How hard is it to own a Belgian Malinois?

They have high demands and needs, so they are only suitable for experienced owners. The most famous thing about the Belgian Malinois temperament is that they are incredibly hard-working dogs and basically bred to protect livestock. A well-trained Belgian Malinois is smart, friendly, and can be very protective.

Are Belgian Malinois good for first time owners?

Before diving into an overview, a Belgian Malinois is not recommended for the first-time dog owner. They are “a lot” of dog, which means they have a strong work ethic, active, protective, and powerful. Like other dogs, they must be part of the family because they become very attached.

Why you shouldn’t get a Belgian Malinois?

While it’s true that the Malinois is the most versatile police and military working dog, it’s also a dog that needs a job. The breed is bred almost exclusively for protection work and its drive, intensity and aggressive tendencies make it a very poor choice for a pet.

Are Belgian Malinois good house dogs?

The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training. Belgians make excellent pets for the right homes, as they thrive on loving companionship.

Are Malinois loyal?

The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a diligent, loyal, and highly intelligent dog breed. The intense and hard-working Belgian Malinois is extremely well-suited to become a working dog, especially in police and military operations. This breed can also make an excellent companion for the right person.

How long does it take to train a Belgian Malinois?

When your Malinois is a young puppy, training sessions should be at most 10 minutes long. As the dog grows up, you can gradually extend each training session to 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Are Belgian Malinois hard to train?

A Belgian Malinois is a herding dog that has similar attributes to a German shepherd, including that it requires a lot of training and attention. If you want to train a Belgian Malinois, you should start the process at a young age.

Can Belgian Malinois be left alone?

Adult Belgian Malinois shouldn’t be left alone for more than 4 hours in a row while seniors and puppies can be left alone for a maximum of 1-3 hours. Belgian Malinois are very social and family-oriented dogs so they are not happy to spend their time alone.

What it’s like to own a Malinois?

The dog may be reserved with strangers but is affectionate with his own people. He is naturally protective of his owner’s person and property without being overly aggressive. The Belgian Malinois possesses a strong desire to work and is quick and responsive to commands from his owner.”

Are Malinois stubborn?

Belgian Malinois Temperament & Personality The Belgian Malinois is an extremely intelligent working-class dog. The Belgian Malinois personality is also dignified and protective. While that’s a great attribute to their character when it comes to protecting the family or household, it also means they can be stubborn.

Are Malinois easy to train?

Malinois love learning, being active, and spending time with their owner, so most of them are happy to do several training sessions a day.

How intelligent are Belgian Malinois?

Malinois are very intelligent and alert. They also have strong herding and protection instincts. Early, consistent training is critical! Although they are good-sized dogs, they are very people-oriented and want to be included in family activities.

Are Belgian Malinois considered an aggressive breed?

Belgian Malinois can be considered one of the more aggressive breeds. Though with careful training and socialization it is possible for them to become loyal family members. Very smart and physically capable they are often trained as working dogs, often engaging in police or military work, where they excel.

What is the lifespan of a Belgian Malinois?

The Belgian Malinois lives an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Some health conditions to watch for in this breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, chronic superficial keratitis, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Are Belgian Malinois hard to take care of?

The Belgian Malinois is a medium- to large-sized breed that is intelligent and extremely active. Overall Belgian Malinois care takes a moderate amount of time, much of which is making sure these dogs get enough exercise. Below you’ll find plenty of details on raising a Belgian Malinois: puppy care, exercise needs, diet and nutrition, and more.

Are Belgian Malinois hard to own and train?

Among its best qualities, the Belgian Malinois is known for being friendly, protective, hard-working, and confident. At the same time, the dog is notorious for its stubborn streak. It’s alert and watchful which means it is easy to train. But it’s also stubborn which can be a challenge when you’re trying to teach it new tricks.