The Reputation of the Belgian Malinois in the United States

The Belgian Malinois has in general developed a reputation in the United States as having “off the wall” energy, being a liability in social settings and prone to handler aggression.They are often referred to as “alligators on a leash”  and “Malligators”. I recently learned of a colleague in another protection dog training center referring to them as “the poor man’s German Shepherd”. I believe in all of these cases, rightfully so! At least based on their understanding.

That reputation has been rightfully earned because most Belgian Malinois (95% +) are imported from Holland. In Holland the Belgian Malinois are bred for law enforcement, and are tremendous at it. They have incredible drive, extraordinary power and energy that enable them to work almost without stopping. They are the first choice of most in law enforcement as well as military around the world.

The Dutch are very pragmatic. Their dogs are not registered. The Dutch do not want a breed club deciding who gets bred, and who doesn’t.  Nor do they want structure taken into consideration like it is with other breeds.  They breed to the most powerful dog.  Period. If the dog happens to be a Dutch Shepherd, so be it. Even an occasional Pit Bull, Bull Terrier and German Shepherd makes it into the melting pot of the Dutch program.  They are three times more powerful then most German Shepherds for a fraction of the cost. The Dutch breeding program works. At least for law enforcement.

The Belgian Malinois in France are far different. They are bred for the French Ring Sport. A sport that we believe to be the most difficult in Europe.  The dogs must be calm and under complete control while on the field for a forty-five minute examination.  As in Holland, the  French requirements dictate the types of dogs, and qualities, needed for breeding. The focus is calmness, power and a strong nervous system capable of doing battle with French decoys.

This make-up of the French bred Belgian Malinois enables a majority of them to live in the home with their owners. They are well balanced, and enjoy children, company and picnics just like any other family pet.

Of course there are exceptions to both rules. There are Dutch imported Belgian Malinois living in homes. My first Belgian Malinois happened to be one. There are high-energy French dogs as well. If we put the exceptions aside, the overall differences between the French and the Dutch dogs are considerable. It is such an extreme difference that it is almost like they are two different breeds.

The reputation is well deserved. Yes, you come home to your Dutch dog to find footprints on the ceiling. (That's only a slight exaggeration!) As for Canine Protection International (CPI), we will continue to recommend our French imported Belgian Malinois.

I think the picture of Caymus probably explains it best.


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Posted by Protection Dog Blog by CPI at 5/20/2009 7:26 PM
Categories: Belgian Malinois
Tags: Belgian Malinois
 

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