So you think you want a high drive puppy?
In theory this sounds good to some potential new dog owners, but in reality, most people do not possess
the skill level nor patience to handle working line breeds. More specifically, the breed I’m referring to is
at the top of the pinnacle of highly driven, working class dog, the Belgian Malinois.
Their high drive, both physical and mental, require the Belgian Malinois to be exercised and fully
engaged during these regular walks. The Belgian Malinois working line dog is not the dog for that will
idle sit still no will they typically play nicely with other dogs. If not constantly stimulated, this breed of
dog has great potential to cause your tremendous amounts of money in property damages with the
potential of bringing harm to others by a single bite or an attack. These dogs need four to five hours of
stimulation, socialization and working tasks per day as opposed to other dog breeds where you'll likely be
able to get away with 5 minutes of training, walks twice a day, then snuggle with you on the couch.
So why their recent popularity?
In 2011 a Belgian Malinois named Kyro with the NAVY's Seal Team 6 played a major role in locating
and taking down Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. Four years later, Warner Brothers released a movie
called Max (which happens to be the name of the dog) and the main character happens to be a Belgian
Malinois. In the film, Max works with a Special Forces unit in the Middle East to locate insurgents, locate
explosives and such. Tragically the dog’s partner and trainer dies in combat and the dog returns to the
USA to the dead Marines family. The decease Marines younger brother, after much effort, forms a
tremendously loving bond with the dog and everyone lives happily after. And as recently as two weeks
ago a Belgian Malinois (Connan) that worked side by side with Special Forces members overseas helped
take down the leader of ISIS.
These examples were nice to read about and see on TV and therefore created a high level of interest
among the new dog owner community, an impulse buy the breed. Yet leaving out the key to proper dog
ownership, that being, understanding the fully picture of how much time, dedication and money is need to
manage this breed. So the fallout from these purchases continues to have ill-fated consequences for the
dog as adoption and surrender figures hover around forty three percent.
This breed is at its best when working drug detection, SEAL dogs, Police dogs, dog training competitions,
directed by a strong handler with significant high energy dog experience. If you live to train dogs have the
proper insurances then get a Belgian for competition or work. If your desire of this dog is to be a family
dog that is intended to stay inside most of the time, provide some protection but otherwise remain idle for
your household, this might be the very worst choice of dog for you.
The potential for and significant unwelcome expenses within your home is quite high and outside could
very likely be worse as the breed may demonstrate aggressive behavior. If the aggressive behavior
manifested itself in the form of a bite to another individual you just might find yourself in a tough
financial situation if the injured party chooses to sue, which they most likely will.
In conclusion, this breed is not a good Christmas present or any gift for that matter.