Questions about Belgian Malinois Questions

Hi Everyone:

I just signed on. Are there any actual Belgian Malinois owners out there? I have fallen in love (almost obsessed...read about them non-stop) with this breed. However, I have two, small girls, a dog and two cats. I know that Maligators, as they are called, require substantial time and training. I would love to hear from actual Mal. owners with real experience--preferably from those with children and other pets. Thanks!!

There are some on here who are experienced with the breed and other Belgian Shepherds. I am sure they will chime in.

What particularly appeals to you about the breed and have you owned anything similar to them breed wise? I would imagine that going from a Westie to a Belgian Malinois will be quite a shock the system! I think it is generally advised to stay away from working lines unless of course you will be working them or at least are a serious competition home (ie; not someone who attends an agility class once a fortnight ).

Thanks for the prompt response. The appeal of the breed is their athletecism, loyalty, beauty, intelligence, protectiveness, energy, trainability, etc. (with right type of training, of course) I have had dogs my entire life but my understanding is there NOTHING quite like a mal. The closest breed I've owned would be a Golden Retriever--but that is a far cry from a mal. I guess my questions is if a mal. is treated like a working dog will that be enough? In other words, if she jogs with me each day (4-6 miles) plays fetch and frisbee in our 3 acre yard, plays with the westie and my two girls while they play socccer in the yard or simply running around with their friends, etc. could that constitute "working"? She will not be herding sheep or in Schutzhund but she would be active! Your thoughts? Thanks in advance for any insight.

Oh, and forgot to mention, I would be taking her to obedience school, socializing her, exposing her to neighbors' pets, new situations, etc. She could also ride around with me to work as I work for myself. Still though, is all of that enough???

Another member of the forum asked similar questions about getting a Malinois recently. Here is thread as I think it will be of great help to you:

http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php?t=171124

I have always been under the impression that working bred Malinois' need a TON of training and stimulation, not just physical exercise. You cannot physically tire most truly active breeds, so while you offering plenty of exercise is great, for the more 'specialized' breeds you need to offer something a bit more. Being active alone is not enough. That is why you do not see many working bred Malinois and other more specialized breeds is pet only homes.

Maybe a show line Mal would be much more suited to your needs?

Thanks. I read the first 7pages of the thread and will read the last 7 in a bit. One mal. owner said there is really nos such thing as a mal. showline, that they all are plain and simple working dogs. (People may "show" them but they are still working) I am open to ultimately exploring Schutzhund and other such competitions, but what if I (or the dog) do not like it. I am wondering if simple "scent" games or "detection" games or other mental stimulation exercises at home in addition to exercise would provide the necessary mental stimulation. And could the puppy be trained to play well with the kids, their friends, dogs and cats??

I guess it comes down to this: Are there any mal. owners out there with young children, dogs, cats that are active but do not work their dog (on a farm, protection, etc.) that have happy well adjusted dogs? Anyone? Anyone??

I haven't owned one but have looked after a couple. Both had 2 speeds,hyper or comatose! Very social,great around my chickens and my neighbours children. One was definitely working lines,the other a rescue. My trainer has 2 both well balanced,social,lovely dogs. Nice dogs,would i want one? No,don't know why really but they were a little sensitive for me. I prefer something a little more robust,Dobe or GSD.Good luck,Alys

Thanks Alys. I appreciate your input. I have been looking and looking for the right breeder. I may have found her. She has kids and cats and seems to have a beautiful line. Just out of curiosity, what type of dog do you prefer? What is an example of "more robust?" Thanks again.

Man, I just woke up and missed the last part! Dobermans or GSD....Sorry!