Latest Belgian Malinois Frequently Asked Questions:
I have a 4 month old german shepherd-belgian malinois mixed dog and i was just wondering when should i start giving him adult dog food. and how much should i feed him at his present age? im currently giving him 1 cup of dog food and 1cup of rice..is that too much?
Answer:Sorry to say, but about 95% of the answers you got are idiotic and should not be listened to. Large breeds prone to hip and joint problems should NEVER be fed puppy food longer then 6 months. Puppy food is too high in protein, and causes growth spurts. With a large breed dog, you don't want them to grow at a fast rate. The slower the growth, the healthier for the body. In the end, your dog will reach the same size, just a few months later. Growth spurts can not only cause serious long term damage, but painful short term diseases such as panosteitis, a disease which is very common in german shepherds, especially males. It usually occurs around 1 year old, and is caused when the long bones grow too fast and actually weaken. So, switch to adult food at around 5-6 months old (ANY knowledgable vet or decent breeder will tell you to do the same). People who say large breed dogs should eat puppy food until over a year old need to stop giving in to crappy feeding directions from crappy foods. As for amount, follow the amounts given on the bag. Stop feeding the rice, though. It is pointless. Dogs can't digest grains, and you are simply filling your dog up. It can be used as a nice treat every now and then, and even help settle a calm stomach, but dogs can hardly digest cooked food as it is like their dog food. So instead of a cup of food and a cup of rice, you should probably just give 2 cups of food. But again, the amount depends on the dog food. If you are feeding a premium food, which you should be, then you won't feed as much. My 90lb male only ate three cups of premium food a day. When you feed a crappy food, you need double that. BTW, stalkers are cowardly thiefs has proven himself to be an idiot on multiple occasions. It DOES matter the breed of dog. A german shepherd mix needs to go off puppy food long before a dachsund mix, for example. Each breed has certain genetic issues they are more prone to, and its ALWAY a good idea to know what to watch out for. German shepherds are prone to hip and sometimes eye problems. Malinois are usually disease free, as they aren't popular and over-bred. So, to sum it all up: *Switch to adult food in the next two months *Stop feeding rice *Buy a quality food (no corn, wheat, or by-products) *Follow feeding instructions on the bag
They are smaller but you would think since GSD have a bigger body they would have more room for bigger lungs. Also that they have more muscle mass. Maybe you can explain why the Belgian Malinois have more stamina.
Answer:Your thinking is backwards....bigger body = requires more oxygen. Bigger muscles = more heat retention. Bigger is the death of stamina. But it does help in the power department. And in cooler weather. -edit- Greek you need to put hands on some better GSDs! I've had dogs, and seen dogs (GSDs) collapse from heat exhaustion AFTER a hard days work...they hung in until the job was complete! But heart will only take you as far as your literal heart will take you. "Heart" can push your body to it's exact physical limitations, but it can't push a dead body! -edit- No not quite...In most Mals that's prey drive dancing...in some of the better NVBK/KNPV dogs I've seen the devil in there. But that same devil is in GOOD working line GSDs too. Not the west german "sport" lines, not the watered down DDR dogs, I'm talking hard, Czech/Dutch/Belgian dogs with no slow down in them. The structure is very different as well. The Malinois is built like the GSD of 100 years ago...Not the much heavier boned and muscled GSD of today. But again Amax wanted a heavier dog.
What should I look for when buying a Belgian Malinois puppy. Its will be our first time buying a Belgian Malinois. Suggestions please? In case you want to know... Our previous dog passed away a couple of months ago... :(
Answer:I'm going to you give links to information from the American Belgian Malinois Club. In addition to those once you get your puppy, enroll in a puppy class as soon as can, start training early, and socialize, socialize socialize. http://malinoisclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=10&id=38&Itemid=56 Malinois rescue http://malinoisrescue.org/ Is the Bel mal right for you? http://malinoisclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=43 Frequently asked questions. http://malinoisclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=43 Indentifying a reputable breeder. http://malinoisclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=56 What the breeder should provide. http://malinoisclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=56 ABMC breeder code of ethics. http://malinoisclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=56 ABMC 2008 Breeder list. http://malinoisclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=56 Mals are great dogs, they are an intense breed and not right for everyone. Good luck.
i wanted to ask this kind of question because i will have my belgian malinois puppy and according to the owner, the dog is a tarro line or a sniffing dog. what's the difference between the sporting dog? will my sniffing dog, good as a guard dog? is it a good pet? thanks
Answer:I have owned malinois for over 30 years and have never heard or a "sniffing line" malinois. Could it be that the dog comes out of parents that were detection dogs? And what is a Tarro line, you have my curiocity peaked now. Please, provide more info if you could... EDIT: Whatever you do, DO NOT listen to the poster below me, Royal something, they have NO idea what they are talking about!
I have a Belgian Malinois Male. He is 88 lbs and a great dog. He is very athletic, high drive, good instinct, very protective, and smart. I have another dog a Shepherd. I love the Belgian Malinois and I have a chance to get another from the Sheriff's Department. I was just wondering if any sees things they dont like about them. Yes my belgian is trained in bite work.
Answer:I've worked for our local Sheriff dept. My uncle is still a deputy, and I know both our k9 handlers personally. They just recently retired one shepherd, and the other died of cancer. The department got two Malininois, and I absolutely love this breed. They are amazing with bitework, super smart, and hard hitting. I honestly can't say anything bad about the breed. I think they are a little more intense than a GSD, but I personally like them better after spending time with them. If you're getting one for the SD, I would most definately accept the offer.
