The “perfect shepherd dog,” may not be whom you expect.

Lovable and extremely intelligent: The Malinois is the perfect family companion.

Originally bred in the city of Maline, Belgium, the malinois was meant to be the “perfect shepherd dog.” Now their popularity has grown as a wonderful guard dog and are often trained for the military and police. This is because they are able to preform complex tasks and work well under pressure. If you are deciding whether or not to adopt a Malinois or “Mal” as they are often called there are a few things you should consider.

Herding

Malinois were trained in Belgium to help shepherds herd sheep and other livestock but quickly became the protector of the home because they are fiercely defensive of their family. There are however, still some traits of herding that has helped the breed become so popular.

Their teeth are scissor-like and perfect for fighting off possible predators like wolves. They are also relatively light for their size. Because of this they are able to move quickly with the herds and keep them orderly.

Protector

While this dog was originally bred for herding, it can be incredibly protective for its pack. When you decide to adopt a Malinois, be sure to give clear and precise commands when training. This will help them understand when some one is a friend and when some one is a threat. The owner of a Malinios must understand that training is paramount if they want to have a content pet and a secure home.

You should also make sure your dog understands that you are the alpha in the pack. If you do not do so immediately the dog may become uncontrollable. Be sure to teach everyone in the family the commands you are using during training. This way the dog will understand he or she must respect each member of the family.

Adaptable

Unlike its cousin the German shepherd, Malinois dogs can live anywhere from a large farm to a small apartment as long as they are exposed to plenty of exercise and activities. If you live in a small home or apartment be sure to give your dog a long walk at least twice a day or play a vigorous game of fetch. This will help them have a healthy weight, normal amount of energy, and they will more than happy to curl up next to you and watch a movie once you get home.

They can also adapt well to being a wonderful pet for a family as long as they are very well socialized starting from eight weeks. They can become territorial and anxious around others if not properly socialized. Try to show your dog as many different types of other dogs and humans as possible so they will not feel threatened when meeting a new friend.

Sources:

http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois/

http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/belgian-malinois/