Also, it may encourage prospective dog owners to properly research the breed that they are considering purchasing.
Why are we discussing two breeds that appear to have nothing in common? Read on. All will be revealed.
The Belgian Malinois has come to peoples attention mainly because of their use by the military and law enforcement.
As a result, their popularity will rise but if any of you are thinking of getting one, think long and hard and do extensive research.
The Malinois is in fact one of four recognised Belgian breeds.
The Tervuren and the Groenendael have been popular dogs amongst obedience enthusiasts since the 60s and 70s, whilst the Laekenois is much rarer and is almost unknown.
The Malinois was originally bred as a herding dog and used extensively by both cattlemen and shepherds. What is notable is that those who bred this dog were so committed to the work ethic they took little notice of the fads and fancies of the pet-owning population.
This created a true working dog unsullied by the desire to produce a visually perfect specimen. This can be compared to the English Working Collie/Border Collie used by shepherds for generations.
One of the difficulties of having a Malinois in a pet home is the same as a working collie, the natural instinct to herd, so children, in particular, find themselves being rounded up and kept in one place.
This obviously creates an image that provokes mirth and hilarity as in our mind’s eye we see the kids being kept under control by the dog but unfortunately, the reality is that a true working dog can start nipping as the errant child tries to move away from the group.
The Malinois is totally unsuitable for those living in apartments or high rise buildings and small children can be a problem.
This is a breed that not only needs a higher than normal degree of exercise but it is also a working dog with a brain. This high level of intelligence will require stimulation and failure will result in this breed becoming bored with all the related problems. They need to be socialised very early as their strong personality can make them antagonistic towards other dogs and cats.
The Malinois can have a life expectancy of up to 14 years and has few natural health issues. As with all large dogs, hip dysplasia is something to be aware of, the coat is fairly easily maintained and for those who enjoy outdoor activities this dog makes a great companion. Their commitment to their “human family” is considered without parallel, however, whilst this sounds laudable this trait is considered only to be an advantage if this dog has a lifestyle that satisfies its almost insatiable desire for work both physically and mentally. In terms of keeping one happy, this is a “high maintenance” dog. I can assure you that a bored Malinois is a liability.
The Malinois requires positive training and reacts badly to harsh treatment and negatively. This can lead them to become uncooperative and confrontational. Due to their high level of intelligence, this breed will advance much quicker than many other breeds and therefore training should start very early.
With their involvement in high profile incidents such as those involving Osama bin Laden and Abu bakr al-Bagdadi plus the events that occurred with The British Special Boat Service in Afghanistan (see Military Dogs), it is not surprising that their high profile will make them the next “must-have” pet.
Over the years I have visited any number of shelters and sadly witnessed the distressing sight of working dogs abandoned by owners who bought one because they were popular and then found that this type of dog was beyond their capabilities to either train or provide a lifestyle suitable for a working dog.
The Dachshund, more commonly known as the sausage dog is a very short-legged, long-bodied, small pet dog that originated from Germany. Let’s be honest, this is about as far away from a Malinois as it gets. It may seem strange but the Dachshund was originally bred to scent, flush and chase badgers and other burrow dwelling animals. They were also expected to dig down to badgers and in fact, the name Dachshund translates as badger dog. This small dog has become rather popular particularly in the United States of America.
The Dachshund has a reputation of being more difficult to train than most, stubborn and is fairly high on the list when it comes to aggression. It appears to retain a degree of its original hunting instinct and therefore can be susceptible to chasing other small dogs and cats. This breed is totally unsuitable for families with very small children due to their vulnerability to spinal injuries.
Having small children in the house with a pet that they cannot just pick up or cuddle is hardly a good idea.
A 2008 study by the University of Pennsylvania showed that small breed dogs were more likely to be genetically predisposed toward aggressive behaviour. Dachshunds were found to be some of the most aggressive and accounted for about 20% of injuries suffered by strangers. This figure could even be higher as attacks from small dogs are underreported. Fortunately, most injuries are minor as small dogs don’t have the ability to exert more than a few pounds per square inch pressure.
This breed, despite being what today would be classed as a lap dog, is quite intelligent and because it was originally a hunting dog and retains a degree of the behaviour of former times it may be that its reactions and response are the results of boredom.
Now we come to the issue of health. The Dachshund, having an unnaturally long body, is susceptible to spinal problems. Up to 25% will develop Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). This condition is exacerbated by inappropriate exercise, rough handling, jumping up and obesity.
Treatments include confinement, anti-inflammatory drugs, chronic pain medication, and in some cases very expensive surgical procedures. In cases of permanent paralysis, a trolly/cart may be the only option.
Other health problems are Luxating Patella (moving kneecap), a number of eye conditions, dental issues and epilepsy.
One of the rules of life is…. be honest with yourself.
There are those of you who will be attracted to either one of these two breeds.
The Malinois will be an attractive proposition for those who see and covet a big tough dog, a military dog, a man stopper. But in all honesty, are you able to give this dog the life that it needs?
The Dachshund, small and very appealing, but can you afford the veterinary care and would you be able to handle the distress of seeing your little dog in pain?
“There was a time when man could communicate with the animals but we have since forgotten their language.”
Anthony Douglas Williams
With subtitle or not?