Belgian Malinois is an interesting breed with a rich history that can be traced back to farms and world wars as well as military activities these days. The Malinois through its intelligence, quickness, and its undying loyalty has evolved out of these modest hiding areas in Belgium into one of the most requested working dogs all over the world in policing, the military and security.
This paper discusses the history of Belgian Malinois, its origins, growth and overall evolution into the multi-purpose, loyal breed of today.
Origins of the Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois descended in the late 19th century in Belgium, in the city of Mechelen (or Malines in French). The Belgian farmers had used local shepherd dogs and developed this breed to have a multi-purpose working partner. These dogs had the responsibility of guarding farms, pulling carts, herding livestock, keeping track of small flocks of sheep, goats, geese, and ducks.
Belgian farms were small (usually between one and twenty acres), and the Malinois did not have to cover a lot of ground. Rather it learned the art of not using fences in herding-not working with fences, but rather by instinct, to keep the animals together. The breed was also very close to their owners building deep emotional connections and exhibited vigilance at all times.
Attachment and Intelligence
The other peculiar characteristic of the Belgian Malinois is that it is immensely attached to its owner. Numerous owners of Malinois refer to their dogs as shadows and this is because they follow them everywhere, including the bathroom. This bonding is accompanied by a high rate of intelligence and a sense of humor. Malinois have acquired a reputation of opening doors, figuring out solutions to challenges and entertaining themselves in an inventive manner.
These features lead them to be not only reliable farm hands, but also loving family members.
Part of the Belgian Herding Dog Family
The Malinois is part of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds, the others being the Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael), Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Laekenois. Though these breeds have alike body frames, they vary on coat withstand, texture, and color. Each variety was named after the area in which it was developed.
These four, however, still are referred to as a single variety in Europe—Belgian Shepherds—but in the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) elevated them to individual breeds status, once in 1959.
Arrival in the United States
Belgian Sheepdogs as well as Belgian Malinois first came to the U.S. in 1911. The onset of World War II put a stop forcing them into extinction due to lack of any further imports. In 1959, because few were registered, the Malinois was listed in the Miscellaneous Class of AKC.
The need to revive interest in the breed came about in the 1960s and the Malinois were once again set to their competitive levels, and branched out to Herding Group in 1983.
Rise in Popularity
With spreading information about Belgian Malinois, more individuals started to admire its athleticism, intelligence, and capability to work in different situations. Owners started to compete in breed in dog activities such as agility, obedience, herding and tracking.
But the high energy level and intelligence of the breed imply that they are better suited to owners with experience in animal training, the ability to impose structure, and time to ensure they get enough exercise.
The Belgian Malinois in Police and Military Work
It could also be argued that the most well-known chapter in the history of Belgium Malinois dogs was its evolution into a highly trained working dog for national police and military forces throughout the world. The Malinois is agile, muscular, and fearless, and has acted as a messenger dog, ambulance dog, even machine gun carrier in World War I.
The breed is used today, not only in search and rescue, scent detection, but in also protection matters. Its small stature and fast feet make it ideal to use in elite military work- most notably a Malinois called Cairo was deployed on the U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six campaign that arrested Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
The Modern Belgian Malinois
The Malinois remains extraordinary in various activities in the 21st century. Whether it is working with the police, competing in canine competition, protecting an estate, or being a loving family companion, the breed continues to be a dog that represents both power, brains, and commitment.
Its working drive attracts many when it comes to owning a pet, but potential owners must know that the Malinois is not a low maintenance pet. Lacking mental and physical stimulation, this problem-solving breed will make its own ways of engaging itself, which could be interested in destruction.
The Belgian Malinois history is a representation of a dog that has evolved and risen regardless of the times it has dared and the tasks it has performed. Being both extremely versatile and loyal the Malinois has become one of the most used and valued breeds in the entire world, resurfacing in such spheres of life as the small farms in Belgium and up to modern military engagements. Be it as a shepherd or guarding communities or even as a comrade of soldiers, the Belgian Malinois will forever be a partner and a true friend.
