Malinios owners

puppydog

Tru evil has no pantyline
Joined
Nov 27, 2006
Messages
7,500
Likes
0
Points
0
#1
Am I insane? Paul and I have been doing research about a fourth dog for a long while now. Paul wanted a ridgeback but has decided against it due to being too big. Now he wants an africanis. I am ok with that but not sure if a primitive hound will suit our household.

We also live in an area, while gorgeous, has an issue with crime due to two squatter camps that border us. It is a pretty affluent area and these camps descend into it at night. The other night there was a chase on the go and the cops and some men in pickups managed to corner a man in the reeds in front of the house. They caught him but it took a while.

So, that got me thinking. We intend to remain in the area because we love all it has to offer, nature, dunes, beach, mountains etc. BUT, I feel I want a dog that will pull his or her weight with regards to protection of me and the household.

It would have been so much easier to send a well trained protection dog into the reeds and have it scare the ever loving sh1t out of the guy in there.

Obviously we would not be getting a Mal until we moved out of our townhouse and into a larger property. It is just not fair to expect a high high energy large dog to be happy in such a small yard. We do walk a LOT but still, I would want the dog to have freedom to run in a yard during the day. So, we are looking 3 to 4 years time.

I love high drive dogs and everything about them. I love the look and temperament of Mals, I love the drive and intensity. I have always wanted a dog to do bite work with and take to competition standards. Now, obviously my Paps would not be ideal for that! :rofl1:

Some questions.

How well to Mals do with little dogs? I know most dogs cope fine if they are raised with them but what is a Mals play style like? Are they rough or will they self edit to not harm small, delicate dogs?

Just how much exercise do they require to remain healthy and happy? We do on average about 2 hours a day here. It is not what I would call rough terrain but it is a long and hard walk.

What is their trainability like?

Are they biddable or more difficult?

I just want to add that I don't want this dog as my own personal security guard, but that is a bonus if the dog is sharp and turned on. I want a pet and working dog first and foremost. Another agility prospect wouldn't suck either!

Thanks for taking the time to read and if you did, answer this. :)
 

corgipower

Tweleve Enthusiest
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
8,233
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
here
#3
How well to Mals do with little dogs? I know most dogs cope fine if they are raised with them but what is a Mals play style like? Are they rough or will they self edit to not harm small, delicate dogs?

Mine haven't been with dogs smaller than the corgis, but they do learn how to play with them appropriately - sort of...

What I mean is that malis play rough. A lot of pawing and biting and mounting and wrestling and running. If they slam into corgi though, that corgi will give the mali a piece of his mind. And the mali will be more careful next time. But not necessarily the next play session.;) Tyr learned as a puppy to run up to Ares, and then drop to the ground about a foot away. But I taught it to him, he didn't do it automatically.

I'd really say how they do with paps is going to depend a lot on the individual mali and it should definitely be on the list of things to discuss with a breeder - and preferably find a breeder who can provide early exposure to small dogs.


Just how much exercise do they require to remain healthy and happy? We do on average about 2 hours a day here. It is not what I would call rough terrain but it is a long and hard walk.

A two hour walk is usually a warm up for a mali. A walk just doesn't cut it. Swimming, tugging, jumping, flat out running is what they need. As for how much? It varies somewhat, but two-three hours worth a day should be good - not all at once, mind you. Malis will recharge and when they do, it's time for another workout. It's not that they need huge amounts of exercise - they don't really need more than an Aussie or a BC - it's that they don't turn off. Ever. Even if they are tired. And if you're not up for taking them out when they feel it's time - well, good luck to ya on that one. ;)

What is their trainability like?

Very trainable. But they're not very forgiving if you screw up. They are often handler sensitive, but not always and that's something to make sure gets discussed with the breeder. They're usually very eager to please and really want to be included in things their person does. They have tons of food and toy drive which makes it easy to find rewards for them. But that drive can also easily cause a world of grief when they're over the top, when they don't have sufficient self control, when they decide anything - like the couch - is a toy.

But they are FAST! And sometimes they're three steps ahead of you because of that. It's not easy to get a mali to do what you want before he's off and running. And if they get upset, hang on honey, because things get a bit wild and explosive. They pretty much go from zero to hanging from the rafters in the blink of an eye.


