Belgian Shepherd Malinois - Breed Information:
The Malinois is, as you've probably figured out by now, an athletic, drivey, mouthy breed that was never intended to be a companion animal, but rather bred for work (with a special aptitude for bite work at that!), with great competency in field, military, and police work.
All of a sudden we are seeing some unscrupulous breeders selling these dogs as companion animals, touting them as "family pets" and "great watch dogs". Though these dogs are very sensitive, loving, and can be an incredible partner for an experienced dog-parent, they are truly not suitable for most.
We place our Mals very carefully, as the very specific skill set of the breed must be carefully honed as the dogs mature in order to ensure a well trained and manageable adult dog (note: we train all our Mals with Positive Reinforcement training, no pinch or e-collars or correction/aversives, no debunked dominance stuff).
Some folks out there looking to make a quick buck will sell a Mal to anyone. A good Mal breeder will turn just about anyone away who isn't training dogs for military use, police, search and rescue, or already well immersed in competitive dog sport. Please know that most Mals start out "sweet and easy" as puppies, but without an experienced owner working with them, they can easily and quickly become a challenge to live with as they grow into the dogs they were meant to be.
The right owner for a Mal is willing and excited to change their whole life for their new dog, not the other way around, and cherishes the Mal for his true nature and abilities, training to showcase (not stifle) their dog's unique talents and skills. We adore this breed, but are acutely aware of how "difficult" they can be to deal with - an "easy" Mal can be ten times the handful of the most unruly Gshep! Please only adopt a Malinois if you are truly ready, capable, and willing to commit to the time and energy required to work with them.
The Belgian Malinois... Is it right for you?
The Belgian Malinois is not the appropriate choice of a canine companion for everyone. Usually highly active, and agile, with high levels of confidence, tempered with a sensitive nature, makes the Malinois more appropriate for experienced dog owners. The following information is provided to help you familiarize yourself with what owning a Malinois can mean to your lifestyle and family.
article copied from http://www.malinoisrescue.org/belgmalinfo.shtml
click here >> "Is the Belgian Malinois Right for You" (great article!)
History:
One of four breeds, called Belgian Shepherd Varieties in the country where they originated, the Belgian Malinois is named for the township area of Malines Belgium where it was originally valued and bred for it's flock tending abilities. Two World Wars nearly eliminated all four varieties and forever changed the focus of admirers and breeders of this proud, elegant dog. Today, highly valued for its versatility, the Malinois does just about any activity its owner does. Recognized by the AKC in 1959 the Malinois joined the Miscellaneous Class and by 1965 gained full breed status in the Working Group. Today the Malinois is part of the Herding Group created by AKC in 1983.
Appearance:
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized, well-balanced, square dog, with an exceptionally proud carriage of the head and neck. The dog is strong, agile, well-muscled, and alert. It stands squarely on all fours. The whole conformation gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness. Males are 23-27 inches in height, measured at the withers, and weigh 65-75 pounds; females are 21-25 inches and weigh about 50-60 pounds. The coat is comparatively short and straight, with dense undercoat. The hair is somewhat longer around the neck - where it resembles a ridge or collar - and on the tail and the back of the thighs. Color ranges from rich fawn to mahogany, with black overlay, mask and ears.
Grooming:
Malinois are essentially natural dogs and very low-maintenance. Ears, tail, and dew claws are fine as is; no cropping is necessary. Very little grooming is needed; however, Malinois shed profusely twice a year.
Life Expectancy/Medical:
The breed has a life span of approximately 10-12 years. A number of Malinois go grey on the chin at a very early age, sometimes as early as 18 months. These are informally called "frosteds". Do not assume that a dog with a grizzled muzzle is an older animal.
Malinois are quite sensitive to anaesthesia and generally require a smaller dose than is indicated by size and weight.
Hip dysplasia is a potential problem with the Malinois though not currently a significant one. (Of 830 evaluations from 1-1-74 to 1-1-98 6.3% rated dysplastic.)
Temperament:
Intelligent and attentive, the Malinois is known for its trainability, and is being successfully worked in conformation, obedience, schutzhund, ring sport, herding, and tracking. The breed is also increasingly in demand as "sniffing" dogs, locating drugs or bombs at airports and borders.
Typically, Malinois are affectionate with children and other animals. They may tend to be both bossy and protective.
Malinois make excellent pets, but, they are not good kennel dogs. They are very gregarious and need to be an integral part of the family. If bored, a Malinois *will* entertain itself, frequently at its owner's expense.
