Anyone here own a Belgian Malinois?
Question:
Anyone here own a Belgian Malinois? What do you think of the breed and their temperament? Any health problems? Do they get along well with other dogs, cats, children? Thanks. Pete — That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
I’m retired military. K-9 handlers used quite a few of the breed for explosives, drug detection, and patrolling. I guess I dealt with 100+ of them in my 20+ year career. In their trained role they are excellent. Pretty highly strung breed. Intelligent but tempermental. Although there are exceptions I wouldn’t generally recommend them as a family pet. While I’d say they’re far from being dangerous their disposition leaves them a bit unpredictable at times. Not something you want around small children. Generally healthy dogs. Never saw any pattern of health problems with the breed. They do sound better though if you swap the Belgian made valves for some good Mullards. Duane – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Anyone here own a Belgian Malinois? What do you think of the breed >and their temperament? >Any health problems? Do they get along well with other dogs, cats, >children? >Thanks. >Pete
Response:
The one breeder in my state did mention that they’re a bit high strung. It may be the one thing that keeps me looking for my next breed. But hopefully I’ll have a couple years to consider. My current dog is an English Pointer that was bred for field trials, so by now I have a lot of experience rasing high strung dogs as pets. English Pointers are a breed I definitely wouldn’t recommend for pets. Not that they’re a danger to anyone, but you need nerves of steel for the first ten or so years of their lives. There are actually quite a few Belgian Malinois up for adoption right now, because the authorities confiscated them from some nutcase, but I can’t take care of two dogs. The breeder told me that a pet grade Belgian Malinois puppy runs in the $600 to $800 range. Which seems a bit stiff, but over the life of a dog that’ll probably be around for years, that’s no big deal. Mostly, I’m trying to select a work dog that’s smaller than a German Shepherd, but bigger than a yapper. Pete – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’m retired military. K-9 handlers used quite a few of the breed for >explosives, drug detection, and patrolling. I guess I dealt with 100+ >of them in my 20+ year career. In their trained role they are >excellent. Pretty highly strung breed. Intelligent but tempermental. >Although there are exceptions I wouldn’t generally recommend them as a >family pet. While I’d say they’re far from being dangerous their >disposition leaves them a bit unpredictable at times. Not something >you want around small children. Generally healthy dogs. Never saw >any pattern of health problems with the breed. They do sound better >though if you swap the Belgian made valves for some good Mullards. >Duane >Anyone here own a Belgian Malinois? What do you think of the breed >and their temperament? >Any health problems? Do they get along well with other dogs, cats, >children? >Thanks. >Pete
– That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
>Mostly, I’m trying to select a work dog that’s smaller than a German >Shepherd, but bigger than a yapper.
Work dog in what capacity? I was going to suggest a breed "smaller than a German Shepher, but bigger than a yapper" until I re-focused on work dog. What do I know anyway, I’ve got a 5 1/2 lb. male Chihuahua. (The extra 1/2 lb. ’cause he’s a long-haired Chihuahua. Hell, with all my hair I have grown back I probably would only weigh 205 lbs. if I cut it off.) Had a run-of-the-mill pit bull for 12 1/2 years before the Chihuahua. The pit bull (female) was so quiet and calm…the Chihuahua will fuck with ANYTHING. Anyway, a work dog for?
Response:
>>Mostly, I’m trying to select a work dog that’s smaller than a German >Shepherd, but bigger than a yapper. >Work dog in what capacity? I was going to suggest a breed "smaller than a >German Shepher, but bigger than a yapper" until I re-focused on work dog. What >do I know anyway, I’ve got a 5 1/2 lb. male Chihuahua. (The extra 1/2 lb. >’cause he’s a long-haired Chihuahua. Hell, with all my hair I have grown back I >probably would only weigh 205 lbs. if I cut it off.) Had a run-of-the-mill pit >bull for 12 1/2 years before the Chihuahua. The pit bull (female) was so quiet >and calm…the Chihuahua will fuck with ANYTHING. Anyway, a work dog for?
