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by cps13 on 28 April 2013 - 20:04
I'm sure you've all seen lots of these posts before. But, I'd just like to get some specific answers for my situation.
I'm in my mid twenties. I live with a roommate who works evenings, and I work days. So, someone will be home most hours of the day. We have an apt that allows dogs. I currently own and live with a Golden Retriever. I already go to an off leash dog park 2-3 times per week. I am active enough to keep up with playing, walks, running, etc. Compared to the GSD, who is basically "aloof" with new people, how are the Belgian Mals? Are they similar or are they a bit stand offish like some other herding dogs, like Shelties tend to be.
I know a ton about the breed from what I've read and heard from my friends. I know a couple people who own Belgian Mals, and they assure me that I should be okay as long as I socialize her and give her enough exercise. Typically online, I only ever hear from people who tend to be overly dramatic about these types of things. Most of the things online are horror stories. I am quite confident in my ability to handle a highly active dog. I just want to hear from actual Belgian Mal owners on how they feel about my specific situation.
Thanks, in advance, for giving me serious answers.
I'm in my mid twenties. I live with a roommate who works evenings, and I work days. So, someone will be home most hours of the day. We have an apt that allows dogs. I currently own and live with a Golden Retriever. I already go to an off leash dog park 2-3 times per week. I am active enough to keep up with playing, walks, running, etc. Compared to the GSD, who is basically "aloof" with new people, how are the Belgian Mals? Are they similar or are they a bit stand offish like some other herding dogs, like Shelties tend to be.
I know a ton about the breed from what I've read and heard from my friends. I know a couple people who own Belgian Mals, and they assure me that I should be okay as long as I socialize her and give her enough exercise. Typically online, I only ever hear from people who tend to be overly dramatic about these types of things. Most of the things online are horror stories. I am quite confident in my ability to handle a highly active dog. I just want to hear from actual Belgian Mal owners on how they feel about my specific situation.
Thanks, in advance, for giving me serious answers.
by dragonfry on 28 April 2013 - 23:04
I don't have Mals, but i know a bunch of people who do. And the difference between a Golden and a Mal is like Station Wagon vs a Ferrari!
One is accomidating and easy to get along with, the other is high strung, too fast for the average driver on the average roads and totally unforgiving is you overcorrect.
Like i said i don't have Mals, Mainly because after getting to know a few dozen they have several traits i just can't live with. And they are too furry! Not as furry as shepherds but still too furry.
If you have energy like a meth head i say go for it, if your the average Joe, stick with the golden.
Best of luck either way.
Fry
One is accomidating and easy to get along with, the other is high strung, too fast for the average driver on the average roads and totally unforgiving is you overcorrect.
Like i said i don't have Mals, Mainly because after getting to know a few dozen they have several traits i just can't live with. And they are too furry! Not as furry as shepherds but still too furry.
If you have energy like a meth head i say go for it, if your the average Joe, stick with the golden.
Best of luck either way.
Fry
by Hired Dog on 29 April 2013 - 09:04
If you are looking for a pet, enjoy your golden, but, as a 35 year malinois owner/trainer and handler, a Malinois is NOT a pet, its a working dog, end of.
This may sound like sour grapes, but, I dont want to see my breed end up like others, pets. The dog is meant to work, not go to dog parks, I have no idea why anyone takes their dogs there, or to sit around all day burping with boredom.
The reason you hear the drama stories is because some people dont listen and get one, then they realie what a mistake it was. A REAL Malinois, not one out of show lines, WILL make your life miserable. What fry said up there about being like a meth addict on crack is true.
The breed has its own issues with nerves and such, they are NOT forgiving at all with corrections or if they think you are too soft. They will not respect a weak handler and the list goes on and on. Again, this may sound like sour grapes, but, the above is a fact.
This may sound like sour grapes, but, I dont want to see my breed end up like others, pets. The dog is meant to work, not go to dog parks, I have no idea why anyone takes their dogs there, or to sit around all day burping with boredom.
