An expert trainer has warned people against buying a Belgian Malinois – and predicts it will be the next breed added to Britain’s list of banned dangerous dogs.
There are currently four types of dog breeds banned in the UK – Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
Jacob Morgan, founder and trainer of the YorkshireCanineAcademy.co.ukthink this breed of Shepard dog could be added to the list.
The expert has trained more than 2,500 dogs and owns five himself – but he fears this particular breed could become anxious and lash out at its owners if not cared for properly.
According the governmentit is illegal to own any of the above four breeds, with owners subject to fines, court appearances, and dog confiscation.
However, if your dog is a prohibited breed but not considered dangerous by the courts, they may be exempt – but must be leashed and muzzled at all times when outdoors.
Jacob owns a Belgian Malinois, so he’s knowledgeable about what it takes to care for it.
According to his expert opinion, he thinks this type of dog is not for everyone.
(Image: Wales Online)
As reported by Wales onlineJacob said: “This week alone I saw five Belgian Malinois dogs seeking rehoming via Facebook.
“It’s scary to see because it shows that people are buying into this breed of dog and can’t deal with it.
“My Belgian Malinois puppy, Stark, is 15 weeks old and I’m with him most of the day training our clients’ dogs.
“But I also have staff members who can also make sure Stark is stimulated by giving him an activity to do every hour. Even as a dog trainer, if it was just me taking care of Stark, I would have a hard time.”
Often mistaken for a short-haired German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is traditionally a herding dog.
Highly intelligent, athletic and very energetic, they were made famous by films such as John Wick and Dog with Channing Tatum.
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You’ve probably also seen them jump over high walls in online videos and work for the SAS and police forces around the world.
The Belgian Malinois can reach around 30 kg and its life expectancy is 14 to 16 years.
The breed has a high prey drive, and without proper socialization and training, it will chase small animals, vehicles, or children.
Jacob said: ‘I had been planning on having a Belgian Malinois puppy for two years, I had chosen his name before I found the right breeder because there are so many people who breed for profit rather than health. and good personality traits.
“I can say with confidence that the Belgian Malinois is not a pet and especially if you have a full time job, you don’t have time for this breed.
“It takes thousands of hours of training to make a Belgian Malinois a ‘normal dog’, so many are bred to have a ‘nerve point’, which is mistaken for a desire to protect.”
“This breed has strong guarding and guarding instincts, and genetics compel them to chase and bite things,” he continued.
“If an owner doesn’t provide an outlet like the training shown in our video, dogs can become anxious and lash out at their owners.
“It’s a perfect storm going on right now and I’m sure it won’t be long before the breed is completely banned.
“Throughout any fault on their part, it will be the fault of the thoughtless breeders and owners who have not done their research properly.”
Belgian Malinois puppies are being sold on public pet-trading sites for just £650, and Google trends show there has been a 50% increase in online interest in these puppies over the past the last 12 months only.
Jacob plans to compete in appropriate sports with Stark when he is older, in competitions such as Shutzhund, a canine sport that tests tracking, obedience and protection skills, and assesses whether a dog has the traits and appropriate characteristics of a good working dog.
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