spots on the chest are also allowed if they do not extend to the neck. Other white spots are disqualifying.

Application of Malinois

They have long been excellent herding dogs, but since 1880 they have become indispensable police assistants. According to Belgian experts, the Malinois dog breed is inextricably linked with ring sports - competitions

These animals were bred according to a special method in which working qualities are more valued than appearance. They “work” in the army and police, including in the search service and in rescue structures.

Character

The Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) has absorbed the best qualities of a guard, shepherd and protector. This is a very smart dog, which, oddly enough, is both a plus and a minus of the breed. In skillful and kind hands, she quickly and easily becomes an ideal working dog. An uneducated and untrained Malinois just as quickly turns into an “evil genius,” uncontrollable and wayward. It is probably for this reason that experts believe that such a dog is not suitable for every owner. A very athletic and active animal needs work. A dog does not have enough physical exercise (long walks, running behind a bicycle); it needs intellectual exercise - agility, obedience classes, herding or protective service.

When a Malinois Shepherd is bored, it can be somewhat clingy. She may start to get mischievous, but much more often the dog is emphatically serious. She is not at all aggressive, but always very carefully monitors the actions and movements of strangers.

The Belgian Malinois (the characteristics of experts convince us of this) has a well-developed guard instinct, so it needs early socialization. This will help channel her innate vigilance in the right direction.

Learning and training

The Belgian Shepherd is completely oriented towards its owner. She responds with joy, and even delight, to all his proposals. If from the very first acquaintance a close psychological contact has been established between an animal and a person, then training a pet will not cause any difficulties. But a novice owner may encounter some difficulties. To prevent this from happening, you need to know that the Malinois is extremely sensitive to physical stress, so training should be carried out by a person with a strong will, but without rudeness.

The Malinois has an instant reaction, the dog grasps everything on the fly. Therefore, the owner needs to accurately capture the moment of encouragement or reproach. Otherwise, you may develop undesirable behavior.

It should be noted that the Malinois very accurately reads all the body movements of the owner and his facial expression. Sometimes this confuses the inexperienced owner - it feels like the dog is always one step ahead. Belgian Shepherds require consistent training - they love to complete a given task and move on to the next.

Physical exercise

Owners without experience should not be embarrassed by the external elegance and even sophistication of the Malinois. These are very strong and even sharp dogs. They often behave like active puppies until they are five years old. If they lack physical or mental exercise, animals can exhibit destructive behavior.

A Belgian Shepherd in the house will require compliance with certain hygiene rules. You should not bathe such a dog often, as even very high-quality dog ​​shampoos can ruin your pet’s coat. It may lose its natural dullness and rigidity. It should not be soft and shiny.

To get rid of the characteristic dog “smell,” you can use commercially available products, but they should be used in very measured doses. Puppies under one year of age should not be bathed at all.

The coat should be brushed with a dry brush about once a week (adult dog) and twice a week if it is a puppy. The comb for combing should have wide teeth.

The eyes, nose and ears are cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in warm water.

Malinois - puppies

Before deciding to purchase a pet, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. This is necessary in order to guarantee the full development of the animal and its proper upbringing. You must clearly define for yourself for what purposes you need this particular dog. Before purchasing a puppy, try to get the most detailed advice from a specialist about the breed.

Puppies can be taken from their mother at 10-16 weeks of age. By this age, the baby is already quite independent and is even able to learn the first lessons of education.

It is necessary to buy a dog from a specialized nursery or from a well-established breeder. This gives you certain guarantees that you are purchasing a purebred, and most importantly, a healthy animal. You need to familiarize yourself with all the “dog documents”: pedigree, puppy card, find out how the vaccination was carried out. It would be a good idea to get to know his parents, or at least one of them, so that you have an idea of ​​how your Malinois will grow up. The Belgian Shepherd can make an excellent watchdog. Thanks to his intelligence, he can become a careful and attentive guide for visually impaired people. Can become a hero and winner of dog shows and simply reliable and After you have purchased a puppy, its fate is in your hands.