It is important to remember that these dogs are extremely sensitive. Although frequently mistaken for German Shepherd crosses, Malinois do not respond well to the severe training methods sometimes associated with the GSD. Harsh training can ruin a Malinois.
Activity Level:
Descriptions of all the Belgians include "natural tendency to move in a circle rather than a straight line", and "always in motion". These are busy dogs. They need plenty of exercise and like to have a job to do. A fenced yard is best, but even an outdoor dog tends not to get enough exercise on its own. They need regular walks and play periods. Most Malinois love catching balls and Frisbees. They are impervious to bad weather and make excellent jogging companions. Recommended mileage is up to 35 miles per week. (Don't start running with your dog until it's at least a year old.)
The Transition Period:
When a Malinois is going through transition, he has lost his bond and security. If frightened or feeling stressed the Malinois may be shy, or may react aggressively.
An added variable is the 8-12 month period. During this time some , but not all, Malinois that have been very stable will act inappropriately.
To judge the behavior accurately, you have to know the dog's history and genetic background. When in transition, the Malinois needs time to re-bond in a quiet, secure, and relaxed atmosphere without being put in stressful situations. This usually takes about two months.
Once bonded, the new owners can start to introduce the dog to new situations. After a period of a few months to a year, depending on the background of the dog, you can have a self-confident, devoted, intelligent, stable dog.
Most breeds don't need this kind of handling. Because of their independence and high activity level the Malinois is not for everyone. They like to snap their jaws, and herd everything. They need a soft-spoken voice and a firm hand. From our point of view, the Malinois is not a dog for the first-time dog owner.
A First Time BMal Owner's Experience...
Originally posted to the email list Belg-L, Louise OShaughnessy clarified her observations somewhat in order that we could offer the prospective first time Malinois owner some insight into what being owned by a Belgian Malinois might be like.
http://www.malinoisrescue.org/newmalowner.shtml
My husband and I are newcomers to Belgians, although we've had many dogs over the years, and our Belgian Malinois Big Boy is almost a year old now. Adopted from a local shelter, when he was about 8 weeks old, it's been a memorable year, his super activity level has been a real challenge for us.
We've discovered no previous breed ownership can prepare you for the activity level a Belgian needs for mental and physical health, no prior warnings about the breed can adequately prepare you for the wild ride you're in for when you adopt a Belgian. We've read that the Malinois is the most driven and intense of the Belgian varieties, and that barely begins to describe the intensity with which these dogs live every moment of their lives. They are tremendously physical. Very often playing by running at you and body blocking you with a flying tackle that can knock a full-grown man to the ground. Or sometimes just bumping you in passing, a legacy of their herding heritage. They can also be very mouthy, and it's very important from a young age to teach bite inhibition, as they are tremendously strong, fast and are capable of inflicting unintentional damage, a reason a Belgian might not be suitable for a family with small children. This also is a relic of their herding heritage. Belgians use a lot of physicality to her sheep even to the extent of trying to drag a sheep where the dog wants it to go; our 65 pound Mal will drag our 100 pound Airedale/Samoyed across the yard and back to the house when I call them to come in, and every so often tries to drag me back to the house.
When Big Boy drives us nuts whipping around the house at 80 miles an hour, leaping over furniture, our other dogs, and jumping the cats or digging holes in our bed mattress, we've found that he really needs intensive, highly physical play time with us, and lots of it. Belgian Malinois pups don't do well cooling their heels in outdoor kennels or indoors as couch potatoes, they need to be with their people, and they need to be in motion, they can get frustrated and bored otherwise. They really physiologically need that explosive exercise level to disburse the enormous energy they have. When Big Boy is all wound up, we take him outdoors, have vigorous multi tennis ball fetch or frisbee games, tug games, or a long and interesting walk in our woods, then he'll generally come back indoors and sack out.
The Belgian pup will also enjoy having a job, and you should get him involved in something like agility, flyball or herding, where he can use his considerable energy. If your pup is hyperalert, seems easily distracted by sights and sounds, that's part of the breed too. Our Mal will pick up on the slightest sound, or spot the most minute visual cue that he thinks is strange, it's part and parcel of the herding watchfulness. You can help make your pup less skiddish by exposing it gradually to new sights, new sounds and new people. Socializing it, so it gradually becomes less likely to take every stimulus as a major one that must be dealt with, but providing very vigorous physical activity is the key. When a Belgian has something fun to do, or can play and run like the wind, it's happy, when it doesn't, it finds it's own projects, and that's not always a good thing. But, Belgians are tremendously intelligent, intuitive, sensitive, loyal and loving, characteristics that make the struggles through Belgian puppyhood worthwhile.
