Breeder recommendation in MN or WI - Page 1

Hello,
I'm looking into purchasing a Mal pup in about 6 months. Although I've owned several dogs in the past, this will be my first of the breed. Now, I'm an active person and am willing to commit the time into making sure this dog has adequate exercise and energy outlets. However, I am NOT looking for a working dog. I know that there are dogs in this breed that have more moderate levels of drive and are more suited for companionship and family life. But I don't want to go to a breeder that just throws me their rejects because I don't want a working or competition dog. Can anyone recommend a good breeder in my area that would match me with a suitable pup?
Thanks in advance!

This is where the demise of the Malinois starts, with people wanting them as pets. They are not meant to be bred as pets, if you want one then you should look for one with working capability. The rejects often are still working capable even if they show a moderate drive level. It sounds like you are looking for a show line Malinois, if you want a show line malinois visit the AKC website and find one there. People on this site are likely to not be of much help because most are dedicated to improving the breed and not watering it down. I would also suggest that you look for a different type of dog, the Malinois is meant to be a working dog not a pet. Yeah they are cool and all but let the Malinois stay a working dog and not expect it to be a pet.

I cannot agree with Vincent more. Please dont get a Malinois, they are a working dog, not a pet, and we want to keep it that way.
I am sure there are many other dogs/breeds out there that would make a wonderful pet addition to your home, but, a Malinois would not.

Thanks for your responses. I don't want you to think I'm going to buy a Malinois willy nilly, without considering the consequences of having an animal not suited for the environment I intend to raise it in. The last thing I want is to spend a great deal of money on an animal that will ultimately be unhappy with me and for me to be unhappy with it. The reason I'm asking for information of local breeders is because I would like the opportunity to have a long discussion with someone near me, visit their kennel, and learn more about the breed.

I will be very forthcoming with this person about my expectations, and I will expect them to be honest about whether or not they think its appropriate for me to buy one of their animals. I can imagine that most backyard breeders, or people who don't really care about their animals will just sell their puppy because they want the cash in their pocket. This is also why I'm asking for recommendations. I'm not going to go into great detail about my personal life and plans, or try to prove to all of you that I can handle having a Malinois. That is the conversation I intend to have with the breeder.

I hope that eases your minds a bit. I am hearing what you have to say, and I appreciate your advice. I am not 100% intent on buying a Malinois, I want to learn more about them. Sorry I didn't make that more clear in my initial posting. 6 months down the road, its a large possibility that I could end up with a different breed.