Jump to content

Malinois dog: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
moved around some information to a more appropriate section; rm poor quality image
No edit summary
 
(18 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
#REDIRECT [[Belgian Shepherd#Malinois]]
{{short description|Breed of dog}}

{{merge to|Belgian Shepherd|discuss=Talk:Belgian Shepherd#Merger proposal: Variety pages|date=November 2020}}
{{Rcat shell|
{{Infobox dog breed 2
{{R from merge}}
|name = Belgian Malinois
{{R from subtopic}}
|image = File:Female Malinois 2005-01-29.jpg
{{r to section}}
|image_alt =
{{R with Wikidata item}}
|image_caption =
{{DEFAULTSORT:Malinois}}
|altname = Malinois, Chien De Berger Belge, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder, Mechelse Scheper, Pastor Belga Malinois, Mechelse schaper
|nickname =
|country = [[Belgium]]
|patronage =
<!-----Traits----->
|weight =
|maleweight = {{convert|25|-|30|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name="FCI">{{cite web|url=http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/015g01-en.pdf |publisher=FCI |accessdate=18 August 2016 |title=Belgian Shepherd Dog |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Y9JFO0dV?url=http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/015g01-en.pdf |archivedate=29 April 2015 |df= }}</ref>
|femaleweight = {{convert|22|-|25|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name="FCI" />
|height =
|maleheight = {{convert|61|-|66|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|femaleheight = {{convert|56|-|61|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|coat = short
|colour = fawn<br />mahogany<br />black
|litter_size =
|life_span = 10–15 years
<!-----Kennel club standards----->
| kc_name = [[Société Royale Saint-Hubert]]
| kc_std = https://www.srsh.be/les-races/details-de-la-race/bid/57f5ca7d-4ee9-e611-80fb-e0071b6e3551
|fcistd = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/015g01-en.pdf
|notrecognized =
|extinct =
<!-----Notes----->
|note =
}}
}}
The '''Malinois''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|æ|l|ᵻ|n|w|ɑː}}; {{IPA-fr|malinwa|lang}}) is a variety of the [[Belgian Shepherd]] that is sometimes classified as an independent [[dog breed|breed]]. The name ''Malinois'' is derived from ''Malines'', the [[Belgian French|French]] name for the breed's [[Flemish]] city of origin, [[Mechelen]].<ref>Contemporary [[English language|English]] speakers refer to the city by its [[Dutch language|Dutch]] name, Mechelen. The city is located in [[Flanders]], the [[Flemish|Dutch-speaking]] northern portion of Belgium. Belgium has [[languages of Belgium|three official languages]].</ref>

The breed is used as a [[working dog]] for tasks including [[detection dog|detection]] of odors such as explosives, [[accelerant]]s (for arson investigation), and narcotics; [[tracking (dog)|tracking]] humans for suspect apprehension in police work; and [[search and rescue dog|search and rescue]] missions. The [[United States Secret Service|U.S. Secret Service]] uses Belgian Malinois to guard the grounds of the [[White House]].<ref>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/22/us/white-house-security-mulls-tourist-screens.html?_r=0
|title = White House May Check Tourists Blocks Away
|last = Schmidt
|first = Michael S.
|date = September 21, 2014
|website = The New York Times
|accessdate = September 22, 2014
|quote = At all times, there are several muzzled Belgian Malinois on the White House grounds, officials said.
}}</ref>

==Appearance==
The Malinois is a medium-to-large and square-proportioned dog in the [[herding dog|sheepdog]] family. The Malinois has a short mahogany coat with black markings. It has black erect ears and a black muzzle. It has a square build in comparison to the [[German Shepherd]].<ref name="akc.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois/ |title=Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Information |publisher=American Kennel Club |accessdate=17 February 2019}}</ref>

===Coat and colour ===
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2015}}

Due to its history as a working dog (i.e., being bred for function over form), the Malinois can vary greatly in appearance. The acceptable colours of pure-bred Malinois are a base colour fawn to mahogany and tan with a [[melanistic mask|black mask]] and black ears with some degree of black tipping on the hairs, giving an overlay appearance. The colour tends to be lighter with less black agouti or overlay on the dog's underside, breeching, and inner leg. White markings are also allowed on the tips of the toes and the chest. A Belgian malinois may have a longer and darker hair coat than the typical malinois, but may still be referred to as a Belgian malinois.

The other varieties of Belgian Shepherd are distinguished by their coats and colours: the [[Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)|Tervuren]] is the same colour as the Malinois but has long hair, the wire-coated [[Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)|Laekenois]] is fawn and lacks the black mask and ears, and the [[Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)|Groenendael]] (registered as Belgian Sheepdog by the American Kennel Club) has long hair and is solid black. When the Malinois was first bred, the four breeds would usually be cross bred; this would result in Malinois with longer hair, or even a darker coat. Today the four breeds are considered different breeds.

