What's the difference between show and working lines??

Question

I am getting a belgian malinois from a shelter and i don't know if it is from show or working lines. I am aware that it is very very rare to be able to ADOPT a malinois - but i don't know how they came about being there. The mom was rescued while pregnant.

I was hoping the pups may be from show lines but what are the differences in looks, temperament etc???

Answer 1

If the dam was rescued while pregnant, are they sure the puppies are even purebred?

Starred for Greekman.

I am not an expert on Malinois, but I can tell you that -- in terms of looks alone, the dogs from show lines are typically more refined and narrow-headed than working-line dogs. Working Malinois tend to have more size and muscle mass, as well as a broader head.

I would rather have someone who knows the breed well speak to the temperament differences!

ADD: The more I read your other questions about this adoption, the more I agree with miaugh...I don't think you are prepared for a Malinois. You may want to rethink this.

Answer 2

Working lines mean the dog was bred to do specific work and was bred to produce other dogs with the same working qualities. So dogs that do herding, drug sniffing, protection, etc. A show dog is a dog that is bred for health, temperament, and to meet breed standards. Working dogs can still meet those standards, but they're less likely to be sold as just family pets. If your dog came from a shelter, he might be from neither. He could just be a badly bred dog from a bad breeder. Show dogs and working dogs don't usually end up in shelters.

Answer 3

I have stared this for a user on here with 30years experience in the breed... Greekman!

Answer 4

I wasn't going to answer this question as I felt others had already superbly covered the information that you need.

However- given your additions I do have a few things that you should consider.

1. Someone who feels a need to argue/be defensive with experts in THIS breed is unlikely to be dominant/assertive enough to handle the average dog in the breed.

2. If you're not "inexperienced" you already should know that you cannot show the dog in conformation-- so why bother bringing it up?  Shelter dogs are NOT eligible for AKC conformation.  You can ILP with AKC to compete in AKC agility or you can join other agility venues.

3. The last thing I would call a proper Malinois is "sweet".  Canine crocodile yes.. sweet, no.  

4. This dog comes from a shelter.  Since both show lines and working lines of Malinois are very valuable its very likely this dog is from backyard bred stock.  

5. Please be certain to have the dog evaluated for structure by a reputable Malinois breeder/handler before you start in agility.  Agility can be hard on dogs and break them down if they are not properly constructed.  You will, of course, also OFA the dog's hips/elbows before doing much jumping.

Answer 5

I have to say, looking at your previous question "Are Belgian Malinois Cute?"--cute is probably the last adjective I would apply to this breed.  They are definitely not the breed for everyone, and not for an inexperienced dog owner.  They were and are bred first and foremost as a working breed, they have intense drives and energy.  Because this dog is in a shelter for adoption, does not make it more likely that his drives are low, and that he will make a good pet..

Answer 6

Starred for others on YA that is more familiar with the breed

Answer 7

As a malinois owner for the last 30 plus years, I can tell you that the breed is a very energetic, highly driven type.

Depending on where the dog was bred, what lines are involved, etc, some dogs out of show lines may be a little less hyper and dominant.

Working line dogs are much more hyper, more driven, more demanding, and definitely more dominant in nature.

I do not, as a rule, like to see malinois, any malinois go to a home as a "pet"..that is not what they were bred to do and I have always said that if you are looking for a work dog, the malinois is the number 1 dog in the world for that, the Zenith, the Paragon or excellence, but, the vast majority really do suck as pets.

Think it over carefully and decide wisely. Hope I helped!

ADD: Animal artworks...LMAO!!! I was thinking the exact same thing about the "sweet" malinois.

I have yet to meet one and I would be scared if I ever did tp tell you the truth.

Poster..Malinois are NOT "sweet", they are a working breed, period. They can and will drive a normal, sane person out of their minds on a daily basis with their energy levels and their drives.

My malinois worked 10 hours a day and then trained in NVBK, 13 hours of HARD work a day, 6-7 days a week, he slept like a rock for 3 hours and was bouncing off the walls to go to work again after that.

Please think this carefully...please do some research on these dogs and consider the fact they may not be for you!!