Appearance of the German Malinois
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The German Malinois is a cross between two very similar-looking dogs, but there are a few differences. It's a tall, well-balanced animal, but it can have the square, solid back of the Malinois or the straight, sloping back of the German Shepherd, or somewhere in between. They have a clean, noble head, strong but elegant, and a powerful, tapering muzzle. Their dark brown eyes are almond-shaped, and their rather large, triangular ears are carried upright and open forward. The tail can extend straight from the back of the dog or be raised with a curve, and the legs tend to be long and strong, with oval rather than round bones. They have a double coat with a thick, dense undercoat that is usually covered by a short, straight weather-resistant outer layer, but can be born with the rough four-inch coat instead. |
Temperament of the German Malinois
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This crossbreed is an active, intelligent dog with a strong desire to please and an overall serious, aloof attitude. They can sometimes be difficult to train due to their stubbornness or exuberance, but for the most part, this dog's strong desire to please and active, intelligent mind make it a breeze to train, excelling in advanced training situations such as agility classes, protection, tracking and even competitive obedience and free dancing. Although German Shepherds are generally quite good with children, the Belgian Malinois can be less tolerant and has a strong, almost irresistible prey drive that can lead them to chase or nip at young children, who can be unpredictable and quick and the hybrid could inherit this temperament. The German Malinois is generally aloof towards other dogs, although it can become territorial and aggressive on occasion, especially if the interaction is between two males, and their strong herding instinct and prey drive can lead them to chase smaller animals. |
Needs and activities of the German Malinois
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Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are highly athletic and motivated animals, and they need plenty of exercise to focus this drive on something that isn't destructive. They need at least two hours of vigorous activity a day to be at their happiest and healthiest, and mental stimulation throughout the day is an absolute must. In addition to brisk walks or jogging, this dog can also expend its considerable energy with alternative activities, such as protection, competitive obedience, breeding and even free dancing. Although these dogs may be able to adapt to an apartment environment if sufficiently active, they are generally better suited to larger homes with room to run around. |
Maintenance of the German Malinois
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Grooming requirements for the German Malinois are fairly straightforward, but can also be a little time-consuming. Excessive bathing will make this dog's skin flaky, dry and irritated, so bathing should be limited to a few a year, but thorough brushing should take place several times a week during normal shedding and daily when the dog "blows its coat" during seasonal changes. It will usually take some effort to ensure that this dog's coat remains shiny and healthy whatever the season, but it's well worth the effort to remove dead hairs and avoid tangles and mats. It's also important to ensure that this crossbreed has its ears checked regularly, as they are known to develop wax in their ears if left untended. |