Online Dog Adoption Application

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Zabba came to us as a stray. She was microchipped and we later found out she was owned by a guard dog company whom was shut down due animal cruelty. According to the vet, she is a pure bred Belgian Malinois. When she arrived, she had some severe ear infections but otherwise seems sweet. She is a bit high energy, but that goes with the breed. We're not 100% sure if she will be good with other dogs, but she seems excited and interested in meeting them. She definitely is not aggressive with people and seems to love attention. We're hoping to find a forever home that has some experience with the breed so that she will never need to be rescued again.

The Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs. A very bright and obedient dog, they are determined and observant with strong protective and territorial instincts. Socialize well to prevent them from becoming shy or sensitive. The Belgian Malinois needs an experienced master who is firm, but not heavy handed. If you are harsh or overbearing they will become uncooperative. Owners need to display a confident, natural authority over the dog. Consistent rules must be set and made clear. This breed is instinctively protective so it should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Puppies should be socialized right from birth. Good for working and competition obedience, these dogs make excellent police and guard dogs. This type of work is currently their main occupation. They do however make excellent pets if they have owners who can challenge their minds with an air of leadership. They are ever watchful, alert and loyal. The Belgian Malinois can be good with children if socialized well with them. This breed needs to be part of the family and not locked up in a kennel. They need leadership and daily exercise along with training and companionship, for without it they may become destructive and hard to handle. The Belgian Malinois is high energy, with a high mental capacity, and is quick to comprehend. They need a job to do, especially if you are dealing with working lines. Take care when introducing this dog with small non-canine pets. They can be rather dominant toward other dogs and need an owner who can communicate to the dog that dominance is an unwanted behavior. Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and other pets, they should not present any problems. Belgian Malinois may instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people's heels. They must be taught not to do this to people. This is a very demanding dog. It needs an experienced owner for it can easily be difficult to control unless the owner knows how to handle him. The way the owner handles the dog can produce wide differences in temperament and aggressiveness. Talk to someone experienced with the breed before you buy your dog. These dogs are often impressive; don't base your purchase solely on achievement records and appearances. Only adopt this type of dog if you fully understand what it means to be alpha.