The reason you hear the drama stories is because some people dont listen and get one, then they realie what a mistake it was. A REAL Malinois, not one out of show lines, WILL make your life miserable. What fry said up there about being like a meth addict on crack is true.
The breed has its own issues with nerves and such, they are NOT forgiving at all with corrections or if they think you are too soft. They will not respect a weak handler and the list goes on and on. Again, this may sound like sour grapes, but, the above is a fact.
by PMWatch on 29 April 2013 - 10:04
I have a male Belgian Mal. This isn't the breed for you. It doesn't need to be in an apartment and a dog park isn't good enough for this dog's level of energy. I would seriously suggest you get something less energetic. I agree completely with Hired Dog. This breed needs a special handler and isn't for everyone. That's just how they end up "problem dogs" when in reality the handler is the problem. I would suggest you look into a different breed or just enjoy the Golden. One large dog is plenty really, especially in an apartment.
by Cullin Daggett on 29 April 2013 - 11:04
Malinois in an apartment??? Hahahahahahah LMAO!!!! Get a pug or something
by Q Man on 29 April 2013 - 12:04
All I can say is do your homework...Go to clubs or breeders of Malinois and check 'em out...Spend some time with them and if possible see if you can help and take one home and see if it's something for you...Maybe you're ready for a Mali but your room-mate isn't...
I think everyone has to do their own thing...but I also think it's a life-long commitment (for the dog)...I don't like to see people get an animal just to turn around in a short period of time and say "NO this isn't for me" and just get rid of the animal...
There are all kinds of Mali's...I mean High Strung and Lower Drive ones...but most are High Drive...Some can be in the house as pets but most can't...I call them "Bounce Off the Wall" dogs...and I like that...but they're NOT for everyone...
~Bob~
I think everyone has to do their own thing...but I also think it's a life-long commitment (for the dog)...I don't like to see people get an animal just to turn around in a short period of time and say "NO this isn't for me" and just get rid of the animal...
There are all kinds of Mali's...I mean High Strung and Lower Drive ones...but most are High Drive...Some can be in the house as pets but most can't...I call them "Bounce Off the Wall" dogs...and I like that...but they're NOT for everyone...
~Bob~
by cps13 on 29 April 2013 - 12:04
Most of your responses are seriously awesome. I appreciate the "legitimate" answers, as I mentioned before. Please, keep 'em coming.
by joanro on 29 April 2013 - 12:04
If it was me asking for the answer to your question, most of the people who have responded would be enough for me to make my decision. Those posters are the icing on the cake, anything else is going to be frivolous. (except for the rest of the posters who fall into the icing on the cake category ).
by SitasMom on 29 April 2013 - 13:04
If you are looking for a pet, enjoy your golden, but, as a 35 year malinois owner/trainer and handler, a Malinois is NOT a pet, its a working dog, end of.
Please do not get a Mali.......you don't have the space, you don't have the training support, you don't have the experience.
Too many people buy then as pets and then end up in shelters.
Please do not get a Mali.......you don't have the space, you don't have the training support, you don't have the experience.
Too many people buy then as pets and then end up in shelters.
by cps13 on 29 April 2013 - 15:04
Alright thanks everyone! I greatly appreciate most of the responses, as you were all straight up and avoided "doomsday" comments. You've made my decision much easier, which has been extremely helpful.
I just want to say one other thing. Let us be 100% clear, I would NEVER allow a dog of mine to end up in a shelter, nor would I put one in a situation where it would be unhappy or develop problem behaviors. Although you don't know me, and therefore couldn't be rude in mentioning shelters etc., I most certainly do not appreciate the insinuation that I would mistreat a dog.
I just want to say one other thing. Let us be 100% clear, I would NEVER allow a dog of mine to end up in a shelter, nor would I put one in a situation where it would be unhappy or develop problem behaviors. Although you don't know me, and therefore couldn't be rude in mentioning shelters etc., I most certainly do not appreciate the insinuation that I would mistreat a dog.
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