Louise & John OShaughnessy , Bentley Creek, Pennsylvania
Big Boy Mal, Argos the Airedale/Samoyed, Tommie the Terrier, Charlie and Casey cats
Preparing for your first adopted Belgian Malligator... um. Malinois.
think twice about leaving your BMal unattended...
Recommendations by Malinois Foster Families
Copied from http://www.malinoisrescue.org/your-first-adopted-malinois.shtml
When querying our foster families for suggestions, for the new owner of an adopted Belgian Malinois, one light hearted reply came back:
Grooming a Malinois? Hose, shampoo, hose, and at least 20 towels.
While the above is intended to be light-hearted it does have a core of truth. The Malinois is possessed of an incredible sense of humor and those with suitable temperament do quite well in the dog sports. It also offers insight into the richly rewarding experience the new owner may have as their newly adopted Malinois becomes comfortable and confident in having finally reached their forever home.
Grooming the Malinois
URBAN LEGEND: The Malinois does not shed or shed's very little. Definitely NOT true!
The Malinois does shed, quite prolifically at least once a year in the Spring and more moderately in the early Fall as they prepare to grow a winter coat. Regular planned grooming can shorten the length of shedding time. Bathing in warm water will also hasten the release of the undercoat, and if your Malinois will tolerate it, blow drying, preferably outside :-) will have much of the undercoat floating away in the wind probably to be used by the local birds to line their nests.
Our suggestions are by no means everything that can be used in grooming, attending the occasional scrapes and cuts or as toys. Instead our lists are suggestions to start you out with the hope that as you become more experienced with your adopted Malinois you will modify or expand as needed.
First Aid Kit
Emergencies should be treated by your Veterinarian
In Case of Automobile Accident or Other Catastrophe
The Malinois can be a highly active and very inquisitive, read "super nosy", which means the owner can discover various scrapes, cuts or other minor physical injuries at any given time. Your veterinarian should be consulted on anything other than minor injuries. However, included in our suggestions for the Malinois owner's First aid kit are some items that can increase your chances of getting your Malinois to the Veternarian, safely, in a true emergency:
Malinois Toys
Short List of Somewhat Malinois Proof Toys
Toys for the Malinois is a tough subject invariably coming up for discussion whenever two or more Malinois owners come together. It is also often the topic of discussion on lists Malinois owners frequent. Malinois have the endearing but irritating habit of disassembling just about any toy on the market. They pop tennis balls, remove appendages, and stuffing, from stuffed toys, in other words they decimate just about any toy they can get their jaws around. This propensity means that your Malinois should be supervised with toys until you discover their particular quirks. A few toys, while not completely Malinois proof, stand out for the ability to last longer then the average toy.
All of a sudden we are seeing some unscrupulous breeders selling these dogs as companion animals, touting them as "family pets" and "great watch dogs". Though these dogs are very sensitive, loving, and can be an incredible partner for an experienced dog-parent, they are truly not suitable for most.
We place our Mals very carefully, as the very specific skill set of the breed must be carefully honed as the dogs mature in order to ensure a well trained and manageable adult dog (note: we train all our Mals with Positive Reinforcement training, no pinch or e-collars or correction/aversives, no debunked dominance stuff).
Some folks out there looking to make a quick buck will sell a Mal to anyone. A good Mal breeder will turn just about anyone away who isn't training dogs for military use, police, search and rescue, or already well immersed in competitive dog sport. Please know that most Mals start out "sweet and easy" as puppies, but without an experienced owner working with them, they can easily and quickly become a challenge to live with as they grow into the dogs they were meant to be.
The right owner for a Mal is willing and excited to change their whole life for their new dog, not the other way around, and cherishes the Mal for his true nature and abilities, training to showcase (not stifle) their dog's unique talents and skills. We adore this breed, but are acutely aware of how "difficult" they can be to deal with - an "easy" Mal can be ten times the handful of the most unruly Gshep! Please only adopt a Malinois if you are truly ready, capable, and willing to commit to the time and energy required to work with them.
The Belgian Malinois... Is it right for you?