Yeah, a Chihuahua (tough word to spell!) is even smaller than a yapper! To me, Yapper category is any dog 35Lbs. and under, and they feel that their soul purpose in life is to yap at everything that moves, anywhere in a 4 block radius around them. And that includes squirrels walking on the telephone wires. A work dog, because my 12 year old English Pointer still finds ways to escape, like climbing over the chain link fence, or tunneling under it! This is her: http://picturefrompete.home.comcast.net/pets/bellerockdoor2.jpg and that’s her "Yapper" Australian Cattle Dog friend standing next to her, which is an amazing breed btw. So I’m thinking that I probably don’t want another hunting dog next time. As good a dog as she is. My last dog was a German Shepherd mix. Very intelligent dog. And never once climbed over a fence to escape. In fact, I used to send him out into the front yard to do his business after I taught him where the border was. I used to hang a flashlight around his neck, and send him into the front yard at night. I really miss Work dogs. I figure that my next dog will be my last, so I’m hoping to do a very good job picking a breed this time. A Pug might be cool. But I’m a little concerned with health problems in a tiny dog with a pushed in face. Are there any healthy work dog breeds, that are around 50Lbs. full grown, who AREN’T hyper active? Pete — That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
>Australian Cattle Dog friend standing next to her, >which is an amazing breed btw.
One of my suggestions. Not sure how "hyper" they get…I imagine they can do some chasing as it is their instinct. Tough, long-live dogs though. Oldest dog on record I believe is a cattle dog…lived to be 29 and worked up until 20. >I figure that my next dog will be my last, so I’m hoping to do a very >good job picking a breed this time.
I was going to suggest a male Staffordshire Bull Terrier. BTW, it’s not a pit bull, American Staffordshire Terrier nor bull terrier. It is generally very calm, in fact they call them the Nanny Dog in England due to their gentleness with children. However, they can rock n’ roll if need be. Only problem for you is breed standard is males up to 38 lbs….you’re looking for 50 lbs. or so. http://www.quiknet.com/~mooch/ http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/staffordshirebullterrier.html
Response:
> the Chihuahua will fuck with ANYTHING.
You mean like this: http://www.purelyhip.com/vids/punchie.mov 
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>Mostly, I’m trying to select a work dog that’s smaller than a German >>Shepherd, but bigger than a yapper. >Work dog in what capacity? I was going to suggest a breed "smaller than a >German Shepher, but bigger than a yapper" until I re-focused on work dog. What >do I know anyway, I’ve got a 5 1/2 lb. male Chihuahua. (The extra 1/2 lb. >’cause he’s a long-haired Chihuahua. Hell, with all my hair I have grown back I >probably would only weigh 205 lbs. if I cut it off.) Had a run-of-the-mill pit >bull for 12 1/2 years before the Chihuahua. The pit bull (female) was so quiet >and calm…the Chihuahua will fuck with ANYTHING. Anyway, a work dog for? > Yeah, a Chihuahua (tough word to spell!)
dw is even smaller than a – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> yapper! > To me, Yapper category is any dog 35Lbs. and under, and they feel that > their soul purpose in life is to yap at everything that moves, > anywhere in a 4 block radius around them. And that includes squirrels > walking on the telephone wires. > A work dog, because my 12 year old English Pointer still finds ways to > escape, like climbing over the chain link fence, or tunneling under > it! This is her: > http://picturefrompete.home.comcast.net/pets/bellerockdoor2.jpg and > that’s her "Yapper" Australian Cattle Dog friend standing next to her, > which is an amazing breed btw. So I’m thinking that I probably don’t > want another hunting dog next time. As good a dog as she is. > My last dog was a German Shepherd mix. Very intelligent dog. And > never once climbed over a fence to escape. In fact, I used to send > him out into the front yard to do his business after I taught him > where the border was. I used to hang a flashlight around his neck, > and send him into the front yard at night. I really miss Work dogs. > I figure that my next dog will be my last, so I’m hoping to do a very > good job picking a breed this time. > A Pug might be cool. But I’m a little concerned with health problems > in a tiny dog with a pushed in face. > Are there any healthy work dog breeds, that are around 50Lbs. full > grown, who AREN’T hyper active? > Pete > — > That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
>the Chihuahua will fuck with ANYTHING. >You mean like this: http://www.purelyhip.com/vids/punchie.mov
