Some of y'all know I have a Belgian Malinois. His name is Bodhi, but often I call him Heathen or Demon Spawn. It's been an adventure and a pretty sharp learning curve figuring him out but I totally love him and the breed.
Here's the thing...they aren't for everyone. They aren't called Maligators for nothing. They need a job, they bite, they herd, they tend to be very active. Many people say they don't have an off switch but you just have to get them tired...which takes a long time. For example, my dobie girls are couch potatoes. Bodhi, not so much.
I'm not exactly sure when people decided they "had" to have a mal. I know the movie Max had a lot to do with it though. Folks bought cheap mals, started breeding them in their backyard, and sold them to people who hadn't researched the breed and didn't have any clue as to how much work it is to live with a mal.
And that led to a major problem. These owners started getting rid of their puppies cause they were too much to handle, took too much time and energy. Now there is a serious over-abundance of mals showing up at shelters and rescue groups.
And that is where I'm going. If you think you might want a Belgian Malinois, do some research and study the breed and what it requires.
If you decide you can take on a mal, then how about getting a rescue. I'm working with the American Belgian Malinois Rescue and they have some great dogs waiting for forever homes. These dogs have all been vetted and are being fostered so they are house trained, crate trained, have some basic obedience training, and would make an awesome addition to the right home. Check out the above link. Your next dog could be waiting there.
And, if you have a few spare bucks, how about making a donation. These folks are doing an awesome job and every little bit will help. I saw someone say they rescued/rehomed over 100 malinois last year.
Here's the thing...they aren't for everyone. They aren't called Maligators for nothing. They need a job, they bite, they herd, they tend to be very active. Many people say they don't have an off switch but you just have to get them tired...which takes a long time. For example, my dobie girls are couch potatoes. Bodhi, not so much.
I'm not exactly sure when people decided they "had" to have a mal. I know the movie Max had a lot to do with it though. Folks bought cheap mals, started breeding them in their backyard, and sold them to people who hadn't researched the breed and didn't have any clue as to how much work it is to live with a mal.
And that led to a major problem. These owners started getting rid of their puppies cause they were too much to handle, took too much time and energy. Now there is a serious over-abundance of mals showing up at shelters and rescue groups.
And that is where I'm going. If you think you might want a Belgian Malinois, do some research and study the breed and what it requires.
If you decide you can take on a mal, then how about getting a rescue. I'm working with the American Belgian Malinois Rescue and they have some great dogs waiting for forever homes. These dogs have all been vetted and are being fostered so they are house trained, crate trained, have some basic obedience training, and would make an awesome addition to the right home. Check out the above link. Your next dog could be waiting there.
And, if you have a few spare bucks, how about making a donation. These folks are doing an awesome job and every little bit will help. I saw someone say they rescued/rehomed over 100 malinois last year.
Bodhi sleeping by my desk last month. Also, paper he shredded.
