Posts tagged "belgian malinois"

Obviously the news this week has been dominated by one story: the demise of Osama bin Laden. While the grisly details of that affair may not be something you'd typically read about under the Paw Nation masthead, it is worth mentioning that this, like many U.S. military actions before it, involves four-legged, furry heroics.

That's right; the Navy SEAL team that brought down Osama bin Laden counted a single canine unit among its ranks, according to the Huffington Post. The exact identity of the dog, like its Navy SEAL counterparts, remains a mystery. Reportedly the animal was a Belgian Malinois, although reports indicate it may have been a German shepherd.

The dog's role in the raid on bin Laden's compound is unclear, although the use of dogs in the military is nothing new.Belgian Malinois are well-regarded for their intelligence, agility, loyalty, and particularly the sensory abilities that allow them to detect weapons and enemy forces at great distances. It also has been reported that, in addition to their natural gifts, Navy SEAL dogs are given "titanium fangs capable of ripping through enemy protective armor." Yikes.

UPDATE: The mysterious hero dog now has its own dedicated Twitter account. Oh, Internet; we'd expect nothing less from you.

When it comes to the coveted Best in Show title at New York's illustrious Westminster Dog Show, it takes a precise blend of breeding, training and, of course, primping to impress the judges. Lucky for SeaWorld Orlando trainer Jamie Stanley-Bahnsen of Orlando, Florida, her Belgian Malinois, Harley, is all business when it's time to get in the ring.

Meet Harley
If the breed Belgian Malinois doesn't ring any bells, it's not just you. Although it bears a passing resemblance to the German shepherd, the Belgian Malinois isn't a breed you're likely to see at the dog park.

Like other members of the herding group, Harley's breed is best known for its high energy level and intelligence, two factors that some owners can find challenging. "They're a little like border collies in a way," Stanley-Bahnsen tells Paw Nation. "If they don't have a job, they'll find a job."

In fact, that's how Harley got his motorcycle-inspired name. When Harley was a puppy, Stanley-Bahnsen says he ran constantly at full throttle, circling around the yard. Fortunately, Harley mellowed out with time.

"He's a little unusual for a Malinois," says Stanley-Bahnsen. "Because if I want to sit on the couch for eight hours, he's fine with it. Or if I want to take him biking, he'll run for hours."

Name: Belgian Malinois

Personality: As you might expect of the official dog of the United States Secret Service, the Belgian Malinois has an almost unparalleled drive to learn, work and please its owner. As long as it's well-trained, the Malinois is friendly; otherwise, its restlessness might prove destructive. The American Kennel Club describes the Malinois as an "alert, high-energy breed," while the American Belgian Malinois Club Web site says, "Whatever they do, they do to the maximum: whether that be work, play, or just adoring you, their master." Both clubs note that, during its first two years of life, the Belgian Malinois may act even more overly exuberant, goofy, out of control or even emotional.

Grooming: Grooming doesn't present an issue for this breed most of the time. Says ABMC Belgian Malinois Rescue, "Malinois are essentially natural dogs and very low-maintenance. Ears, tail, and dew claws are fine as is; no cropping is necessary. Very little grooming is needed; however, Malinois shed profusely twice a year."

Common Health Issues: Thyroid problems, epilepsy, cataracts, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and pannus are all health problems that are associated with the breed, yet overall, the Malinois is considered to have less health issues than its close-looking cousin, the German shepherd. Also, selective breeding has reduced the prevalence of most of these conditions.