I don't think I need to - all of the data is already out there online anyway. It's a shame you don't go on FB as there is a fascinating group there about the history of Belgian Shepherds, with a good many posts by Jean-Marie Vanbutsele, an eminent breed historian.

Ringsport developed as a back-street display by those who were training their Malinois as guards etc, and that came about directly as a result of the BSD's diminishing role as a sheep herder due to fewer sheep being farmed in Belgium, and the desire to preserve the breed by utilising its instincts for other purposes.

I don't disagree.... it's worrying anyone who has an interest in the Malinois.

However I do take a crumb of comfort in the fact that if they did rise as a 'status dog' for the wrong reasons, I feel it would be a short-lived spike, as they are not tolerant of harsh or bad handling, and poor socialisation/temperament leading to them 'kicking off' regularly in public would signal them very quickly to the authorities clamping down on dangerous dogs. They are unlikely to blend in to society as easily, or peacefully, as Pit Bulls - most of which are very tolerant unless trained not to be.

Talking of FB....could you set up a page on there Bijou...I know quite a few rescues a using it as a resource these days to reach more people.

I'm not sure how it would pan out tbh - and I fear, as per the posts by Murf, that they will start to get crossed with bull breeds more and more

I've seen more adverts crossing them with sighthounds - there was a litter bred a few years ago crossed with greyhound, and have seen one advertised recently with Bedlington/whippet/lurcher dam.

Malis have a strong prey drive, and can be very fast, so that's quite an add-on to a lurcher - a lurcher with teeth.

Plus they may well retain some guarding instinct which isn't a regular lurcher trait - and being trainable, it might be easier to get them to bring back prey. I'm only guessing here... but in a lot of respects they are like giant terriers themselves - reactive, speedy, and determined. I can see why people who want working hunting dogs are attracted to them.

I'm not so sure what would be gained with a bull-breed cross. Any kind of nervousness or fear-aggression would surely make the dog unhandleable, and you can't overcome that kind of issue with harsh handling or CM tactics, it needs a much gentler approach.

*shrug*
Everyone's experimenting at the moment, crossing the weirdest most outlandish combinations - rarer the better - and cashing in. I don't think any breed is going to be immune to that trend, unfortunately

The crosses that I see in the boar dog community in Aus is amazing MM..
Yet to see a Mal yet though ..lol

Fine if they are being crossed with a specific purpose in mind (though I do wonder what happens to the ones that don't make the grade, and/or surplus pups unsold in a large litter of 10 or so).

That's how people have always developed working dogs.... but it must be said, that 100 years ago any that were left over or didn't make the grade were PTS. Which of course is not acceptable now, so what happens to the extras? If they aren't suitable to go into homes as pets? Plus we now have the added issue of financial cachet.... Flog 'em and make a few bob.

I think it's more, put the current status dogs to the next big thing (Malis). Half of them haven't got a clue what they're doing, they probably think they can get a 'super' dog this way


Murf you should start a thread about them - some of the boar dogs you have posted are stunning. I'm particularly interested in the more 'agile' bull breeds - which that community seems to breed.

I am not particularly good on FB but would love to have a read - could you possibly post a link, or send me a link by pm if you don't wish to post it on here?

I used to be a member on a BSD forum but it recently packed in and cannot find any others specific to BSD's.

Will have to 'get into' FB more!

Sue

Could you let me know too please. Would love to see it

OK - I'm giving out the contact details for the person dealing with these Mali's if anyone is able to help either with offers of homes or anything else

Pam Jameson E-mail: pam.jameson@gmx.co.uk


we are hoping to be able to find good homes for all the pups and will do our best for the older ones coming in.

Please note the link has been removed from the above post.
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