The Belgian Malinois is not a mixed breed; it is a purebred dog that belongs to the Belgian Shepherd family, which includes four distinct varieties: the Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois, and Groenendael. These breeds were developed in Belgium as working dogs, specifically for herding and guarding livestock. The Malinois is named after the city of Malines and is characterized by its short, fawn-colored coat and black mask. While it shares common ancestry with other Belgian Shepherds, it is distinct in appearance and temperament. Known for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty, Belgian Malinois are popular in police, military, and search-and-rescue roles.