Are they biddable or more difficult?

It really depends on the lines, but mine are very biddable. As long as they can add some variations once in a while - although that might be the corgi influence.:p

I just want to add that I don't want this dog as my own personal security guard, but that is a bonus if the dog is sharp and turned on. I want a pet and working dog first and foremost. Another agility prospect wouldn't suck either!

Oh, turning them on is easy. It's the turning them off that you need to worry about. :)

Thanks for taking the time to read and if you did, answer this. :)
My answers are in blue.
 

AdrianneIsabel

Glutton for Crazy
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Messages
8,893
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Portland, Oregon
#6
Some questions.

How well to Mals do with little dogs? I know most dogs cope fine if they are raised with them but what is a Mals play style like? Are they rough or will they self edit to not harm small, delicate dogs?
Honestly, Mals are not well known for being good with small dogs. Ours lived with chihuahuas when we first got them and did well as puppies. These dogs CAN be taught to be careful but they are mostly all extremely fast, strong, and their brain shuts off when excited (seriously). A small dog could get hurt easily, as could a child, the breed is rarely recommended for a home with children. It can work but they're not great kid dogs because they can easily knock them over/trample them, etc.

Hell, my male literally ran into a traffic guard rail barrier and hurt his shoulder because he was so focused on his ball that he forgot to jump.

Just how much exercise do they require to remain healthy and happy? We do on average about 2 hours a day here. It is not what I would call rough terrain but it is a long and hard walk.
They will never say no to exercise. They never, ever, stop. I mean it. My pit bulls get tired and lay down, my mals never do. If they're tired I have to worry about heat exhaustion and their obsessive water consumption (which leads to barfing then more drinking). It can depend from dog to dog also, my TD has a malinois that will relax, he's related to Stardogs Aeri, but I would also be exceedingly careful recommending this dog (or his line) to an inexperienced dog because when he is on he's the scariest, highest drive, hardest hitting dog we have and he's only 11 months old.

As for what we do, if we aren't actively exercising our dogs they're in the yard keeping one another busy. My pit bulls and Malinois just don't play the same way and I doubt your paps will either.

I really don't recommend a malinois as a pet but if you're commited enough you could probably do it but I would NEVER EVER assume they know how to guard naturally. That kind of assumption encourages fear aggression based guard dogs and out of control dogs and it's a very dangerous recipe. Malinois are born knowing how to bite, it's our responsibility to teach them when, where and who are appropriate for biting.

What is their trainability like?
Amazing but they can be frustrating. Backup loses his head when he has food, Quarrel loses his head when he has a tug, Sloan loses her head when she's offered a bite. So its all relative, they each have areas they're easy in and areas they're hard in. Over all though, they're brilliant dogs even if it doesn't always show (remember, when in high drive these dogs literally shut off their brains).

Are they biddable or more difficult?
Backup will work for water, you tell me? LOL but it really depends, the answer is yes but they are also rather stubborn dogs and they definitely demand a fair handler. If you don't reward often enough or correct to strongly in a moment they think it's unfair they will shut down on you or correct you.

I just want to add that I don't want this dog as my own personal security guard, but that is a bonus if the dog is sharp and turned on. I want a pet and working dog first and foremost. Another agility prospect wouldn't suck either!
Well, like it or not they mostly will be. LOL Backup isn't a guard dog at all, he works in all prey, he's a dope. I love him for that but many would be frustrated and think he's a joke. Sloan is violently guardy, sure that can be a plus but hiking with her off lead can be dangerous. We have to leash around people and can't let her get very far in front of us, if she thinks someone is sneaking up on us she'd ruin their day.

Good luck! Have you considered a dutch shepherd? They have a bit more brain than the malinois, given they are a bit slower and they're often tougher to train but they're really nice dogs that may fit better.

Also the terv, I would LOVE a terv. They make amazing agility dogs, wonderful with family, they can definitely work as protection dogs and if you can handle they hair they're close to perfection.

Also standard poodle, rotts, apbt, am bull dog etc would be great options.
 