The Belgian Malinois is not the appropriate choice of a canine companion for everyone. Usually highly active, and agile, with high levels of confidence, tempered with a sensitive nature, makes the Malinois more appropriate for experienced dog owners. The following information is provided to help you familiarize yourself with what owning a Malinois can mean to your lifestyle and family.
article copied from http://www.malinoisrescue.org/belgmalinfo.shtml
click here >> "Is the Belgian Malinois Right for You" (great article!)
History:
One of four breeds, called Belgian Shepherd Varieties in the country where they originated, the Belgian Malinois is named for the township area of Malines Belgium where it was originally valued and bred for it's flock tending abilities. Two World Wars nearly eliminated all four varieties and forever changed the focus of admirers and breeders of this proud, elegant dog. Today, highly valued for its versatility, the Malinois does just about any activity its owner does. Recognized by the AKC in 1959 the Malinois joined the Miscellaneous Class and by 1965 gained full breed status in the Working Group. Today the Malinois is part of the Herding Group created by AKC in 1983.
Appearance:
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized, well-balanced, square dog, with an exceptionally proud carriage of the head and neck. The dog is strong, agile, well-muscled, and alert. It stands squarely on all fours. The whole conformation gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness. Males are 23-27 inches in height, measured at the withers, and weigh 65-75 pounds; females are 21-25 inches and weigh about 50-60 pounds. The coat is comparatively short and straight, with dense undercoat. The hair is somewhat longer around the neck - where it resembles a ridge or collar - and on the tail and the back of the thighs. Color ranges from rich fawn to mahogany, with black overlay, mask and ears.
Grooming:
Malinois are essentially natural dogs and very low-maintenance. Ears, tail, and dew claws are fine as is; no cropping is necessary. Very little grooming is needed; however, Malinois shed profusely twice a year.
Life Expectancy/Medical:
The breed has a life span of approximately 10-12 years. A number of Malinois go grey on the chin at a very early age, sometimes as early as 18 months. These are informally called "frosteds". Do not assume that a dog with a grizzled muzzle is an older animal.
Malinois are quite sensitive to anaesthesia and generally require a smaller dose than is indicated by size and weight.
Hip dysplasia is a potential problem with the Malinois though not currently a significant one. (Of 830 evaluations from 1-1-74 to 1-1-98 6.3% rated dysplastic.)
Temperament:
Intelligent and attentive, the Malinois is known for its trainability, and is being successfully worked in conformation, obedience, schutzhund, ring sport, herding, and tracking. The breed is also increasingly in demand as "sniffing" dogs, locating drugs or bombs at airports and borders.
Typically, Malinois are affectionate with children and other animals. They may tend to be both bossy and protective.
Malinois make excellent pets, but, they are not good kennel dogs. They are very gregarious and need to be an integral part of the family. If bored, a Malinois *will* entertain itself, frequently at its owner's expense.
It is important to remember that these dogs are extremely sensitive. Although frequently mistaken for German Shepherd crosses, Malinois do not respond well to the severe training methods sometimes associated with the GSD. Harsh training can ruin a Malinois.
Activity Level:
Descriptions of all the Belgians include "natural tendency to move in a circle rather than a straight line", and "always in motion". These are busy dogs. They need plenty of exercise and like to have a job to do. A fenced yard is best, but even an outdoor dog tends not to get enough exercise on its own. They need regular walks and play periods. Most Malinois love catching balls and Frisbees. They are impervious to bad weather and make excellent jogging companions. Recommended mileage is up to 35 miles per week. (Don't start running with your dog until it's at least a year old.)
The Transition Period:
When a Malinois is going through transition, he has lost his bond and security. If frightened or feeling stressed the Malinois may be shy, or may react aggressively.
An added variable is the 8-12 month period. During this time some , but not all, Malinois that have been very stable will act inappropriately.
To judge the behavior accurately, you have to know the dog's history and genetic background. When in transition, the Malinois needs time to re-bond in a quiet, secure, and relaxed atmosphere without being put in stressful situations. This usually takes about two months.
Once bonded, the new owners can start to introduce the dog to new situations. After a period of a few months to a year, depending on the background of the dog, you can have a self-confident, devoted, intelligent, stable dog.
Most breeds don't need this kind of handling. Because of their independence and high activity level the Malinois is not for everyone. They like to snap their jaws, and herd everything. They need a soft-spoken voice and a firm hand. From our point of view, the Malinois is not a dog for the first-time dog owner.