It will require significant effort from the owner. In the first months, try not to disturb the baby during his rest, do not tire him with too long walks and games. First of all, your baby must learn to walk on a leash and learn his nickname.

By the way, you should name the puppy briefly and clearly. Over time, he will begin to associate his “name” with attention and affection.

In the hands of an attentive and experienced owner, the Malinois easily performs the most difficult tasks, while rude attitude has a detrimental effect on the dog’s psyche. This attitude can turn a puppy, ready to do anything for its owner, into an unhappy coward and neurasthenic.

Health

There are some diseases specific to this breed. Among them: epilepsy, eye and thyroid diseases, joint dysplasia. Undoubtedly, there are a number of infectious diseases, many of which your pet can be protected from by timely vaccination.

Nutrition

You shouldn't feed your Malinois simplistically. This active dog needs a variety of foods daily to replenish its energy levels. By the way, meat, which dogs love so much and digest well, should be combined with other products.

For the normal development of an active dog, proteins are needed, both animal and plant origin. To do this, the diet should include foods such as fish, dairy products (but not milk), eggs, and meat. Malinois should also receive carbohydrates, which are contained in cereals such as rice, wheat, buckwheat, and pearl barley.

Don't forget to include vegetable oil and butter in your pet's diet. Animal and vegetable fats promote energy storage.

With natural food, minerals and vitamins should be added, without which the normal functioning of the dog’s body is impossible. They are found in both fresh and lightly cooked vegetables and fruits.

Some Malinois owners feed their pets ready-made dry food. But one cannot ignore the fact that such foods are often poorly digestible and can cause intestinal problems. Therefore, it is best to consult your veterinarian first. He will help you choose the right food that is best for your dog, taking into account his age, weight and overall health.

Don't forget that your pet should always have unlimited access to drinking water.

Belgian Malinois - owner reviews

The owners of these magnificent dogs are very happy with their pets. They note their combination of remarkable physical strength and elegance. Owners note their versatility and believe that such a dog can be trained to perform any task. In addition, many note her vigilance and highly developed protective instincts. The Belgian Malinois, the price of which varies from 30 to 50 thousand rubles, is an excellent companion and faithful friend.

Malinois living in families are much friendlier to children and strangers than their kennel counterparts who “serve” in the police. In many families with children, parents trust Malinois to look after their little owners. However, you should not leave your dog with a child under five years old. No, under no circumstances will she offend her younger master! Just taking into account the size of the animal, the dog, when playing, may accidentally push the child or poke its curious muzzle into the baby’s face.

Some owners consider the disadvantages of this breed to be the dog's behavior towards strangers. However, we have already said that this can only happen in the case of untimely or insufficient socialization.

The Belgian Shepherd is an aristocratically graceful shepherd.

Belgian Shepherds of different varieties.

History of the breed

Dogs very reminiscent of today's Belgian Shepherds were mentioned back in the 17th century. Those dogs did not have a uniform appearance; they differed in size, color, and quality of coat. The only thing they had in common was their area of ​​use - grazing. They grazed mainly sheep, since sheep farming was widespread in Belgium. The dogs had excellent herding and guarding qualities. In addition to looking after the herd, the dogs guarded both the owner himself and his home and property.

The modern Belgian Shepherd owes its appearance to A. Riyul, a veterinary professor who was literally obsessed with creating a purely Belgian breed of dog for herding herds of livestock. This is what he was actively involved in at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The professor took dogs that were very similar in build, but different in color and type of fur, and crossed them.

As a result of the actions of Riyulu and his like-minded people, 4 varieties of Belgian Shepherds appeared:

• black longhair - Groenendael;
• non-black longhaired - Tervuren;
• shorthair - Malinois;
• Wire-haired - Laekenois.

Belgian Shepherd: Laekenois photo.