Didn’t see it…I don’t go digital till next week so I don’t download videos.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>Mostly, I’m trying to select a work dog that’s smaller than a German >>Shepherd, but bigger than a yapper. >Work dog in what capacity? I was going to suggest a breed "smaller than a >German Shepher, but bigger than a yapper" until I re-focused on work dog. What >do I know anyway, I’ve got a 5 1/2 lb. male Chihuahua. (The extra 1/2 lb. >’cause he’s a long-haired Chihuahua. Hell, with all my hair I have grown back I >probably would only weigh 205 lbs. if I cut it off.) Had a run-of-the-mill pit >bull for 12 1/2 years before the Chihuahua. The pit bull (female) was so quiet >and calm…the Chihuahua will fuck with ANYTHING. Anyway, a work dog for? > Yeah, a Chihuahua (tough word to spell!) is even smaller than a > yapper! > To me, Yapper category is any dog 35Lbs. and under, and they feel that > their soul purpose in life is to yap at everything that moves, > anywhere in a 4 block radius around them. And that includes squirrels > walking on the telephone wires. > A work dog, because my 12 year old English Pointer still finds ways to > escape, like climbing over the chain link fence, or tunneling under > it! This is her: > http://picturefrompete.home.comcast.net/pets/bellerockdoor2.jpg and > that’s her "Yapper" Australian Cattle Dog friend standing next to her, > which is an amazing breed btw. So I’m thinking that I probably don’t > want another hunting dog next time. As good a dog as she is. > My last dog was a German Shepherd mix. Very intelligent dog. And > never once climbed over a fence to escape. In fact, I used to send > him out into the front yard to do his business after I taught him > where the border was. I used to hang a flashlight around his neck, > and send him into the front yard at night. I really miss Work dogs. > I figure that my next dog will be my last, so I’m hoping to do a very > good job picking a breed this time. > A Pug might be cool. But I’m a little concerned with health problems > in a tiny dog with a pushed in face. > Are there any healthy work dog breeds, that are around 50Lbs. full > grown, who AREN’T hyper active? > Pete > — > That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Hi Pete, Pugs are cool little dogs. Lots of individual personality and they interact well with people. They tend to *sound* like they have more breathing problems than they actually do. They snore, grunt, and make other odd noises as they breath. (not the dog to take on the 5 mile jog though) Actually, their eyes being "bugged", make them a little prone to cataracts and other eye problems, especially if they have a active, rowdy lifestyle. To keep them healthy, and not being a smelly dog, they need a little help keeping the wrinkles in their face (especially the little "pocket" at the base of nose, between eyes) free from "toe jam". Most all wrinkled skinned dogs can benefit from clean wrinkles, many are prone to sensitive skin, fleas can wreak havoc on ‘em. Some of the larger terriers are stout, hearty and smart. "Bedlington" terrier and "Bouviea"(sp) size dogs look a little frilly in appearance, but are really pretty rugged, extreme environment capable dogs. A little on the smaller size, the "Jack Russell" terrier, when given a lot of human interaction, makes for a real good dog. Somewhat of a gamble as to which dogs take digging up a yard to a "art-form", with the terriers, the odds are a little worse if they are bored. For a long time now, I’ve had dogs adopt me rather than me shopping/choosing for a particular breed. I actually prefer a larger mixed-breed as a companion, they seem to be more hearty and well rounded in disposition/attitude. Both my dogs are "mixed". One being a rott(en)/lab, all black 90lb female, her physique is more muscular/sculpted looking than a lab, but her disposition and traits are all lab. Swims like a fish, very "outdoor" game oriented, loves women and children ("cautious"/dangerous with unknkown adult males), plays well with other dogs. She’s 10 y.o., had her since a small puppy. My other dog is a rotten/chow (male) that spent a good while "caged". He had no muscle tone and had no confidence as a dog. Having had him 4-5 years now, he is now big, stout, and well insulated with a bushy coat with "rott" color pattern. When fluffed up, and firing off his huge bark, he looks menacing guarding "his" yard, his g/f-partner and his "kitty". Actually, he is the most lovable, more than willing to please and obiediant dog I’ve had in a long time. When he wants something (food, water, play or "outside"), he will try to take your hand/wrist/arm in his mouth and lead you to his goal. It has made a few friends a little nervous when he tries this on them. He means no harm. Merry Christmas- Cheers, robert
Response:
>>Australian Cattle Dog friend standing next to her, >which is an amazing breed btw. >One of my suggestions. Not sure how "hyper" they get…I imagine they can do >some chasing as it is their instinct. Tough, long-live dogs though. Oldest dog >on record I believe is a cattle dog…lived to be 29 and worked up until 20.
