Is this dog a Malinois or Mal mix? - Page 1

Looks like a shepherd mix.

Thank you!

 Thank you for your opinion. I ask because I have had many people tell me she looks part Malinois. This is a 10.5 month old female. Her tail was docked when I got her from the pound. Her behavior is very much like what I see in videos of Malinois: very focused on working, very quick to learn, extremely interested in "attack-like" behaviors (such as leaping over 5 feet high to grab a tug rope when given a command, holding tenaciously, but releasing instantly on command), she is aware of everything at all times...and more. I'm wondering also if it is characteristic of the Malinois to use the front paws very efficiently. This dog is constantly grabbing things, or people's legs with one or both of the front paws very tightly, just as if they were human hands. She also acts like a "battering ram" when she plays with humans or dogs: running straight at them, then leaping clear over at the last minute or impacting full force. Naturally other dogs (and people) don't appreciate this! Because she is very intelligent, I have been working with her to keep her mind busy and her behavior acceptable. Still, I wonder about her natural tendencies and where they originate. I have never had a dog with this level of intensity and these habits. Any input is greatly appreciated!

The ears look too large and heavy, the muzzle too large, body structure doesn't quite look like malinois. Other than the color I see more traits of a shepherd mix. But who knows, really. The behavior traits you describe could be from a mal - or a workingline GSD as well, and I have seen the same behavior, in pits, rotts, a bulldog, a large terrier mix... I don't notice my malinois using their front paws any more or less than any other dog...

Best bet is work with the dog that's in front of you and stop worrying about what she ought to be. She sounds like a pretty cool dog, workable and trainable. Have fun!

Thanks for your assessment and opinion! I'm not at all worried about what she "is" - only curious since I hear a lot of comments, and have wondered if the very high intensity of this animal could be attributed to Malinois breeding. She certainly demands work - a very interesting change from my previous dogs!

defently a mix breed, with german shepard you can tale by the ears

I took her to a French ring trainer last week. He said she was "at least 80% malinois" and that he could "see a little German shepherd in the ears and eyes". He said her behavior was 100% malinois". Interesting.