Jean's Home on the Web
Let's connect!
  • Home
  • My Fantasy Books
  • Coming Soon
  • Contact Me

Want a Belgian Malinois?

1/3/2019

5 Comments

 
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. 
Picture
Bodhi sleeping by my desk last month. Also, paper he shredded.
5 Comments
Lori Ferguson link
1/3/2019 03:03:54 pm

When we were researching to purchase a family pet, a dog handler tried very hard to suggest we take the Belgian Malinois she was training. The dog was lovely and so very smart! However, we knew that we weren't able to be as active as a family as that dog would need. I really appreciate your post, as I've always wondered if... perhaps... we should have taken on the dog. :-) (We ended up with a German Shepherd/Lab cross, and had our beloved Katie for 14 years. We still miss her.)

Reply
Jean Lauzier
1/3/2019 04:55:09 pm

They are a wonderful breed but definitely not for every lifestyle. Last night was the first night I've missed our evening walk on 9 months...even if it's raining. And the only reason I missed it last night is cause I'm just getting over a virus/sinus thing of some sort and it was cold and rainy. We had extra playtime inside to make up for it though.

Reply
Theresa link
1/3/2019 04:14:14 pm

Aw, I've never heard of this breed before. What a beautiful and interesting dog!

Reply
Jean
1/3/2019 04:56:22 pm

I love the breed. I read somewhere they are the only breed of dogs the Navy Seals use. I can totally see why. :-)

Reply
internet marketing link
1/11/2019 01:59:59 am

Please share more like that.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Hi, I'm Jean.

    I'm a writer, editor, cat trainer, wife, mom, partner in crime, and crazy dog lady.  

      Signup here!

    Subscribe to Newsletter
    Picture
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Books To Read
    Contest
    Dog Stuff
    Dream Big
    General Stuff
    Plexus Posts
    Publishing
    TED Talks
    Writing Stuff

Proudly powered by Weebly