We all agree that Belgian Malinois are powerful, intelligent and agile dogs who need owners who will give them a good dose of training. They are used in law enforcement and military and police services worldwide and they’re not for everyone.
When we say everyone, we think on people who are not ready to provide them with enough activity, a dose of daily training and a healthy diet. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why the Belgian Malinois is such an outstanding police dog, whether they are used by law enforcement in the UK, their role with Navy SEALs, and whether they make good family pets.
Are Belgian Malinois Good Police Dogs? Why Police Choose Them?
Since they’re famous for ther exceptional capabilities, police often choose them as companions in different activities. You probably saw on TV how a Belgian Malinois rescued a human from an earthquake disaster or finds a hidden bomb in critical war places, right? Well, thanks to their intelligence and excellent instincts, this breed is often the go-to choice for law enforcement agencies. But what makes the Belgian Malinois stand out from other breeds?
Intelligence and Trainability
Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent dogs. That’s why they often rank among the top breeds in terms of cognitive ability. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, allowing them to master complex commands and tasks needed in police work. However, just like with any other dog, you need to include a positive reinforcement during training lessons. Tell them several praise words, reward them with snacks and they’ll be ready to follow you to the end of the world. Belgian Malinois can be trained for various law enforcement tasks, from detecting narcotics and explosives to apprehending suspects.
Agility and Stamina
One of the reasons the Belgian Malinois outperforms many other breeds in law enforcement is its extraordinary physical prowess. These dogs are fast, agile, and possess great stamina. Unlike other dog breeds that don’t need so much exercise during a day, these energy bombs need more than just a regular walk. They need to run, chase and spend all that pent up energy. Whether they need to chase down a suspect or search vast areas, their endurance and agility ensure they can handle any task.
Loyalty and Bond with Handlers
A strong bond between the dog and its handler is essential in law enforcement, and the Belgian Malinois excels in this area. In other words, you need to be a good pack leader in order to live with an obedient Malinois. Their loyalty and desire to please their handler make them ideal working dogs. This relationship ensures that the dog can perform under pressure and in stressful situations, knowing it has the support and guidance of its handler. In case you’re not ready to take the lead and show your pet who’s the boss, he can become desctructive chewer and stubborn member of your family.
Fearlessness and Focus
The Belgian Malinois has a strong work ethic and is fearless in the face of danger. They can remain focused in intense situations, which is vital in police operations. A Belgian Malinois who is well-trained will not start chasing a squirrel or a cat during the operation. It will remain calm, focused and will be ready for a command. Whether they are apprehending criminals or assisting in search and rescue missions, their ability to remain calm under pressure is unmatched. No other dog can match the readiness and determination of a Malinois to stand side by side in the line of duty. These traits make the Belgian Malinois as a police dog a preferred breed for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Their combination of intelligence, physical ability, and loyalty allows them to perform demanding tasks with precision and dedication.
Do UK Police Use Malinois?
Yes, UK police use Malinois as part of their canine units, and the breed has become increasingly popular among British law enforcement agencies. The Metropolitan Police, along with other regional forces, deploy Belgian Malinois in various roles due to their versatility and work ethic.
Key Roles in UK Policing
The Belgian Malinois is commonly used in the UK for tasks such as:
- Crowd control during public events and protests.
- Search and detection work, including drug, explosives, and firearms detection.
- Suspect apprehension where the Malinois’s speed and strength are invaluable.
Reasons for Popularity
The UK police favor Malinois due to their high energy levels and ability to work in a variety of conditions. Additionally, their relatively small size compared to other working breeds like German Shepherds allows them to maneuver easily in tight spaces. This makes them ideal for urban environments, which are often encountered in UK law enforcement. Besides this dog breed, German Shepherds is often used for other police tasks such as protecting people or ‘’attacking’’ the suspect during special actions.
Training and Integration
Belgian Malinois undergo extensive training to become effective members of the UK police force. Once trained, these dogs are capable of working in diverse and sometimes challenging environments. They are known to excel in high-stress situations, from tracking suspects to detecting illegal substances. As you can guess, training a Belgian Malinois is quite expensive. If you want to buy an adult and well-trained BM, their price goes up to $85,000. Sounds crazy, right? Well, if you ask us, we completely understand their high market price.