The Australian Cattle Dog is unusually hyper, whenever other animals are around. That picture was taken in a brief moment of calm. Very smart little dog. Stronger than you would imagine too. The little guy keep giving me minor injuries by pulling so hard on the leash. And he just yanked the hook holding his runner cable out of the back of my neighbors house recently. >I figure that my next dog will be my last, so I’m hoping to do a very >good job picking a breed this time. >I was going to suggest a male Staffordshire Bull Terrier. BTW, it’s not a pit >bull, American Staffordshire Terrier nor bull terrier. It is generally very >calm, in fact they call them the Nanny Dog in England due to their gentleness >with children. However, they can rock n’ roll if need be. Only problem for you >is breed standard is males up to 38 lbs….you’re looking for 50 lbs. or so. >http://www.quiknet.com/~mooch/ >http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/staffordshirebullterrier.html
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier looks pretty cool. 50Lbs. is just an off the top of my head figure. Nothing I’m trying to hold to. Check out the video on this webpage: http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/stbult.cfm Pete — That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
>> Yeah, a Chihuahua (tough word to spell!) >dw
Did Les pronouce it like it’s spelled? I think they’re running WKRP on that TVland channel right now. I haven’t seen that in a while. Pete — That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >>Mostly, I’m trying to select a work dog that’s smaller than a German > >>Shepherd, but bigger than a yapper. > >Work dog in what capacity? I was going to suggest a breed "smaller than a > >German Shepher, but bigger than a yapper" until I re-focused on work dog. >What > >do I know anyway, I’ve got a 5 1/2 lb. male Chihuahua. (The extra 1/2 lb. > >’cause he’s a long-haired Chihuahua. Hell, with all my hair I have grown >back I > >probably would only weigh 205 lbs. if I cut it off.) Had a >run-of-the-mill pit > >bull for 12 1/2 years before the Chihuahua. The pit bull (female) was so >quiet > >and calm…the Chihuahua will fuck with ANYTHING. Anyway, a work dog >for? > Yeah, a Chihuahua (tough word to spell!) is even smaller than a > yapper! > To me, Yapper category is any dog 35Lbs. and under, and they feel that > their soul purpose in life is to yap at everything that moves, > anywhere in a 4 block radius around them. And that includes squirrels > walking on the telephone wires. > A work dog, because my 12 year old English Pointer still finds ways to > escape, like climbing over the chain link fence, or tunneling under > it! This is her: > http://picturefrompete.home.comcast.net/pets/bellerockdoor2.jpg and > that’s her "Yapper" Australian Cattle Dog friend standing next to her, > which is an amazing breed btw. So I’m thinking that I probably don’t > want another hunting dog next time. As good a dog as she is. > My last dog was a German Shepherd mix. Very intelligent dog. And > never once climbed over a fence to escape. In fact, I used to send > him out into the front yard to do his business after I taught him > where the border was. I used to hang a flashlight around his neck, > and send him into the front yard at night. I really miss Work dogs. > I figure that my next dog will be my last, so I’m hoping to do a very > good job picking a breed this time. > A Pug might be cool. But I’m a little concerned with health problems > in a tiny dog with a pushed in face. > Are there any healthy work dog breeds, that are around 50Lbs. full > grown, who AREN’T hyper active? > Pete > — > That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ > Hi Pete, > Pugs are cool little dogs. Lots of individual personality and they >interact well with people. They tend to *sound* like they have more >breathing problems than they actually do. They snore, grunt, and make other >odd noises as they breath. (not the dog to take on the 5 mile jog though) >Actually, their eyes being "bugged", make them a little prone to cataracts >and other eye problems, especially if they have a active, rowdy lifestyle. >To keep them healthy, and not being a smelly dog, they need a little help >keeping the wrinkles in their face (especially the little "pocket" at the >base of nose, between eyes) free from "toe jam". Most all wrinkled skinned >dogs can benefit from clean wrinkles, many are prone to sensitive skin, >fleas can wreak havoc on ‘em. > Some of the larger terriers are stout, hearty and smart. "Bedlington" >terrier and "Bouviea"(sp) size dogs look a little frilly in appearance, but >are really pretty rugged, extreme environment capable dogs. A little on the >smaller size, the "Jack Russell" terrier, when given a lot of human >interaction, makes for a real good dog. Somewhat of a gamble as to >which dogs take digging up a yard to a "art-form", with the terriers, the >odds are a little worse if they are bored. > For a long time now, I’ve had dogs adopt me rather than me >shopping/choosing for a particular breed. I actually prefer a larger >mixed-breed as a companion, they seem to be more hearty and well rounded in >disposition/attitude. Both my dogs are "mixed". One being a rott(en)/lab, >all black 90lb female, her physique is more muscular/sculpted looking than a >lab, but her disposition and traits are all lab. Swims like a fish, very >"outdoor" game oriented, loves women and children ("cautious"/dangerous with >unknkown adult males), plays well with other dogs. She’s 10 y.o., had her >since a small puppy. > My other dog is a rotten/chow (male) that spent a good while >"caged". He had no muscle tone and had no confidence as a dog. Having had >him 4-5 years now, he is now big, stout, and well insulated with a bushy >coat with "rott" color pattern. When fluffed up, and firing off his huge >bark, he looks menacing guarding "his" yard, his g/f-partner and his >"kitty". Actually, he is the most lovable, more than willing to please and >obiediant dog I’ve had in a long time. When he wants something (food, water, >play or "outside"), he will try to take your hand/wrist/arm in his mouth and >lead you to his goal. It has made a few friends a little nervous when he >tries this on them. He means no harm. > Merry Christmas- > Cheers, > robert
I’m not sure if I want to deal with the Pug’s skin problems. That sounds inconvenient. When it comes time, I may opt for an animal shelter dog. It’s just that I think my next dog will probably be my last, so some forethought about what to get seems logical. Pete — That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
>>>Yeah, a Chihuahua (tough word to spell!) >dw > Did Les pronouce it like it’s spelled?