===Size===
Males are about {{convert|61|-|66|cm|in|abbr=on}}, while females are about {{convert|56|-|61|cm|in|abbr=on}} at the [[withers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=5112 |title=Breed Standard |publisher=The Kennel Club |accessdate=13 November 2015}}</ref> Female Malinois average {{convert|20|-|25|kg|lb|abbr=on}}; males are heavier at {{convert|25|-|30|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="FCI" />

<gallery widths="150" heights="200">
File:Belgian Malinois 01.jpg|A Malinois with a black mask
File:Belgian Malinois Male Puppy.jpg|A four-month-old male Belgian Malinois
</gallery>

==Temperament==
Well-raised and trained Malinois are usually active, intelligent,<ref name = "BSDCC">{{cite web|url=http://www.bsdcc.org/faq.html |title= Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Canada |accessdate=2011-05-07}}</ref><ref name = "ABMC faq"/><ref name = Northern/> friendly,<ref name = BSDCC/> protective,<ref name = "ABMC faq"/> alert, and hard-working. Belgian Malinois exhibit energy levels that are among the highest of all dog breeds. A typical Malinois will have puppy-like energy until the age of three, though it is not uncommon for them to exhibit this energy level until the age of five. Many have excessively high [[prey drive]]. Some may be excessively exuberant or playful, especially when young.<ref name = BSDCC/><ref name = "ABMC faq"/>

They can be destructive or develop neurotic behaviours if not provided enough stimulation and exercise. This often causes problems for owners who are unfamiliar with the breed and are not prepared to provide the exercise they require or a job for them to do. They are medium-sized, strong dogs that require consistent obedience training, and enjoy being challenged with new tasks. They are known to be very easy to train, due to their high drive for rewards.<ref name = BSDCC/><ref name = "ABMC faq"/>

==Working dog==
[[File:US Navy 070507-N-9818V-160 A chief master-at-arms, attached to Naval Security Force, K-9 Unit, trains with his Belgian Malinois, in a detection proficient trail and training.jpg|thumb|upright|A Belgian Malinois working with US Naval Security]]

In Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries, as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong, the Malinois is bred primarily as a [[working dog]] for personal protection, [[detection dog|detection]], [[police dog|police work]], [[Search and rescue dog|search and rescue]], and sport work like [[Schutzhund]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://scottsk9.com/faqs/|title=Frequently Asked Questions FAQs |publisher=Scott's Police K9 LLC Protection Dogs |language=en-US |accessdate=2018-05-19}}</ref> The [[United States Secret Service]] and [[Royal Australian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airforce.gov.au/Technology/Combat-Support-Capability/Military-Working-Dogs/?RAAF-cW6sWLIlexAaxFuK+knX8rhpHBcC0DCO|title=Military working dogs|accessdate=27 October 2014}}</ref> use the breed along with other working lines such as [[Dutch Shepherd]], and also GSD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/kids/inside/html/spring98-3.html |title=The U.S. Secret Service Today |publisher= [[National Archives and Records Administration]] |date= |accessdate=2011-05-07| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609124447/http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/kids/inside/html/spring98-3.html| archivedate= 9 June 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gopetsamerica.com/belgian-malinois/belgian-malinois.aspx |title=Belgian Malinois Dog Breed |publisher=GoPetsAmerica.com |date= |accessdate=2011-05-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KMysiHydkQ0C&pg=PA189&lpg=PA189&dq=secret+service+malinois&source=web&ots=6uBwYPgDEK&sig=o-_F7YRefOk91aQ2U05RzjT8dsc#PPA191,M1 |title=The Secret Service: the Hidden History of an Enigmatic Agency |page= 189| first=Philip H. | last= Melanson | publisher= [[Basic Books]] (via [[Google Books]]) |year= 2005 |isbn=0-7867-1617-7 |accessdate=2011-05-07}}</ref> In the [[United States Armed Forces]], German shepherds lead the way, but close behind follows the Belgian Malinois.<ref>{{cite web| title= How 'Super Dogs' aid Navy SEALS | url= http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/188886/14/How-Super-Dogs-aid-Navy-SEALS | date= May 7, 2011 | publisher= [[WKYC]] | accessdate=2011-05-07}}</ref>

In [[India]], the [[ITBP]] and [[National Security Guard]] (NSG) commando unit have inducted Malinois breed into its K-9 unit.<ref>{{cite web| title=NSG inducts dog breed that sniffed out Osama Bin Laden&#039;s hideout in Pakistan | url= http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-nsg-inducts-dog-breed-that-sniffed-out-osama-bin-laden-s-hideout-in-pakistan-2029271 | date= October 26, 2014}}</ref>

Malinois dogs are used by the [[Oketz Unit|Oketz]], the K-9 unit of the [[Israel Defense Forces]]. Malinois are a suitable size to be picked up by their handlers when required, while still being large enough to control human aggressors.

