AKC MEET THE BREEDS® Belgian Malinois One of the four types of Belgian sheepherding dogs, the Belgian Malinois is an alert, high-energy breed, popular as both a police and military working dog. Although sometimes mistaken for the German Shepherd Dog, the Malinois is more elegant in build and lighter-boned, but does not lack for strength, agility or herding ability. Active participants in conformation, obedience, schutzhund, herding, sledding, and tracking, the breed ranges in color from rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs and a black mask and ears.
A Look Back
Developed in the city of Malines, where it got its name, the Malinois shares a common foundation with the Belgian Sheepdog and the Belgian Tervuren. In fact, the Belgian dogs share a breed standard in all countries except the United States. The original breeders prized the Malinois’ working character, and historically, the breed has been the favorite type of Belgian Shepherd in its native country.
Right Breed for You?
Intelligent and trainable, the Belgian Malinois possesses a strong desire to work and is happiest with regular activity and a job to do. A relatively easy keeper due to their medium size and short coat, this confident breed loves their families, but may be somewhat reserved with strangers. They are naturally protective of their owners without being overly aggressive.
If you are considering purchasing a Belgian Malinois puppy, learn more here. * Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1959. * Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. * Sheep herder.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Translation: N.H.C. (Nederlandse Herdershonden Club)
Standard This standard was drawn up and affirmed by the de Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland in cooperation with the breed club of the Dutch Shepherd Dog in the Netherlands (Nederlandse Herdershonden Club) on 08.07.2008.
Origin The Netherlands.
Utilisation
Mostly a family dog. Suitable as a sheepdog, as a tracking dog and as a guide dog for the blind. The Hollandse Herdershond (Dutch Shepherd Dog) can be used for many canine activities.
Classification FCI
Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs
Section 1 Sheepdogs
No working test required
Brief Historical Summary
Originally the main function of the Hollandse Herdershond was that of a shepherd’s dog in the countryside. From early times, the Dutch had an arable culture that was – among other things – maintained by flocks of sheep. The dogs had to keep the flock away from the crops, which they did by patrolling the borders of the road and the fields. They also accompanied the flocks on their way to the common meadows, markets and ports.
At the farm, they kept the hens away from the kitchen garden, they herded the cows together for milking and pulled the milk carts. They also alerted the farmers if strangers entered the farmyard. The Hollandse Herdershond works willingly together with its owner and he deals independently with any task which is assigned to him. When herding larger flocks, he must have the capacity to work together with several other dogs.
Around 1900, sheep flocks had for the greater part disappeared in the Netherlands. The versatile skills of the Hollandse Herdershond made him suitable for dog training, which was then starting to become popular. Thus he started on a new career as a police dog, as a search- and tracking dog and as a guide dog for the blind. He is, however, still capable of herding sheep.
Since 1898 the official interests of the breed have been looked after by the breed association, the Nederlandse Herdershonden Club. The first standard dates from 12 June 1898. This standard was, amongst other publications, published in 1904 in Brussels in Hondenrassen part II by Henri A. Count van Bylandt.
General Apperance
A medium-sized, middle-weighted, well-muscled dog of powerful and well-balanced structure. A dog with lots of endurance. A dog with a lively temperament and an intelligent expression. Depending on the coat, we distinguish the following varieties: short-, long- and wire haired, which three varieties are bred separately.
Temperament
Very loyal and reliable, always alert, watchful, active, independent, with persistence, intelligence, prepared to be obedient and gifted with the true shepherding temperament.
©Nederlandse Herdershonden Club