Hello all,

I have a question for you, which may seem a little strange. I am quite certain that a malinois is going to be my next dog, in a few year's time. I would like to point out that the question I am going to ask is not going to anywhere near the dog's only purpose. It is going to be a sport dog, hopefully competitive IPO.

I live in Norway, in a rural part of the country. Here we don't have to worry much about crime or anything. However, there are a lot of cattle where we use to hike, and I've been charged by heifers (I think it's called that) and grown bulls many times, though rarely anything serious. But this summer, me and my dog (a 50/50 working/show bred boxer) were actually attacked by a bull, and long story short, the dog drove it of by barking and a few bites in the bull's nose. I got away with only a few broken ribs. I am pretty sure the dog saved my life that day, even though he was most likely just defending himself. The same bull mauled and nearly killed its owner a few weeks later.

This got me thinking. Could a malinois be counted on in situations like this? Is a malinois a good choice for protection when living in places where being attacked by both domestic and wild animals is a real threat?

yes
I've seen more than a few mals herd catle including bulls
I've even had 2 that brought down a horse that attacked me in less than a minute

Greetings

Johan

YES!
Basic obedience is a must however. Two of mine will instigate situations if I don't control them. It can easily become a game for them. I live on a farm and we don't have to worry about any wild animals or vermin around our home.

Debbie

My Mal Toni came charging into a situation much like you described. I was cornered by a nasty cow and she was banging me with her head (thank God she did not have horns). While Paul tried to get in to pull me out, Toni flew over the gate and latched onto the cow's neck. While the cow tried to get Toni dislodged, Paul dragged me over the gate.

As soon as I was out and safe, Toni broke and came to me.

Toni was only 13 months old when she did this, and has been super protective her entire life.. she is now 4 years. I know that if I were threatened, my Mals would be there for me.

That's good to hear. Thanks a lot for the answers folks.

 Quote: Kelly At Leerburg

My Mal Toni came charging into a situation much like you described. I was cornered by a nasty cow and she was banging me with her head (thank God she did not have horns). While Paul tried to get in to pull me out, Toni flew over the gate and latched onto the cow's neck. While the cow tried to get Toni dislodged, Paul dragged me over the gate.

As soon as I was out and safe, Toni broke and came to me.

Toni was only 13 months old when she did this, and has been super protective her entire life.. she is now 4 years. I know that if I were threatened, my Mals would be there for me.

A normal day in a mals life

 Quote: Richard Lind

Hello all,

I am quite certain that a malinois is going to be my next dog, in a few year's time. It is going to be a sport dog, hopefully competitive IPO.

Good choice The breed is great if you like to train and like to spend time with your dog. I have a mali from Germany (2 years old) and hope to start competing in IPO next year. If you're interested, you'll find a couple of videos from our seminars in Norway http://www.mrpico.com/apps/videos/