Our narcotics/currency K9 is a Belgian Malanois, and I can tell you the big bastard sheds all over the place. Goofy as the day is long, too and never shuts up when he's out of the truck. Our handler loves to pick handfuls of fur off him and throw them at us to. I've learned to keep a lint roller in my bag to keep my uniform clean.

Our handler showed up at the office I was working in two weeks ago and used another officer's computer. She came in the next day and was bitching about the dog hair all over her desk and computer, it was pretty fucking funny. In fact, she was telling someone else about it yesterday - guess it really made an impression on her. LOL.

I just quoted this statement to emphasize it. Malinois are GREAT dogs in the hands of the RIGHT PERSON. Just please do the research and make sure you're the right person for a Malinois!

Place holder for pics later....bottom line best dog ever! I've handled two, one in Iraq....by far the sweetest/protective partner I've ever had. As mentioned above....make sure you have enough time to devote to them or you will regret it.

I agree with all this 100%. They love to bite, you often let them bite as a reward in training. I think some of the other problems described above can be eliminated if they are socialized properly. Mine doesn't destroy much (will chew up blankets, etc) doesn't bark much, and does well when left home while i'm at work. I definitely do not leave her in the main part of the house, but in a mud room with a concrete floor! I would say that I have had lots of working dogs, but only a couple that were truly 'serious'. The mali tend to be very social, want to be with people, and really clingy, which would seem to go against their 'serious' nature. In other words, very loving dogs that are way above all in ease of training, but if you can't fool with them a bit both mentally and physically every day, they are not for you. If you talk to a decent breeder, they will place you with a somewhat more 'relaxed' puppy if you tell them the truth. Many may not even sell you one as a pet. I did some bitework with mine Sunday with the people I got her from, she had a littermate that was nasty enough she wouldn't sell to a 'pet' home of any kind. When it was a pup, she woke it up, got bitten on the arm, and her left leg before she even knew it. Mine has none of the handler aggression, and bites just as well in her work. This one is being trained and is going to a prison as a security/drug detection dog.

Just bear in mind that even the average/lower drive mali will be wild, energetic, athletic, and will bite! Mine can easily face me, jump up, and lick me on the forehead just playing around. Great dogs, though, I really have enjoyed mine. All of this will apply to a dutch shepherd as well, just in case you run into one.

Thanks for all the info everyone.

I don't feel like we are going into this unprepared. Part of the reason for wanting a Malinois is to match the energy and intelligence of the Australian shepherd we already have. The aussie has seemingly limitless amounts of energy and desire to work even when compared to other Aussies she interacts with. We took her because she was destructive in her previous home but after some training and plenty of mental and physical exercise shes become a great dog. I know the Mal maybe a whole other level but I feel like the gap won't be as wide as someone coming from owning other breads.

You have been given a lot of good advice.I own a Dutch Shepherd, they are very similar in character to a Mal. If you are gonna get a Mal do a LOT of research and find a good breeder, and be VERY HONEST when you tell the breeder your experience and intentions for the dog. Going to check out some dog clubs, "PSA, Mondio and such" would be time well spent. I would suggest finding a good "bite sport club" before you get a Mal.

LOL, that's what happens when you decoy too long. He actually lost the finger in a bike accident.

Thats bs that they only let akc dogs in their club. What do they exclude euro dogs ? Ive never seen a wolf hybrid do bite work, not that it couldnt, ive just never seen it. Theres a guy in our club that does bite work with a jack russell terrier. Its hilarious because hes actually good at ! Ive seen a lot of akc dogs that dont have the courage for it. You just never know.

My wife and I rescued a Malinois puppy 2 years ago when she was 14 weeks old. She had been abused as a young pup and we had some issues trying to housebrake her. And yes they are high energy dogs that need alot of attention and ours will destroy blankets when left home alone also..lol

jstevens...i completely understand your concern with a high energy dog and small kids.. but i would say if you want a Malinois you can still have one even with small kids just make sure you get one as a puppy and socialize them from day one. We started out by having our kids hold the leash on walks and feeding her (also taking the food way from her) and there had NEVER been an issue. Our malinois is very protective of our 3 daughters and our home. Although she still tries to be the alpha dog and can be stubborn at times...when she is in the house..she really does know her place and never makes any advances toward our kids. Other little kids maybe but not ours. There are times where she will jump up on the chair with me or my wife and makes herself vocal with a small growl but all we have to do is say "excuse me" and she knows she is wrong then lays there happy as can be. This she only does with me and my wife. She is allowed in our girls bedrooms to laying on the bed with them and has never growled at them. Our Malinois is also very gentle with the cats too. I just wanted to share this info with you. Good Luck in the future whenever you decide to get one.

Updates man.... updates!