02/20/2022
There’s a viral post going around about the new movie “Dog” featuring Channing Tatum, and the fear that after seeing this movie, which features a malinois, many people will run out and get one. It’s a legitimate concern, because the same thing has happened in other films, like 101 Dalmatians.
Many of you have sent me the post, and I do like it; but I’m cautious to share it because it’s 100% correct but the language towards the general public is pretty judgmental. And I know that’s the point; but I like to word things a little differently.
Belgian shepherds come in 4 coat types - long-haired black Groenendael, the rough-haired fawn Laekenois, the short-haired fawn Malinois, and the long-haired fawn Tervuren. In the US they are separate but in all other countries they are the same breed, just different coats. Even in the US a litter of Belgian Malis may have longer coats (tervs) etc
The breed was originally bred for herding, but their flexibility, intense intelligence and biddability quickly became picked up by military and they served in both world wars and still do to this day. They excel in all dog sports, as well as protection, service dogs and search and rescue. They are incredibly brave, sensitive, and exceptional. They are NOT easy dogs to have.
Living with a Belgian is a full time job. I waited for years to be ready for this level of drive and intensity. I have also had a police K9 prior and have had German Shepherds my entire career; but Aslan is a completely different animal. Even the most experienced of handlers will feel challenged and out of their depth at times with this breed.
The fear of the movie creating a surge of people wanting a malinois - or any Belgian variety, is very very real for us as trainers, vets, animal professionals. Although we already see a massive amount of unpreparedness for even “regular” dogs, the thought of malinois in pet dog homes is terrifying. It’s also dangerous. When these dogs get older and their drive becomes no longer livable, shelters and rescues (who are already overrun) will be filled with dogs that need very very specific experienced working homes.
They are absolutely beautiful, and their intensity is addicting. But you could say the same about a Ferrari, beautiful to look at, but not the smartest choice for a family of 4.
Go see the movie, and admire the dog. But please, educate everyone you know on the reality of life with these dogs, they will test every nerve you have, they will put holes in every pair of pants, they will need to work. Be honest with yourself on if you truly can do that, every day, for the next 12 years. It’s okay if the answer is no, that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of a dog, it means you’re responsible.