Belgian Malinois have also been called a "game changer" in the fight against rhino poaching in South Africa's [[Kruger National Park]], where one dog, [[K9 Killer]], has been responsible for more than 100 arrests.<ref>{{cite web| title= Anti-poaching dogs a game-changer for Kruger | url= http://www.defenceweb.co.za/mobilesite/defenceweb/home/item_id-47283/}}</ref>

==Activities==
[[File:U.S. Air Force military working dog Jackson sits on a U.S. Army M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle before heading out on a mission in Kahn Bani Sahd, Iraq, Feb. 13, 2007.jpg|right|thumb|A U.S. Air Force Belgian Malinois atop an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Iraq in 2007]]
Malinois can compete in [[dog agility]] trials and in [[dock diving]], [[flyball]], [[herding]], [[obedience training|obedience]], [[Dog showmanship|showmanship]], and [[tracking (dog)|tracking]] events, and are one of the most popular breeds used in protection sports such as the [[Schutzhund]]. In America, herding is a popular activity.

[[Herding]] instincts can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. In 2011, the [[American Kennel Club|AKC]] awarded 39 new herding titles to Belgian Malinois.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://images.akc.org/pdf/events/2011AnnualStatistics.pdf|publisher=[[American Kennel Club|AKC]] |title=Events: Annual Statistics|date=2011}}</ref><ref name="Hartnagle-Taylor and Ty Taylor">{{cite book|first1 = Jeanne Joy | last1 = Hartnagle-Taylor | first2 = Ty | last2 = Taylor |year = 2010|title=Stockdog Savvy|publisher=Alpine Publications|isbn=978-1-57779-106-5|pages=|chapter=}}</ref>

==Health==
The average lifespan of the Belgian Malinois is 10–12 years.<ref name = "ABMC faq">{{cite web|url=http://www.malinoisclub.com/abmc/about-the-malinois/faqs |title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=MalinoisClub.com |accessdate=2011-05-07}}</ref> Notable health problems prevalent to the Malinois include [[cataracts]],<ref name = Northern>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbsdc.co.uk/bsd.htm |title=About Belgian Shepherd Dogs |publisher=Northern Belgian Shepherd Dog Club |date=2004-01-01 |accessdate=2011-05-07}}</ref> [[epilepsy]],<ref name = Northern/><ref name = "BSDCC faq">{{cite web|url=http://www.bsdcc.org/health.html |title= Health and Temperament |publisher= The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Canada |accessdate=2011-05-07}}</ref> [[thyroid disease]], [[progressive retinal atrophy]], and [[hip dysplasia (canine)|hip dysplasia]].<ref name = "ABMC faq"/><ref name = Northern/>

==Notable dogs==
<!-- Don't add fictional dogs (especially animated) unless they meet a strict standard of notability -->

=== Dickin Medal recipients ===
Awarded the [[Dickin Medal]] for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict
* [[Diesel (dog)|Diesel]]
* [[Mali (dog)|Mali]]
* [[Kuga (dog)|Kuga]]

===PDSA Gold medal recipients===
Awarded the [[PDSA Gold Medal]] for animal bravery:
* [[K9 Killer]]