Cha who a who a > I think they’re running WKRP on that TVland channel right now. I > haven’t seen that in a while.
Me niether, but I remember that one, ……. hilarious. dw – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Pete > — > That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
> Anyone here own a Belgian Malinois? What do you think of the breed > and their temperament? > Any health problems? Do they get along well with other dogs, cats, > children? > Thanks. > Pete
I can’t say I’m an expert on this breed, but I know that they are high energy, high drive, and NEED a job to do. Not the best choice if you want a calm couch potato. More info can be found here: http://www.breedclub.org/ABMC.htm If you decide on one, be very careful about breeders and lines. My breed of choice is the Doberman. Drive and instincts vary by lines in our breed. German breed Schutzhund Dobermans are WAY different than American bred "show" dogs, for example. You are doing the right thing, educating yourself. Don’t make and snap decisions, a dog is for life, and most dogs that end up in the pound are a result of uneducated decisions and actions on behalf of the owners.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anyone here own a Belgian Malinois? What do you think of the breed > and their temperament? > Any health problems? Do they get along well with other dogs, cats, > children? > Thanks. > Pete >I can’t say I’m an expert on this breed, but I know that they are high >energy, high drive, and NEED a job to do. Not the best choice if you >want a calm couch potato. >More info can be found here: http://www.breedclub.org/ABMC.htm >If you decide on one, be very careful about breeders and lines. My >breed of choice is the Doberman. Drive and instincts vary by lines in >our breed. German breed Schutzhund Dobermans are WAY different than >American bred "show" dogs, for example.
Doberman do have sufficient intimidation abilities. One of my favorite breeds is the Rottweiler. Nothing worries people more than coming face to face with a Rottweiler. My experience with them is that they’re very calm, and gentle too. I don’t like their short lifespan though. >You are doing the right thing, educating yourself. Don’t make and snap >decisions, a dog is for life, and most dogs that end up in the pound >are a result of uneducated decisions and actions on behalf of the >owners.
Well, I do have time to do some research. I almost feel guilty about looking into this while my Pointer is still healthy, but once a dog gets to this age, time is sort of ticking. Pete — That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
If I may chime in a bit late, that would be my vote, there are too many homeless dogs at shelters and they are usually much healthier than "bred" dogs, especially in this day and age. Do the shelter thing, you can also quite frequently get a purebred at a shelter. If the papers make a difference to you, write em up yourself, they mean about as much anyway. Cheers, Ron – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > When it comes time, I may opt for an animal shelter dog. It’s just > that I think my next dog will probably be my last, so some forethought > about what to get seems logical. > Pete > — > That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
No. Papers aren’t all that important, although I did frame my Pointer’s pedigree. So admittedly, there is a certain amount of amusement involved in having papers. This is the first dog that I’ve ever had where I knew precisely what her birthday is. Which doesn’t get celebrated, I’m just aware of it. My neighbor’s Australian Cattle Dog is a pure bred without papers. He somehow escaped from the breeder as a puppy, and was picked up by the police, and dropped off at a vet. I think that people assume that mixed breeds are healthier, but my family had a mixed breed Springer Spaniel that had health problems for most of his life. The next dog was a mixed breed Shepherd that was very healthy until he was very old. He lived to be 16, which is pretty impressive for a dog that size So there seems to be a lot of erroneous information involved in this kind of matter. Mixed breed dogs IMO, are more of a pot shot than a pure bred. The trick is to do some research, and pick the right breed, and a reputable breeder. But I do agree, that getting a shelter dog is a good idea. Pete – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->If I may chime in a bit late, that would be my vote, there are too many homeless >dogs at shelters and they are usually much healthier than "bred" dogs, especially >in this day and age. Do the shelter thing, you can also quite frequently get a >purebred at a shelter. If the papers make a difference to you, write em up >yourself, they mean about as much anyway. >Cheers, >Ron > When it comes time, I may opt for an animal shelter dog. It’s just > that I think my next dog will probably be my last, so some forethought > about what to get seems logical. > Pete > — > That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
– That’s what’s the deal we’re dealin’ in –FZ
Response:
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