Their widespread use by UK police highlights the trust and reliance placed on the Belgian Malinois in law enforcement across various sectors.
What Dog Do Navy SEALs Use?
While many breeds are used in military operations, Navy SEALs often use Belgian Malinois due to their remarkable qualities. The Belgian Malinois has become a crucial part of some of the most elite military operations in the world.
The Belgian Malinois is favored by Navy SEALs for many of the same reasons that law enforcement agencies choose this breed. Their intelligence, athleticism, and ability to adapt quickly to new situations make them invaluable in military missions. Malinois are also lighter and more agile than other working breeds like German Shepherds, which allows them to be deployed in a wider range of environments, including parachute jumps and rappelling.
Belgian Malinois have been used in some of the most high-profile military missions in recent history. And, the operation to capture Osama bin Laden is one of them. Their courage and loyalty under fire make them ideal for high-stakes operations, solidifying their reputation as a top choice for elite military units like the Navy SEALs. Military dogs, including Belgian Malinois, undergo rigorous training before they are deployed in combat zones or special operations. This training includes mastering parachute operations, detecting explosives, and attacking enemy combatants when necessary.
Is a Malinois a Good Family Dog?
While the Belgian Malinois excels in police and military roles, it’s important to assess whether they can transition into being a good family dog. The answer is not straightforward and depends largely on the owner’s experience and knowledge of the breed’s needs. These dogs have a plenty of energy. And if that energy goes in the wrong direction, then you can expect many problems at home.
Energy Levels
Belgian Malinois are incredibly high-energy dogs that need ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. If left without sufficient exercise, they can become bored and develop behavioral problems. One of the things that can go wrong is destroyed furniture, shoes, and even beds at your home. For families with active lifestyles, the Belgian Malinois may be a good fit.
Their humans need to be ready to meet the dog’s high demands for activity. Having a home with access to open spaces for daily exercise is ideal. There are numerous cases where Belgian Malinois have proven to be great family dogs. However, it is not advisable to leave them alone with young children.
Temperament and Training
Malinois are loyal and protective, making them good guard dogs. However, their strong protective instincts also mean they need proper socialization from a young age to ensure they are comfortable around strangers, children, and other animals, including cats. This breed requires consistent obedience training. They need to manage its assertive nature, and their owners must be dedicated to providing that structure.
For those considering adding a Belgian Malinois puppy to their family, it’s important to read about the breed’s breeding background. Besides, you should also consult reputable kennels or akc certified breeders. Finding the right dog that fits your family’s daily routine is essential.
Affection and Loyalty
Despite their working dog reputation, Belgian Malinois can be incredibly affectionate with their families. Once properly trained and socialized, they form strong bonds with their owners. They can be truly loving pets in the right environment.
Why Do Police Use Belgian Malinois Instead of German Shepherds?
When it comes to law enforcement, choosing the right canine partner is crucial. For decades, the German Shepherd was the standard breed for police forces around the world. However, in recent years, the Belgian Malinois has become a more popular choice. While both breeds are highly valued for their work in law enforcement, there are many reasons why the Belgian Malinois is often preferred over the German Shepherd.
Belgian Malinois Police Dogs for Sale
Many law enforcement agencies, as well as private security companies, seek well-trained Belgian Malinois dogs for their teams. If you’re considering a belgian malinois police dog for sale, it’s important to work with reputable breeders or trainers. They should specialize in police dog training and obedience training. These canines come with advanced skills in detection, tracking, and suspect apprehension. That’s why they are ready for high-stakes police or security work. The price of a Belgian Malinois puppy goes between $600 to $3000 depending on the puppy’s genes. Since obedience training of these pooches is quite costly, the average price of a training per hour costs from $30 to $50.
Belgian Malinois In Law Enforcement: Conclusion
While the German Shepherd has long been a reliable breed for police work, the Belgian Malinois offers distinct advantages, particularly in terms of agility, endurance, and health. Their superior focus, drive, and versatility in tasks such as chasing, jumping, and attack make them an increasingly popular choice in both law enforcement and military operations.
Whether it’s for a belgian malinois police dog attack scenario, a tactical mission requiring belgian malinois police dog jumping, or extended patrol duties, this breed’s remarkable physical and mental attributes have made it an indispensable partner in modern policing.
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