A First Time BMal Owner's Experience...
Originally posted to the email list Belg-L, Louise OShaughnessy clarified her observations somewhat in order that we could offer the prospective first time Malinois owner some insight into what being owned by a Belgian Malinois might be like.
http://www.malinoisrescue.org/newmalowner.shtml
My husband and I are newcomers to Belgians, although we've had many dogs over the years, and our Belgian Malinois Big Boy is almost a year old now. Adopted from a local shelter, when he was about 8 weeks old, it's been a memorable year, his super activity level has been a real challenge for us.
We've discovered no previous breed ownership can prepare you for the activity level a Belgian needs for mental and physical health, no prior warnings about the breed can adequately prepare you for the wild ride you're in for when you adopt a Belgian. We've read that the Malinois is the most driven and intense of the Belgian varieties, and that barely begins to describe the intensity with which these dogs live every moment of their lives. They are tremendously physical. Very often playing by running at you and body blocking you with a flying tackle that can knock a full-grown man to the ground. Or sometimes just bumping you in passing, a legacy of their herding heritage. They can also be very mouthy, and it's very important from a young age to teach bite inhibition, as they are tremendously strong, fast and are capable of inflicting unintentional damage, a reason a Belgian might not be suitable for a family with small children. This also is a relic of their herding heritage. Belgians use a lot of physicality to her sheep even to the extent of trying to drag a sheep where the dog wants it to go; our 65 pound Mal will drag our 100 pound Airedale/Samoyed across the yard and back to the house when I call them to come in, and every so often tries to drag me back to the house.
When Big Boy drives us nuts whipping around the house at 80 miles an hour, leaping over furniture, our other dogs, and jumping the cats or digging holes in our bed mattress, we've found that he really needs intensive, highly physical play time with us, and lots of it. Belgian Malinois pups don't do well cooling their heels in outdoor kennels or indoors as couch potatoes, they need to be with their people, and they need to be in motion, they can get frustrated and bored otherwise. They really physiologically need that explosive exercise level to disburse the enormous energy they have. When Big Boy is all wound up, we take him outdoors, have vigorous multi tennis ball fetch or frisbee games, tug games, or a long and interesting walk in our woods, then he'll generally come back indoors and sack out.
The Belgian pup will also enjoy having a job, and you should get him involved in something like agility, flyball or herding, where he can use his considerable energy. If your pup is hyperalert, seems easily distracted by sights and sounds, that's part of the breed too. Our Mal will pick up on the slightest sound, or spot the most minute visual cue that he thinks is strange, it's part and parcel of the herding watchfulness. You can help make your pup less skiddish by exposing it gradually to new sights, new sounds and new people. Socializing it, so it gradually becomes less likely to take every stimulus as a major one that must be dealt with, but providing very vigorous physical activity is the key. When a Belgian has something fun to do, or can play and run like the wind, it's happy, when it doesn't, it finds it's own projects, and that's not always a good thing. But, Belgians are tremendously intelligent, intuitive, sensitive, loyal and loving, characteristics that make the struggles through Belgian puppyhood worthwhile.
Louise & John OShaughnessy , Bentley Creek, Pennsylvania
Big Boy Mal, Argos the Airedale/Samoyed, Tommie the Terrier, Charlie and Casey cats
Preparing for your first adopted Belgian Malligator... um. Malinois.
think twice about leaving your BMal unattended...
Recommendations by Malinois Foster Families
Copied from http://www.malinoisrescue.org/your-first-adopted-malinois.shtml
When querying our foster families for suggestions, for the new owner of an adopted Belgian Malinois, one light hearted reply came back:
Grooming a Malinois? Hose, shampoo, hose, and at least 20 towels.
- 1st hose didn't make it past the initial grabbing by Malinois and the 20 towels are to dry yourself off after trying to use them on the Malinois.
- For the Malinois or the person?
- Kong and a dressed and ready to rumble decoy.
While the above is intended to be light-hearted it does have a core of truth. The Malinois is possessed of an incredible sense of humor and those with suitable temperament do quite well in the dog sports. It also offers insight into the richly rewarding experience the new owner may have as their newly adopted Malinois becomes comfortable and confident in having finally reached their forever home.
Grooming the Malinois
URBAN LEGEND: The Malinois does not shed or shed's very little. Definitely NOT true!
