Is a Belgian Malinois right for you?

• You enjoy daily training and treat it as a hobby.
• You have run, hiked or worked with active dogs before.
• You can give the dog real exercise every day, in all weather.
• Your household agrees and shares the work.
• You have a trainer you trust and will keep using.

• Long, unpredictable workdays with nobody to step in.
• A first dog, and no experienced help.
• A home with many small children and little supervision.
• You want a calm couch companion.
• Money is tight and vet or training bills would be hard.

A dog without enough outlet may chew, bark, pace or become hard to handle. That is not a bad dog. It is a mismatch.

If you like the idea of a working shepherd but feel unsure, ask a professional about a calmer breed or an individual dog with a steadier temperament.