Last edited:

puppydog

Tru evil has no pantyline
Joined
Nov 27, 2006
Messages
7,500
Likes
0
Points
0
#9
Honestly, Mals are not well known for being good with small dogs. Ours lived with chihuahuas when we first got them and did well as puppies. These dogs CAN be taught to be careful but they are mostly all extremely fast, strong, and their brain shuts off when excited (seriously). A small dog could get hurt easily, as could a child, the breed is rarely recommended for a home with children. It can work but they're not great kid dogs because they can easily knock them over/trample them, etc.

Hell, my male literally ran into a traffic guard rail barrier and hurt his shoulder because he was so focused on his ball that he forgot to jump.



They will never say no to exercise. They never, ever, stop. I mean it. My pit bulls get tired and lay down, my mals never do. If they're tired I have to worry about heat exhaustion and their obsessive water consumption (which leads to barfing then more drinking). It can depend from dog to dog also, my TD has a malinois that will relax, he's related to Stardogs Aeri, but I would also be exceedingly careful recommending this dog (or his line) to an inexperienced dog because when he is on he's the scariest, highest drive, hardest hitting dog we have and he's only 11 months old.

As for what we do, if we aren't actively exercising our dogs they're in the yard keeping one another busy. My pit bulls and Malinois just don't play the same way and I doubt your paps will either.

I really don't recommend a malinois as a pet but if you're commited enough you could probably do it but I would NEVER EVER assume they know how to guard naturally. That kind of assumption encourages fear aggression based guard dogs and out of control dogs and it's a very dangerous recipe. Malinois are born knowing how to bite, it's our responsibility to teach them when, where and who are appropriate for biting.



Amazing but they can be frustrating. Backup loses his head when he has food, Quarrel loses his head when he has a tug, Sloan loses her head when she's offered a bite. So its all relative, they each have areas they're easy in and areas they're hard in. Over all though, they're brilliant dogs even if it doesn't always show (remember, when in high drive these dogs literally shut off their brains).


Backup will work for water, you tell me? LOL but it really depends, the answer is yes but they are also rather stubborn dogs and they definitely demand a fair handler. If you don't reward often enough or correct to strongly in a moment they think it's unfair they will shut down on you or correct you.



Well, like it or not they mostly will be. LOL Backup isn't a guard dog at all, he works in all prey, he's a dope. I love him for that but many would be frustrated and think he's a joke. Sloan is violently guardy, sure that can be a plus but hiking with her off lead can be dangerous. We have to leash around people and can't let her get very far in front of us, if she thinks someone is sneaking up on us she'd ruin their day.

Thanks for taking the time to read and if you did, answer this. :)
Good luck! Have you considered a dutch shepherd? They have a bit more brain than the malinois, given they are a bit slower and they're often tougher to train but they're really nice dogs that may fit better.

Also the terv, I would LOVE a terv. They make amazing agility dogs, wonderful with family, they can definitely work as protection dogs and if you can handle they hair they're close to perfection.

Also standard poodle, rotts, apbt, am bull dog etc would be great options.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for that! I do think you are all probably right. They are not the dog for me, no matter how gorgeous they are!! I will always have Paps and it is probably not worth the risk. I LOVE tervs and there are quite a few around here.

I would definately want to train in Schutzhund so I would be focussing the dogs drive. Mmmmmm, loads to think about.
 

corgipower

Tweleve Enthusiest
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
8,233
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
here
#11
If you had the stomach for it it seems two really is easier than I if you're up for the extra work.
I gotta agree there. ;) On days when I don't have the time to get my malis out enough, they wear each other out nicely. And then, as long as I get some training in to prevent them from getting mentally under stimulated, we're OK. Sometimes.

They do best with variety - swim a little, tug for a bit, go wrestle, come back for some more tug, do some obedience, zoom, come back for more obedience, swim some more, wrestle again...
 

AdrianneIsabel

Glutton for Crazy
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Messages
8,893
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Portland, Oregon
#12
hey, its best if you can realize things in advance! They're not *good* dogs. lol They're not the right dog for most people.

