Brindle Belgian Malinois: Pictures, Facts & History
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| Height: | 22 to 26 inches |
| Weight: | 44 to 66 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 14 years |
| Colors: | Fawn, fawn sable, red, red sable, mahogany, black, grey, grey sable, cream, cream sable, liver, and most importantly, brindle |
| Suitable for: | Active families, experienced owners |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loyal, protective |
The Brindle Belgian Malinois is an intelligent, loyal, protective dog that is a color variation of the Belgian Malinois. This dog grows 22 to 26 inches long and tops at 44 to 66 pounds when fully grown.
The Belgian Malinois has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years and is intelligent, loyal, and very protective of its family. If you’re looking to adopt one of these gorgeous dogs, you’ll want to know a bit more about it before making up your mind. We’ll discuss the history of the breed and a few facts, so join us.
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized herding dog native to Belgium. It is well suited to being a working dog and is happiest when it has something to do. The Brindle Belgian Malinois is no different; the only difference between it and any other Belgian Malinois is the color of its coat.
Brindle dogs have brown coats with streaks of another color. They have black faces, and the brindle coat can resemble tiger stripes, with the brown coat having black stripes. The brindle gene, which gives a dog a brindle coloring, is dominant. So, if one dog’s parents have the brindle gene, the litter will most likely be brindle, and if both parents have it, then it’s almost guaranteed.
The Earliest Records of Brindle Belgian Malinois in History
The Belgian Malinois, as the name suggests, is native to Belgium. The breed was first developed in the 19th century in the city of Maline, where it gets its name. Belgian farmers and ranchers had set out to make a herding dog, and they succeeded with the Belgian Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd.
The Belgian Malinois first appeared in America in 1911; the breed began to gain popularity but was quickly halted. The breakout of the great depression and the second world war led to the Belgian Malinois population diminishing. Thankfully, the prosperity of the postwar period led to their numbers rising once again.
How Brindle Belgian Malinois Gained Popularity
The Belgian Malinois began its existence as a working dog and has remained as such, but the jobs it performs have changed over time. While it is still used as a herding dog, it’s more commonly found working for the government. The Belgian Malinois is commonly used as a police, military, search and rescue, and drug detection dog. They also patrol the white house grounds and work with Navy Seal teams.
Despite all of this, the job the Belgian Malinois most commonly performs nowadays is a pet. The Belgian Malinois is known for being a loyal companion and an excellent guard dog. Because they’re so muscular and athletic, they often join their owners on long runs, hiking trips, and agility competitions.
Formal Recognition of Brindle Belgian Malinois
After the second world war, the breed’s population began to increase, and eventually, in 1959, it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. After its official recognition, its popularity quickly rose and prevented the species from going extinct. However, the Brindle coat is not recognized for show status. The only colors accepted by the AKC are fawn, fawn sable, mahogany, red, and red sable.
The Top 4 Unique Facts About Brindle Belgian Malinois
1. The Belgian Malinois Isn’t the Only Belgian Shepherd
The Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian Shepherd dogs, and the other three are the Tervuren, the Groenendael, and the Laekenois. The American Kennel Club considered all four to be separate breeds.
2. The Breed Descends from The German Shepherd
The Belgian Malinois and its three fellow Belgian Shepherds descend from a wide range of breeds. These breeds include the Dutch Shepherd, the Bouvier de Ardennes, and the German Shepherd.
3. Some Tiger Reserves Use Belgian Malinois to Track Down Poachers
The Kahra and Pench tiger reserves had previously used Belgian Malinois to track down poachers. In 2016, poachers killed 20 tigers, and Belgian Malinois were used to bring them to justice.
In 2011, a Navy Seal team was sent to kill or capture Osama Bin Laden, and the team included a Belgian Malinois named Cairo.
Does Brindle Belgian Malinois Make a Good Pet?
As with all breeds, the Belgian Malinois is a good dog for the right type of owner. The Belgian Malinois is not a good pet for owners who live in apartments or will have to leave the dog alone for long periods. They are working dogs and, as such, get bored very easily when they have nothing to do. When they’re bored and alone, they become destructive.
However, this high energy and need for attention makes them great family dogs. They need lots of attention and exercise, so the more people, the better. Their loyalty and protectiveness also make them very protective of children.
If you can get your Malinois the exercise it needs, have enough space, and get it the attention and companionship it requires, then they are great pets.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Brindle Belgian Malinois is an exceptional canine. They make good pets for the right owner and have a storied history behind them. If you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal, loving dog to give a forever home, the Brindle Belgian Malinois might just be the pet you’re looking for. Although it’s not suited for first-time owners, the Brindle Belgian Malinois is ideal for active families who love spending time outdoors.
Featured Image Credit: Sorrel Ireland, Shutterstock
