belgian malinois
The Malinois is recognized in the United States under the name Belgian Malinois. [1]
The Belgian Malinois is such an active dog that he will need to spend a lot of time outdoors running and playing. [2]
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. [3]
The Belgian Malinois is a dog that is keen, responsive, and responsible, and although he can be serious much of the time he can also have a very playful and mischievous streak. [4]
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. [3]
The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is a breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. [1]
He has a dense, double coat, which is short, and the coloring of the coat can vary and includes fawn, red, or gray, with a black mask and black tips on the hair. [4]
All four dogs share a breed standard in all countries accept for the AKC who since 1959 recognizes them as separate breeds and does not recognize one of the four (the Laekenois), whereas the UKC, who is also a U.S. registry does recognize all four varieties as one breed. [5]
The coat of the Belgian Malinois is short and straight with a dense undercoat. [2]
The ears approach the shape of an equilateral triangle and are stiff, erect, and in proportion to the head in size. [3]
They are so closely related that, when breeding any two dogs of the same coat colour and length (eg Groenendael), it is possible for puppies of different “breeds” to be in the same litter. [1]
Males are 24 to 26 inches in height; females are 22 to 24 inches; measurement to be taken at the withers. [3]
Malinois can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events, and are one of the most popular breeds used in protection sports such as schutzhund, French Ring, and Mondio Ring. [6]
It is important to give the Malinois plenty of exercise and opportunity to run off all its energy. [...] The hair is short coated, eyes are dark and almond shaped, and ears are erect and alert. [2]
Sources:
[1] Breed information - Belgian Malinois
[2] Belgian Malinois Breed Information & Pictures (Malinois …
[3] American Kennel Club - Belgian Malinois
[4] Belgian Malinois Information, Facts, Pictures, Training and …
[5] Belgian Malinois Information and Pictures
[6] Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Wikipedia, the free …