any Local belgian Malinois puppies anyone knows of?

Gman, I hate to say it, but I'd bet that that may be true... Kazoo, what i'm aiming for is to be able to not be away from home for more than 8 hours twice a week. i would be the primary caretaker as my wife has a much busier and time demanding career than i do. i am seeing an overwhelming pattern of opinions and info here that shows that even the amount of time I'm shooting for may be insufficient. I think i will take more time to figure out if this is in fact the breed for me. I do sincerely appreciate all of your advice! Please continue to share more experiences with and about Malinois as i'm sure i am not the only one thinking about this. hopefully it will help people make an informed choice as to whether or not this breed will work as a part of their families or not.

I have a general question about working/sporting dogs I've always wanted to ask. Does having a lot of land make up for giving them something to do all the time? For example, I wouldn't feel as bad for the days I don't get to walk my dog if we lived on 50+ acres. How much does space to roam matter for a dog like this?

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Originally Posted by Irving

I have a general question about working/sporting dogs I've always wanted to ask. Does having a lot of land make up for giving them something to do all the time? For example, I wouldn't feel as bad for the days I don't get to walk my dog if we lived on 50+ acres. How much does space to roam matter for a dog like this?

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Depends how easy it is for them to jump the fence. Having a large area to run doesn't always equate to them staying put. While out at the daughters boyfriends place, 5 fenced acres. It took 30 minutes tops before our dogs managed to find the weakness in the fence line. They were gone 1-2 hours before their domesticated stomachs got the better of them.

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Originally Posted by Ianski

Gman, I hate to say it, but I'd bet that that may be true... Kazoo, what i'm aiming for is to be able to not be away from home for more than 8 hours twice a week. i would be the primary caretaker as my wife has a much busier and time demanding career than i do. i am seeing an overwhelming pattern of opinions and info here that shows that even the amount of time I'm shooting for may be insufficient. I think i will take more time to figure out if this is in fact the breed for me. I do sincerely appreciate all of your advice! Please continue to share more experiences with and about Malinois as i'm sure i am not the only one thinking about this. hopefully it will help people make an informed choice as to whether or not this breed will work as a part of their families or not.

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Here's Option B. Consider becoming a foster family for one.
http://belgianmalinois.rescueme.org/Colorado

There's a few needing good homes, as with any breed. If this place is like other rescue's, they do not allow you to adopt the dog you foster. It will give you & your family time to work with one, yet not be locked in to a dog you might need to find a home for it it didn't work out. We're probably in the minority when it comes to dogs. We have an issue with pure breed vs mixed when looking to give one a home. YMMV

Although the Malinois is a great dog it is a stubborn dog also, you may want to think about a German Shepard, they rank in the top 5 when it comes to brain power. I have a year and a half GSD and this dog does everything I ask with a little training. She pheasant hunts, with a soft mouth and will take you down if needed also. She is not a pointer but she will flush and stay close to you when tracking I use her in any tracking that I need. You can get this type of dog with many breading instinct a home pet, security work, attack, cattle, or other uses. A GSD in most cases need to be trained to do most of the jobs they do learn, in any case, no madder what you get learn how to test a puppy before you by it for your needs and its health.

Neighbors have a Malinois, they are experienced dog owners, Lady works at home, Two teens and two other dogs. Crazy Malinois has destroyed two couches and the back yard chasing Squirrels. He is fixed and keeps trying to screw the male Labrador. He is well mannered to stay in the fenced front yard, and not jump on people etc. I have never seen that dog lay down and rest or relax.
Our Doberman and Ridge back can handle playing with him for about a half hour, then their done.

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Originally Posted by earplug

He is fixed and keeps trying to screw the male Labrador.

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That's because he is a Flemish Belgian malinois.....

I'd also recommend going with the GSD. Intelligent, trainable, great member of the family unit, but not hyper-kinetic.

I know a German Sheppard breeder if you decide to go that route. Just had a litter around Christmas. Not sure when he will be breeding next.

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Originally Posted by ruthabagah

That's because he is a Flemish Belgian malinois.....

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Now that is funny! [LOL]