Malinois

[StephyMei1112]

No need to get up in arms everyone - my hands are full with the one kuvasz right now as it is. I'm just speculating and wondering for the future - very far into the years kinda future.

Just wanted abit more info about Malinois in general and a deeper understanding of them. I know they are hyper, should have a on/off switch, have drives that can be hard to manage if you don't know how, can develop aggression issues easily, need huge amounts of exercise daily, requires creative training approaches and fresh methods to keep them interested, does well at schutzhund/obedience/agility/nose work etc and seriously needs a JOB. Am I missing anything?

[Aleron]

Originally Posted by StephyMei1112

No need to get up in arms everyone - my hands are full with the one kuvasz right now as it is. I'm just speculating and wondering for the future - very far into the years kinda future.

Just wanted abit more info about Malinois in general and a deeper understanding of them. I know they are hyper, should have a on/off switch, have drives that can be hard to manage if you don't know how, can develop aggression issues easily, need huge amounts of exercise daily, requires creative training approaches and fresh methods to keep them interested, does well at schutzhund/obedience/agility/nose work etc and seriously needs a JOB. Am I missing anything?

I think it would be more helpful if you said what you would be looking for in a dog, what things are unacceptable and what sort of activities you would enjoy. A lot of what you have just listed are sort of generic traits for a Mal...or a lot of other active herding breeds. What matters more is what made you consider a Mal? What are you hoping for if you decide to get one? Do you have any concerns?

[CrystalGSD]

I currently am a part of a German Shepherd group, and they are described most commonly as "Lightweight Shepherds on Crack"... Probably not accurate, but I've heard it so many times that I'd think I'll share it. I met one Malinois, and it was really hyper and didn't seem to have an off switch. Sure they should, but this one sure didn't.

I personally think you hit the nail on the head with the description, but of course, I'm no Mal expert.

[Maliraptor]

A Malinois reality is not our own.

VERY FEW (10% MAYBE?) have an off switch.

[jenv101]

Mine have a "standby mode"... that's about it

[CharlieDog]

Originally Posted by jenv101

Mine have a "standby mode"... that's about it

Bwahahahahaha.

For the record, Dutch Shepherds seem to be the same way. Indy will lay down and chew a bone or stare at me, and sometimes she sleeps, but if I shift even slightly, she's up and coming over to put her head in my lap.

[Aleron]

Originally Posted by CharlieDog

Bwahahahahaha.

For the record, Dutch Shepherds seem to be the same way. Indy will lay down and chew a bone or stare at me, and sometimes she sleeps, but if I shift even slightly, she's up and coming over to put her head in my lap.

Is this what most people consider "no off switch"?

[Maliraptor]

Originally Posted by Aleron

Is this what most people consider "no off switch"?

Not me, that's an off switch. :P

We have 3 with off switches, two are half brothers. It's not a coincidence.

[PWCorgi]

Originally Posted by CharlieDog

Bwahahahahaha.

For the record, Dutch Shepherds seem to be the same way. Indy will lay down and chew a bone or stare at me, and sometimes she sleeps, but if I shift even slightly, she's up and coming over to put her head in my lap.

You guys all need to continue making these mal threads so that I can keep my resolve of "never having a mal, it would make me miserable"
The above statement being a prime example of why I would be miserable

[StephyMei1112]

Exercise isn't a problem - I'm very outdoorsy and can keep up with hyperness lol. I wanted a dog that would be suitable for schutzhund, agility, and possibly French ring/Rally-O as well. If I did get one I'd definitely keep him really really occupied - the physical compactness and abundance of energy made me think of a Mali over a GSD. Anyways - I'm not terribly sure at all and this is all just pure speculation and curiosity at this point; next dog is one and a half to two years into the future at least. So we shall see.

I've met a handful...they're fast as lightning, incredibly quick reflexed, agile, and when in tune with their handlers...pretty spectacular.

Originally Posted by Aleron

I think it would be more helpful if you said what you would be looking for in a dog, what things are unacceptable and what sort of activities you would enjoy. A lot of what you have just listed are sort of generic traits for a Mal...or a lot of other active herding breeds. What matters more is what made you consider a Mal? What are you hoping for if you decide to get one? Do you have any concerns?