Been looking at few different dog breeds, considering a Belgian Malinois. Anyone have experience with them? Suggested Colorado breeder?
Thanks
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Been looking at few different dog breeds, considering a Belgian Malinois. Anyone have experience with them? Suggested Colorado breeder?
Thanks
I used to have a Belgian Tervuren, awesome dog. Tervurens are just the long haired version of a Malinois.
I was a K9 in the military so I trained and patrolled with one for four years.
They have a wide variety of personalities and temperaments. Some are smart, some are meatheads. I had one eat a seatbelt in my patrol vehicle. Some are playful, some would love to chew your face off. All of them can turn it on when they have to and unleash some whoop ass. Very athletic animals. Fast and powerful. I worked with a 55 pounder that could hit you harder than the 85 pounders. Lots of energy, sometimes too much.
I used to train Schutzhund dogs - many many years ago. Mallinois are great dogs, very smart and attentive. Just be sure you are prepared for what you are getting into. These dogs need LOTS of activity to keep them happy. These are not dogs that will just lounge around every day and be content. They need something to do - or they will find something to do. 9/10 times you will not be happy with whatever it is they find to do on their own. Good rule of thumb, unless you are working them constantly (Schutzhund, Agility, etc.) you need to be running them several miles a day.
I thought I say a sign about a breeder outside of Kiowa on the way to Ben Lomand.
I've seen some of the smaller ones turn more than one bad guy into a happy meal....with extreme prejudice.
Nice pups, HIGH Maintenance, very high. if you don't have time to exercise daily, i sugest you invest in steel / wrought iron furniture.
Michael Vick was in the headlines today for getting one, so should be pretty popular now.
When I "played" cop for the USAF (not my career field, just a long term augmentee), I was "wrap certified" and worked exclusively with Belgians. Fierce, loyal, trainable, and pack a heck of a bite grip. I want one myself.
Malinois are very clever, and grow bored easily. They're fantastically loyal, but they demand your attention and require things to keep their attention. I love them, but can't have them because I don't have the room or time to be able to devote to them.
What other type of breeds are you considering?
Lol, yeah those dogs are quite powerful. Those were the ones they 'used' on us at SERE school. Very impressive breed.
If driving by there again and there's a ph# on the sign, please post it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lurch
German ShepherdQuote:
Originally Posted by TheGrey
I was considering a Belgian when we got our GSD, but I was told they require more exercise than a GSD, which requires an awful lot.
My GSD gets plenty of exercise though with 5 kids and a Jack Russell :-)
They are great dogs that need a GREAT deal of stimulation and exercise. They are smart and need to be challenged.
They are Military and Police dogs.
My wife and I were very active in the Schutzhund sport for years. Our passion was with GSD's primarily, but we trained with several Malinois. I will echo the same said earlier in this thread.... Very High Energy, Extremely trainable, Smart, Sharp, and High Drive. They are a fantastic breed, but need constant excersize and training. I'm sure you've read up on the breed, but try and spend some time with a couple Malinois' before you commit to one. Just make sure its the right breed for your household. :)
Suggest a GSD or Malinois breeder.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandit4142
I do want to spend some time around a couple before comitting.
My brother in law has Karelian Bear dog, it's definitely a high energy, task oriented breed. Gives us somewhat of a taste of what a Malinois may be like.
I'm going to do my best to help, but understand, my wife and I have been out of the GSD / Malinios sports for a couple years now. :) That being said, let's start with GSD's. My wife suggests you email Connie Williams, she is the organizer / caretaker / owner of Central Colorado German Sheperd Rescue. My wife volunteers at the rescue and is a friend of Connie's. Connie is an EXCEPTIONAL authority on GSD's both German & American working and show lines. BUT she is retired, and she can be ...... let's say..... a very, very strong personality to deal with! If you understand what I mean. But she will know who the "Better/Best" Breeders of GSD's will be here in Colorado based on what you are looking for. If she can't answer your questions, she will know who you should talk to without question. Here is a link to her website: http://www.gsdrcolorado.com/ My best buddy, Gunner, was a dog that we originally fostered for the Rescue, and I decided to keep him (his name was Rusty on her website of adopted dogs). Anyhow, emailing Connie is probably the simplest best advice I can give you for direction on German Sheperds. Email is: GSDRcolorado@gmail.com **For the record, don't bring up Malinios with her.... she's a hardcore GSD person. :p***
Ok, on to Malinios.
I can't be very helpful. We never dealt with puppies or breeders, we only dealt with adult / titled dogs thru various importers from overseas. Her recomendation was to call a couple Denver Schutzhund clubs and get their recommendations for breeders. The only other comment I'll make is, once again, if you haven't trained or worked with a "high-drive" dog like a Malinios before, it may not be the best choice. Don't get me wrong they are absolutely fantastic dogs, but not one I'd recommend for someone who's looking for a typical "pet". :)