The Malinois does shed, quite prolifically at least once a year in the Spring and more moderately in the early Fall as they prepare to grow a winter coat. Regular planned grooming can shorten the length of shedding time. Bathing in warm water will also hasten the release of the undercoat, and if your Malinois will tolerate it, blow drying, preferably outside :-) will have much of the undercoat floating away in the wind probably to be used by the local birds to line their nests.
Our suggestions are by no means everything that can be used in grooming, attending the occasional scrapes and cuts or as toys. Instead our lists are suggestions to start you out with the hope that as you become more experienced with your adopted Malinois you will modify or expand as needed.
- Suggested Grooming Supplies
- Ultra Short Coat Types
- Shampoo, Tearless
- Soft Bristled Brush - enhances coat shine
Highly Recommended: The Zoom Groom - Combination Dog Comb, one end medium toothed the other somewhat finer
- * Resco Guillotine type toenail clippers, alternately a Dremel w/sandpaper tubes.
- Plush Coat Types
- Shampoo, Tearless
- Rubber Tipped Pin Brush
- Slicker Brush
- Double Row Rake
- Combination Dog Comb, one end medium toothed the other somewhat finer
Highly Recommended Comb: Medium Furminator Dog Comb - * Resco Guillotine type toenail clippers, alternately a Dremel w/sandpaper tubes.
- Ultra Short Coat Types
First Aid Kit
Emergencies should be treated by your Veterinarian
In Case of Automobile Accident or Other Catastrophe
The Malinois can be a highly active and very inquisitive, read "super nosy", which means the owner can discover various scrapes, cuts or other minor physical injuries at any given time. Your veterinarian should be consulted on anything other than minor injuries. However, included in our suggestions for the Malinois owner's First aid kit are some items that can increase your chances of getting your Malinois to the Veternarian, safely, in a true emergency:
- For Treating Minor Issues
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Ace bandage
- Triple antibiotic cream
- Ice packs (packages of frozen veggies work well in a pinch)
- Gauze pads
- Vet wrap (not for use directly on wound and do not apply too tightly)
- Paper tape
- Betadyne or Novalsan (or other type of wash)
- Pepto-Bismol tablets or Immodium tablets
- Vaseline
- Ipecac syrup (for those critters that like to eat everything especially one's stores of baking chocolate)
- Benadryl on hand, (in case some curious Mal sticks her face in a ground hornets nest or something. If the face starts swelling up enough it's possible breathing could be impaired. You can't OD on benadryl. When this happened to one of my dogs, the vet said to start with 1 benadryl, then keep giving 1 every hour until the swelling was no longer getting worse.
If the dog does start to show signs of trouble breathing, get to the vet immediately.
- Additional Items for Temporary Use in an Emergency
- Sanitary napkins
Foster Home: One of the things that I keep in my doggy first aid kit is sanitary napkins. A nurse that was teaching our Red Cross first aid and CPR classes suggested these. She was referring to things to keep around for people but I did end up using her idea this summer when my Malinois managed to stab himself with a tree branch and had 3 punctures and a long tear on his side. I slapped some sanitary pads I had on hand over the wound (they are clean, thick and very absorbent) and held them in place with an ace bandage. The vet loved the idea and it made her job easier to do the final work of staples and stitches. - Muzzle
Foster Home: Something I have just recently added is a muzzle. I had a boy break a leg once, and he was in such pain he snapped at the neighbor who was helping me get him in the car to the vets.
- Sanitary napkins
Malinois Toys
Short List of Somewhat Malinois Proof Toys
Toys for the Malinois is a tough subject invariably coming up for discussion whenever two or more Malinois owners come together. It is also often the topic of discussion on lists Malinois owners frequent. Malinois have the endearing but irritating habit of disassembling just about any toy on the market. They pop tennis balls, remove appendages, and stuffing, from stuffed toys, in other words they decimate just about any toy they can get their jaws around. This propensity means that your Malinois should be supervised with toys until you discover their particular quirks. A few toys, while not completely Malinois proof, stand out for the ability to last longer then the average toy.
- Jolly balls tend to last a couple of months
- Tightly braided rope tugs, they last a few months, when fibers begin to come loose, toss out
- Jumbo Kong's (watch regularly for breaks in the upper most ball section and discard when it begins to show separation
- LaCrosse balls
- Use a Lunge Whip (think horses here) and tie a piece of heavy lambs wool fabric on the end (supervised play only and your Malinois's good out will insure a longer life)
- CUZ balls