I would really truly consider a terv if I were you, I know down the road I plan to own one myself. Also if you like aussies, they're pretty **** tough dogs and fabulous at agility and hiking which sounds like what you want. I'm not sure how they do with small dogs but they're probably more applicable than a malinois.
 

corgipower

Tweleve Enthusiest
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
8,233
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
here
#13
Thanks for that! I do think you are all probably right. They are not the dog for me, no matter how gorgeous they are!! I will always have Paps and it is probably not worth the risk. I LOVE tervs and there are quite a few around here.

I would definately want to train in Schutzhund so I would be focussing the dogs drive. Mmmmmm, loads to think about.
Well, there are lots of breeds to look at that would be good at protection and be better at holding back when playing with small dogs. Really, probably, any of them other than the malis. ;) Malis are kind of unique in their level of intensity - like AdrianneIsabel said, they tend to lose their brain.
 

jenv101

Bite Club
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Messages
1,590
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Ontario
#15
Small animals are the one thing that makes Riley lose his brain completely. He's never been around small dogs, but I would never trust him with one unsupervised. Even close supervision, I'd be worried.
 

Aleron

New Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2011
Messages
2,269
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
NE Ohio
#16
With all of the Belgians, temperament very much depends on the lines and what the breeder is selecting for. And even then, the individual temperaments can vary a lot. I'd caution any first time Belgian owner against getting working bred Mals from the majority of breeders producing them. A lot of the working Mals are not being selected for work so much as high level sport dogs and that just isn't what most non-high level sport owners want or need. There are a good number of not-so-great Mal breeders out there, so you need to be very careful. You don't need to go to a sports breeder to get a good Mal though. A breeder like this would probably suit your needs pretty well: Carousel Belgian Malinois (I don't personally know this breeder but she is an example of someone breeding for versatility more than high level protection sports dogs).

My black Belgians can't be left out in the yard alone with our Corgi. They get a bit too predatory towards him when they are outside in a group. No way I'd trust them outside with an even smaller dog.

If you are curious about Mals but don't have a lot of one on one experience with them, I'd high recommend getting involved with fostering/transporting for Mal rescue. Mal rescue is kept pretty busy and they even get puppies in fairly often, so you could help out while getting a feel for if this is the right breed for you. Rescue link: ABMC Belgian Malinois Rescue - Rescued Belgian Malinois
 

Fran101

Resident fainting goat
Joined
Oct 12, 2008
Messages
12,546
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Boston
#17
...


lol that's really all the input I have.

Oh and a great way to get to know a bit more about a breed when there aren't many around you is to use youtube! Of course not all dogs are alike but they help you kind of get a feel of how the dogs are and their owners and stuff, its easier to see in video than in pictures
 

corgipower

Tweleve Enthusiest
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
8,233
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
here
#18
My black Belgians can't be left out in the yard alone with our Corgi. They get a bit too predatory towards him when they are outside in a group. No way I'd trust them outside with an even smaller dog.
Corgis and Belgians do tend to not do great with each other. And "Belgians" includes all varieties of Belgian Shepherd and also Bouviers. :p
 
Joined
Dec 20, 2003
Messages
94,266
Likes
3
Points
36
Location
Where the selas blooms
#19
I would counsel you to seriously rethink the Ridgie. Size doesn't necessarily mean a dog is harder to live with inside. The Filas have been the best house dogs and easiest to live with, from puppy to adult, of any I've ever encountered. Ridgebacks are similar in many ways, without the ojeriza and some of the more extreme quirkiness, plus they are acclimated to your environment.
 

Aleron

New Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2011
Messages
2,269
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
NE Ohio
#20
Corgis and Belgians do tend to not do great with each other. And "Belgians" includes all varieties of Belgian Shepherd and also Bouviers. :p
LOL well they are all an opinionated bunch ;)

Really Ziggy and the Belgians get along in the house very well. And does fine outside with one at a time (or two if it's the right two). More than two though and they start to want to play "get the bunny". Ziggy is not at all interested in being a bunny! Of course they play "Deer" with each other and without fail, the youngest in the bunch has to be the dear. Sometimes they think it's fun, sometimes they're not sure LOL at least they're all about the same size though! Deer is their most favorite game though and would not be at all appropriate to play with a small dog.

A rousing game of Deer in the snow:




 

Members online

No members online now.
Top