It is a dog breed that is part of the herding dog group and it is a dog that is in the top 5 breeds in France, as highlighted by Centrale Canine. He is sought after for his work, his obedience, his abilities as a light, sporty and brave dog.
It is a very interesting dog for administrations and professionals.. They go on missions with RAID and GIGN, and their bravery is widely reported in the media, but we also see them on social networks: dogs that climb vertically over fences that are several meters high, respond to the finger and follow orders.
But all that is shown in this way, which inevitably arouses excitement and admiration, is the fruit of long work over several years with these dogs. There are no “turnkey” dogs.
In addition, these dogs of exceptional ability come from a drastic selection of breeding animals by breeders to result in so-called “working” lines. Working dogs should only be left to people who have a real life plan for them, as they are genetically designed to be detection and intervention dogs, and although they can adapt to a family life, this is far from the environment they want to be in. best.
Dogs selected for their ability to work
Unfortunately, in an inadequate environment that is not adapted to the dog’s needs and without a defined framework, the dog’s original characteristics (vigilance, activity, vitality) are transformed into vigilance, excessive reactivity and impulsiveness, with the risk of the animal becoming ultra-anxious, aggressive and dangerous.
Buyers who do not have good knowledge of dogs, who do not have enough time to allow these dogs to be well stimulated and flourish will find themselves literally overwhelmed. And what do we do in this case, when we can no longer cope?
People resell the dog on classifieds websites in order not to lose everything, he will find himself going from hand to hand, which will “break” him even more, and he will end up in a shelter or in an association like “SOS adoptions: malinois in distress”, which will try so hard even if it’s wrong to restore his trust in people and reprogram him, re-educate him.
The fate of the Malinois, everyone’s responsibility.
There are necessarily possible solutions to improve the Malinois’ fate:
– That the working lines are really intended for a concrete life project for the dog, – that the uncontrolled litters (therefore outside the breeding) which are born and feed a somewhat unclear cycle also stop.
– That the profession as a private security agent, where many dogs are seized after reports of abuse (animals locked in basements or trunks of cars and only taken out when their driver is on duty) is better monitored and supported.
– Empower future buyers as much as possible. Many other dog breeds are sure to fit your life better!