Belgian Shepherd: Malinois photo.

Based on the international description, 4 varieties constitute one dog breed, but in some countries they are different breeds.

The First World War made changes not only in the lives of people, but also of dogs. Belgian Shepherds proved to be brave and selfless soldiers, giving many of their lives during the war. They rescued the wounded, were used in mine clearance, and delivered important dispatches. The breed was on the verge of extinction, which, in addition to the war, was facilitated by constant conflicts between breeders.

The modern breed was finally formed and received worldwide recognition in the late eighties of the last century.

Description of the breed

Height at the withers: females - 55-63 cm, males - 61-67 cm. Weight: females - 21-26 kg, males - 26-32 kg. Average life expectancy - 12 years

A well-built, strong head with a sloping forehead of moderate width. Deep mouth, tapering towards the nose. Muscular cheeks and cheekbones. Powerful jaws with a scissor bite, large white teeth, tight fit. The nose is strictly black, large, with significant nostrils. Shiny almond-shaped eyes with black eyelids. Eye color is dark brown. High-set, large, triangular ears with powerful cartilage.

Muscular body of rectangular shape. Moderately long, strong neck with an aristocratic curve without dewlap. Deep chest of medium width. Strong, level back of considerable width. Well defined withers with no folds. Tight skin. Strong, even legs, powerful hips, noticeable croup. Oval paws with strong dark claws. High-set, strong tail of medium length.

The color and type of coat depends on the varieties of the breed, but all representatives are distinguished by strong guard hair and the presence of a thick undercoat.

• Groenendael - strictly black, even color;
• Laekenois - predominantly red in color, sometimes with gray shades;
• Tevryuren - red color with black markings;
• Malinois - almost similar to Tevuren, but with less aggressiveness of black.

The Malinois must have a black mask.

Character

Belgian Shepherds are intelligent and independent. Very mobile and active. Capable of making decisions at lightning speed. They respond well to training. These dogs need socialization from an early age to avoid aggression.

Faithful and brave. Suitable for families with school-aged children. Gets along quite well with other pets.

They have excellent security qualities. Ideal as companions for active adults.

Belgian Shepherd: photo of Tervuren.

It is better to keep the Belgian Shepherd in a private house where there is at least some space. Needs long walks and physical activity.

Initially, herding dogs require virtually no care, but time makes its own adjustments.

The shepherd dog needs to be brushed weekly, and daily during the shedding period. You should not wash it often, no more than 3 times a year. As necessary, clean the ears and mouth, and gently wipe the eyes.

The most important thing is to choose the right diet. For “Belgians”, natural food is best, half of which should be raw meat. Portions should not be large, otherwise the dog may gain excess weight.

"Belgians" are a very healthy breed with good immunity, but are sometimes susceptible to eye diseases, epilepsy and joint dysplasia.

Belgian Shepherd Groenendael puppy, 4 months old.

Belgian Shepherd Tervuren puppy.

If you need a universal dog, well trained, with excellent working qualities, then the Belgian Shepherd is the most ideal option. Having been a herding breed for a long time, the Belgian has learned to be independent, collected and organized. And her high intelligence and ability to think helped her become an excellent service dog, and then a wonderful companion.

The first representative of the breed appeared as a result of the selection work of a Belgian veterinarian, this happened in 1891. He set himself a rather ambitious goal - to create an excellent herding breed that would become a national treasure.

As a result, 4 varieties of Belgian Shepherds were bred, which, with relatively similar characteristics, differed only in the length, quality and color of the coat.

As for the names, everything is simple here - the names of Belgian cities were taken as a basis. Tervurons were named after the hometown of the first breeder of this type of "Belgian", Malinois originated from Mechelen or Malin.

Groenendael - named after the town of the same name, in which they were bred. And only the Laekenois, a small and unrecognized species, distinguished themselves. Their name is associated with Laeken Castle, on the territory of which lived the breeders of one of the breeds that was used in breeding work. At the beginning of the 20th century, standards appeared for each type of breed.