===Other===
* [[United States presidential pets#King Tut|King Tut]], US president [[Herbert Hoover]]'s "Belgian police dog" (Malinois)<ref>{{cite web |title=The First Family's Pets |url=https://hoover.archives.gov/hoovers/first-familys-pets |publisher=The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum |language=en |date=8 May 2017 |accessdate=2 March 2019}}</ref> was prominently featured during his [[1928 United States presidential election|1928 election campaign]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Herbert Hoover's Dog King Tut |url=http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/pets/tut-hoover/ |publisher=Presidential Pet Museum |date=22 July 2013 |accessdate=2 March 2019}}</ref>
* In 2019, a male Belgian Malinois, [[Conan (dog)|Conan]], was used during the [[Barisha raid]] to chase [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/great-job-trump-tweets-image-of-belgian-malinois-that-chased-down-baghdadi|title=Trump declassifies photo of heroic Belgian Malinois dog who chased down Baghdadi|website=Washington Examiner|date=28 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pentagon releases first images from raid that killed ISIS leader |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/30/politics/pentagon-baghdadi-raid-video/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=31 October 2019|accessdate=31 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hero dog Conan in Baghdadi raid to visit White House, Trump says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/31/politics/conan-dog-baghdadi-raid-trump-white-house/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=31 October 2019 |accessdate=31 October 2019}}</ref>
* Lucas, a Belgian Malinois working as a K9, saved a Mississippi Sheriff Deputy's life in 2015. Deputy Todd Frazier had approached a vehicle parked at a rest stop when he was ambushed by the driver and two other men who cut him with a box cutter, choked him, and began dragging him off toward the woods. He was able to activate the door release remotely, releasing Lucas. The dog attacked the men, who fled the scene.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-dog-saves-partners-life-after-ambush-attack-in-mississippi-woods "Police dog saves partner's life after ambush attack in Mississippi woods"]. May 3, 2016. Fox News. Retrieved 30 December 2019.</ref>
*In 2011, [[United States Navy SEALs]] used a Belgian Malinois [[Dogs in warfare|war dog]] named "Cairo" in [[Operation Neptune Spear]], in which [[Death of Osama bin Laden|Osama bin Laden]] was killed.<ref name=seal>{{cite web|last=Viegas |first=Jennifer |title=A U.S. Navy Seals' Secret Weapon: Elite Dog Team |url=http://news.discovery.com/animals/a-us-navy-seals-secret-weapon-elite-dog-team-110503.html |publisher=Discovery.com |date=2 May 2011 |accessdate=5 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611175321/http://news.discovery.com/animals/a-us-navy-seals-secret-weapon-elite-dog-team-110503.html |archivedate=11 June 2011 |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref><ref name=dogname>{{cite news|last=Brammer |first=Jack |title=Obama thanks special forces for daring bin Laden raid |url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mobile/?type=story&id=2014986679& |newspaper=Seattle Times |date=7 May 2011 |author2=Steven Thomma |accessdate=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918103605/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mobile/?type=story&id=2014986679& |archivedate=18 September 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/05/belgian-malinois-dog-osama-bin-laden_n_858050.html |title=Belgian Malinois: The Dog That Took Down Osama Bin Laden? |work=[[Huffington Post]] |date= May 5, 2011 |accessdate=2011-05-07| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110506124442/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/05/belgian-malinois-dog-osama-bin-laden_n_858050.html| archivedate= 6 May 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| url-status=live}}</ref>
*In 2014, two Belgian Malinois dogs, Jordan and Hurricane, were used to stop a man who jumped over a fence at [[1600 Pennsylvania Avenue]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/24/us/k-9-agents-lift-spirits-of-the-secret-service-with-heroics-at-the-white-house.html|title=K-9 'Agents' Lift Spirits of the Secret Service With Heroics at the White House|website=The New York Times|date=23 October 2014}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
===Literature===
* Kane, the co-star of [[James Rollins]] and [[Grant Blackwood]]'s [[James Rollins#Tucker Wayne Series .28with Grant Blackwood.29|Tucker Wayne]] series, is a Belgian Malinois.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Kill Switch |first=James |last=Rollins |first2=Grant |last2=Blackwood |url=http://www.blackfive.net/main/2014/05/book-review-the-kill-switch.html |date=2014}}</ref>
* Billie, the four-year-old black Belgian Malinois partner of Detective Reed Mattox in the "Reed and Billie" series by Dustin Stevens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dustinstevens.com/|title=Dustin Steven &#124; Best Selling Author}}</ref>

===Television===
* The American science fiction crime drama [[television series]] ''[[Person of Interest (TV series)|Person of Interest]]'' features a Malinois named Bear as a regular cast member.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Dog Actors|url=http://dogactors.com/2012/bear-person-of-interest-tv-series/ |title=Bear – ''Person of Interest'' (TV Series) |date=2012}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |first=Jeanne Joy |last=Hartnagle-Taylor |first2=Ty |last2=Taylor |year=2010 |title=Stockdog Savvy |publisher=Alpine Publications |isbn=978-1-57779-106-5}}
* {{cite book |author=Kaldenbach, Jan |title=The Malinois |date=June 15, 1997 |publisher= Detselig Enterprises |edition=1st (paperback) |isbn=1-55059-151-7}}
* {{cite book |author=Linzy, Jan |title=Belgian Malinois Champions, 1996–2002 |date=October 2003 |publisher= Camino E E & Book Co. |isbn=1-55893-126-0}}
* {{cite book |author=Pollet, Robert |title=Belgian Malinois |date=September 1, 2005 |publisher=Kennel Club Books |isbn=1-59378-650-6}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Belgian Shepherd Malinois}}
<!-- DO NOT ADD PRIVATE BREEDERS OR ADVERTISING; IT WILL BE REMOVED -->
<!-- Editors: breed registry, club, rescue, and kennel information links are placed on DMOZ, not here -->
* {{curlie|Recreation/Pets/Dogs/Breeds/Herding_Group/Belgian_Malinois/}}

{{Pastoral dogs}}
{{Belgian dogs}}


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in Belgium]]
[[Category:Herding dogs]]

Latest revision as of 22:10, 6 March 2024

Redirect to:

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Malinois_dog&oldid=1212252154"