Belgian Malinois

The brilliant, self-assured, and adaptable Belgian Malinois breed creates an unshakable link with his human partner and excels as a worker of the highest caliber. This breed of dog, which has long been utilized in law enforcement, gained notoriety in 2011 when a dog by the name of Cairo assisted Navy SEAL Team 6 in taking down Osama bin Laden. In 2019, Conan, another Belgian Malinois, received recognition after suffering injuries while participating in an ISIS commander raid in Iraq.

Belgian Malinois are alert, proud, and squarely formed herders that stand between 22 and 26 inches tall. They have a strong, well-muscled appearance that is more graceful than massive, and they have an unpretentious appearance appropriate for dogs bred to work hard for their food. The proud head carriage is a breed characteristic. The hues of the coat span from a deep fawn to mahogany. Dark Belgian chocolate-colored eyes that are vibrant and inquisitive are highlighted by the black ears and mask. If you have ever seen a Mal perform an obedience routine, you know firsthand what a smart and eager breed this is. Problems set in, though, when this people-oriented dog is underemployed and neglected. Exercise, and plenty of it, preferably side by side with their adored owner, is key to Mal's happiness.