Perhaps the least known variety of the Belgian sheepdog in America today is the Malinois. The Malinois is named for the town of Malines from which it originated and is sometimes referred to as the Mechlin. He possesses the same wonderful qualities which have inspired such great works as ‘Our Friend the Dog` written by the famed Belgian poet—Maeterlinck, who used a Belgian sheepdog as his incentive.

These line qualities of devotion and intelligence are embodied in an elegant compact body of shorthaired fawn and black. The fawn may range from biscuit tan to a deep mahogany tipped with flecks of black. He has a black mask and his ears and tail are dominated by black.

Aside from his striking appearance, the most outstanding quality is his extreme intelligence and ‘trainability’ with which they nose out all other breeds in obedience trials all over the nation. The percent winning obedience degrees in proportion to registration is far above all other leading breeds of obedience ring contenders.

Size is also a very important factor. They are large enough to serve as protection and yet not so large as to be cumbersome as your constant companion. The Malinois is ideal as a companion and house pet as his coat is short with no doggy odor: and because of the color, hairs are not readily detected on clothing. furniture, etc., making him an ideal pet and friend!

A Belgian Sheepdog may be the perfect dog for you. This video excerpt explains why…

Because Belgian Sheepdogs (or Shepherd Dogs) differ in color, one must consider this factor. In a litter of black puppies, select one with an even, solid color. VVhite hairs scattered among the black is a very bad fault. A very small, white star is permitted on the chest. Do not single out a pup with a large, white chest patch in the hope that it will become less noticeable at maturity. The white patch will increase in proportion to the rest of the body.

ln a litter of fawn colored puppies, choose the one with the even dark fawn (mahogany) coloring all over the body. The face mask, ear edges, and the tip of the tail should be black. The tips of the individual hairs in the coat should be black. The chest is rather grayish in color at this early age. This chest color deepens into dark gray or black by 18 months of age. The small star of white on the chest is also permitted on the fawn—colored Belgians.

The standard for Belgian Sheepdogs should be studied closely. lf the present American standard is too vague, look up the standard approved by the Belgian Kennel Club and read descriptive articles on the breed that have been written in Europe.

After having taken into consideration all the above points, choose your ideal puppy. The temperament is most important also. The bold, curious little one is always a good choice. Even though you have chosen a puppy as close to the standard as possible, never underestimate the capriciousness of Mother Nature!