The American Belgian Malinois Club has compiled a list of questions you can ask yourself to determine if the Belgian Malinois is the right dog for you and your family. This assists prospective buyers to think long and hard about this particular breed and a new puppy's or even adult dog's future.

A new dog means added responsibilities. When you bring a Belgian Malinois into your home you make a commitment to raise, train, and care for your Malinois throughout his lifetime. This can often mean responsibility that spans the next 14 - 16 years. The following questions will help you in deciding if the breed characteristics of the Belgian Malinois makes him the right breed for you.

The Belgian Malinois is an active, curious, intelligent dog that requires early exposure to different people and dogs so that he will be accepting of new situations later in life. The Malinois requires training to channel his energy into useful activities. A puppy socialization or puppy kindergarten class is recommended for your Malinois puppy. Formal obedience training in a group obedience class will help your Malinois become a welcome member of the human community.

The Malinois develops a strong attachment toward the people in his life. He does not do well in a kennel situation. He is at his best when allowed to become a member of the family. The Malinois are double-coated and they do shed.

The Malinois likes to play hard and needs daily exercise. Daily walks will not satisfy him unless you are an avid runner who jogs 5 miles a day with your dog! A fenced yard is necessary to provide a safe area for you to exercise your dog. Many Malinois enjoy playing retrieve games.

A new dog is a lifetime commitment and the cost of his care is a necessary consideration. Will your budget allow for the cost of food and veterinary care including annual veterinary visits for preventative vaccinations and physical exams?

How many hours a day will your Malinois be left alone? The Malinois' high activity level and keen intelligence are characteristics that can get him into trouble if boredom sets in. While many people must leave their Malinois alone for eight hours while they go to their jobs, the successful owner limits activities that would keep him away from his dog after work. The Malinois likes to be included in all your activities so if you like jogging, hiking, running, biking, obedience training, nature, and the out of doors then the Malinois may be a good choice for your lifestyle. However, if you often work extended hours, and are already over committed to family and friends then perhaps this is not a good time to be considering a dog at all.

Many individuals who do not have the necessary time, or may be unsure of their ability to raise, socialize, and train a young puppy, may prefer to start with an older puppy or young adult. Young adult Malinois may be available through the American Belgian Malinois Club's Breed Rescue Program. Many breeders often have older puppies or young adults available that would make wonderful loyal pets and companions. If you don't have the extra time and energy necessary to raise a puppy then consider the adult Malinois. Additionally, if you are contemplating a puppy, it is important for you to understand puppy temperament.

Correct Malinois temperament starts with heredity. It can range from bold and friendly to reserved and aloof. This is very different from incorrect temperament, which can be inappropriately fearful and/or aggressive with anyone the dog meets. Good temperament in a Malinois will remain constant, and is enhanced by a positive bond with the owner. Socialization is critical to the Malinois puppy, helping to educate and build confidence. It includes exposure to new locations, meeting people active in various activities, and walks on leash in familiar and unfamiliar locations. Positive training techniques, with lots of praise and play and an occasional treat, help build good canine character. Bad, incorrect temperament remains constant regardless of efforts to improve it. Snapping, growling, backing away or bolting with a "don't touch me!" attitude is undesirable behavior, whether it is seen in a puppy at the first meeting or during socialization. It should never be rewarded at any level in the show ring.

Some Malinois puppies go through various temporary emotional phases in their first year. Good temperament will override these short-lived behaviors (e.g., silly, out of control exuberance, fidgety, suspicious, etc.). Further, Malinois puppies are very aware of people's words and emotions. Anger, fear and joy can influence a puppy's behavior in any given situation. When new owners show their dogs, judges need to be aware that Malinois puppies are not finished show dogs; rather, they are works in progress.

A final word to owners who think you may have an aggression problem in your dog. Please don't live in denial. Have your dog evaluated by an experienced trainer, and do the hard work necessary to solve the problem. It won't solve itself. You owe it to yourself, your breed and the public.

Is the BELGIAN MALINOIS the RIGHT DOG FOR YOU? The American Belgian Malinois Club is available to help answer your questions and assist you in locating responsible breeders.