Description of the Belgian Shepherd breed

Individuals of all species have the same build and size, so you can focus on the general description. These animals have a proportional build, a medium-sized body, powerful, but not devoid of elegance, with well-developed, prominent muscles.

Height males vary from 60 to 66 cm, females - within 56-62 cm, weigh representatives of the breed 25-30 kg. The standard offers the following appearance characteristics:

The Belgian Shepherd moves actively, not constrained, often at a calm trot.

Colors and coat

At home, 4 types of “Belgians” are representatives of the same breed, but in other countries they are either separated or not all of them are recognized. As already noted, shepherd dogs are distinguished by their coat and its coloring:

Character

Even taking into account the similarity of Belgian Shepherd dogs, each species still has its own characteristics:

• Groenendael– sensitive, unpretentious pets, can perform almost any job – from fun relay races to emergency, emergency rescue activities;
• Tervuren– excellent watchdogs, very self-possessed, never attack without reason; if there is a threat, they behave very confidently and fearlessly;
• Malinois– with strong guard and bodyguard instincts; very passionate, with a pronounced dominant character;
• Laekenois– in comparison with others, representatives of this species are distinguished by their good nature, obedience and flexible disposition.

Like all herding dogs, Belgians are devoid of aggression, very energetic, balanced and active. The pet never loses its vigilance, protecting and guarding both the owner, family members, and property. Dogs of this breed have shown themselves to be excellent in guard and protective service.

People they know are greeted kindly, strangers are greeted with restraint, without aggression or fussiness. Cowardly individuals are disqualified, timidity and excessive excitability are considered disadvantages.

Shepherd dogs from Belgium are excellent trainees, carry out tasks with pleasure, trying to please their owner. The dog finds a common language with all household members, including small children. But he doesn’t like to communicate with kids, although he will obey.

Belgian Shepherds are not slackers! You don’t want your pet to get bored, but running aimlessly back and forth after a toy is not good for him either. Such a pet can be entrusted with carrying a bag from the store, guarding a stroller at the entrance, a bicycle, and the dog will approach this work with full responsibility. When going for a walk in a group, the owner can be sure that not a single comrade will be separated from the improvised “herd” with such a “shepherd”.

Education and training

By purchasing a puppy of this breed, a person lets a real bundle of energy into his home. Kids are active and very inquisitive. Until he grows up a little, you shouldn’t leave your pet alone. And during any pampering, he should be distracted with toys. Gradually he will understand what he can have fun with and what he can’t.

The dog is focused on its family, but an ill-mannered animal can be a threat to strangers. Sensing something was wrong, he can begin to act - in fact, this is what he expected when grazing cattle. But today they demand something else from the shepherd - obedience and restraint; it is important that the dog protects the owner only after hearing the appropriate command.

The Belgian Shepherd needs constant interaction with people; if this does not happen, it can become stubborn or capricious. When training, you cannot use physical force, rudeness, or shouting, since “Belgians” are very sensitive. The maximum that is allowed is tugging on the leash. They also react to the atmosphere prevailing in the family, the mood of the owner. If the owner ignores the pet, the dog will suffer from similar neglect.

Dogs of this breed have a very good memory, they quickly learn basic skills, and the owner will be able to avoid monotonous repetitions of the same thing. However, you will definitely have to go beyond the main program. If the dog is not a working dog, the owner better find something to do for it. For example, “Belgians” are successful in almost all sports competitions.

In order for the dog to be cheerful and maintain its physical shape, it requires a daily 2-3-hour exercise. Socialization should be early and should be done after the pet is vaccinated. The puppy must be in the city, communicate with strangers and animals, and learn to behave in crowded places and transport.

If the dog does not learn the rules of good manners, he may bark at cars, bite passers-by, or, conversely, hide cowardly. At the initial stage of training, you can muzzle an overly active pet.

