Collection: Personalised Belgian Malinois Gifts

The Malinois is the most popular variety of the Belgian Shepherd breed. There aren’t many physical differences between the four types, except for their coat and colour. For example, this pooch has a short and dense coat that is either red, fawn, or grey. It gets its name from the Malines region and often works for the police and armed forces. The Malinois earns respect for its serious nature and courageousness - a fierce Belgian Malinois named Cairo assisted in the mission that resulted in Osama Bin Laden's death!

America classifies each variety as a separate breed, but most places, including the UK, see each of the four Shepherd dogs as a type of Belgian Shepherd.

When you first think of Belgium, its infamous chocolate is likely to come to mind. It is responsible for a significant chunk of the country's economy and is one of its main exports. Successful cattle farming is, therefore, an important business. Belgian Shepherds play an active role in this by herding and guarding cattle, indirectly helping Belgium master its wonderful chocolate!

In the late 1800s, Professor Reul split the breed into four standardised types, using a sample of over 100! The Malinois was the first variety to be recognised.

By the 20th century, word of the breed had spread across the globe - they pulled ambulance carts for the British Red Cross in the First World War and now guard the White House!

Intentionally bred to have a serious, hard-working character, these dogs were never designed to be affectionate companion pets. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t suited to that role, though! The Malinois is the most energetic of the Belgian Sheperd varieties and is nicknamed the ‘Maligator’ because of its intensity. They are intelligent, and it’s in their nature to protect their family. They are constantly on the watch for danger. If you are a first-time dog owner, this breed might not be for you, as they are high maintenance and demand regular long walks! (Even when the weather is stormy and miserable)