Care

Belgian Shepherds require normal, simple care, including regular examination of the ears, eyes, and mouth. The ears are cleaned of dirt, the eyes are washed with chamomile infusion if necessary, and the teeth are brushed a couple of times a week.

Dogs that are not actively engaged in activities need to have their nails trimmed periodically. But how to care for the coat depends on the type of breed:

1. Groenendaels and Tervurens They have long, thick hair that needs to be brushed every 2-3 days. And during molts, this procedure must be performed daily, especially if the pet lives in an apartment. Long-haired males change their coat once a year, females – 2 times. Representatives of this breed are not cut; it is enough to remove the growths between the toes.
2. Malinois– even less troublesome, it is enough to treat their short hair with a special brush or mitten 2-3 times a month. When molting - 2-3 times a week.
3. Laekenois– like most wire-haired dogs, they need regular trimming – removal of dead hairs. And they don’t need a haircut, since the hair grows very slowly.

With good care and proper nutrition, shepherd dogs live on average 12.5 years; there is a registered long-liver in this breed - 18 years 3 months.

Diseases

“Belgies” are considered a fairly healthy, strong breed, but they are not immune to the development of the following diseases:

• epilepsy;
• volvulus;
• dysplasia of large compositions;
• cataracts;
• stroke;
• oncological diseases.

In addition, without proper exercise, shepherd dogs often develop obesity. And if the owner does not monitor the pet’s diet, the pet may suffer from food allergies.

Feeding

Most often, Belgian Shepherds are fed natural food. In this case, the pet needs additional sources of vitamins and microelements. Puppies are given food 5 times a day. Gradually, by about six months, they are transferred to an adult 2-times-a-day feeding regimen.

The owner must create a balanced diet, consisting primarily of meat and offal. Additional products include cereals, vegetables, herbs, fish, eggs, kefir, curdled milk, and fruits. It is recommended to cook porridge in water or broth, mix with meat, vegetables, and season with vegetable oil.

You should not give your Belgian Shepherd the following:

• flour and confectionery products;
• fat meat;
• dishes with hot spices and seasonings;
• salted, smoked products.

If the owner does not have the opportunity to prepare food for the pet, then you can switch it to industrial diets. Only it must be a premium or super-premium quality product. Regardless of the type of feeding, the dog should be provided with 24-hour access to clean, drinking water.

You can have such a four-legged friend for both indoor and outdoor living. “Belgians” are unpretentious and can withstand both high and low temperatures. They are suitable for living in an enclosure, but it is worth considering that such a dog cannot be put on a chain.

The Belgian Shepherd is not for the lazy - you will have to walk your pet regularly and for a long time, and it doesn’t matter whether he is a street dog or a house dog.

Belgian Shepherd photo

Video about the Belgian Shepherd

Where is the best place to buy a puppy?

It is unlikely that you can buy a high-quality puppy with excellent characteristics, a stable psyche and pedigree from random sellers or at the poultry market. In this case, you will have to look for a nursery with a good reputation or an experienced breeder who cares about his reputation.

A pet-class puppy, not suitable for exhibitions and breeding, but otherwise a healthy, cheerful baby costs about 30,000-35,000 rubles. A pet that is accepted for mating, but does not reach championship titles, costs from 35,000 rubles, and for a handsome show-class pet, who is predicted to have an excellent exhibition career, you will have to pay 60,000 rubles or more.

In Moscow there is only one nursery, “Ot Solnik” http://solnik.ru/new/index.php, which breeds this breed.

The Belgian Shepherd is a rather rare breed in Russia, which is why interest in it is growing. But before purchasing a puppy, you should find out in advance about all its types, features and nuances, and only then go for a pet. This is not a couch potato and will require time, attention and serious training.

The Belgian Shepherd is not a decorative pet; it needs a firm hand and mandatory training. If the plans of the future owner do not include regular activities with a four-legged friend, then it is worth taking a closer look at less demanding representatives.