"Mechelen gave its name to a famous Shepherd Dog." Mechelen by breughel

Mechelen Travel Guide: 287 reviews and 739 photos

Belgian Malinois preparing for training. - Mechelen
Belgian Malinois preparing for training.
Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs.

The city of Mechelen is certainly known in Belgium and abroad by her Grote Markt, St Rombouts cathedral and her place in the history of the Duchy of Burgundy.
But it is not impossible that the name of Mechelen and especially the French name Malinois is known worldwide because of a breed of Belgian Shepherd Dogs called "MALINOIS".
There are associations or clubs (Kennel clubs) of Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs in many countries.

The history of this dog starts around 1890 when a group of concerned dog fanciers under the guidance of Prof. A. Reul of the Cureghem Veterinary Medical School (Anderlecht- Brussels) gathered foundation stock from the areas around Mechelen-Malines, Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laeken in Belgium.
The "Mechelse Herder" was used as sheepdog in that part of Belgium called North-Brabant and Kempen and was called after the city of Mechelen.
Official breed creation occurred around 1891, when the Club du Chien de Berger Belge (Belgian Shepherd Dog Club) was formed in Brussels. Official recognition happened in 1901 when the Royal Saint-Hubert Society Stud Book began registering Belgian Shepherd Dogs.
The three other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs Tervueren, Groenendael and Laekenois differ by the hair color and texture. Their name is that of small towns close to Brussels.

Has my intro and tip any possible interest for the tourist?
Yes, if he sees a warning "beware of the dog" it might be a Malinois so that he better stays out!

  • Intro Updated Aug 26, 2011
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Reviews (1)

Belgian Malinois shepherd dog. - Mechelen Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs. Local Customs (1)

This is not a local custom but a local production as the city of Mechelen gave its name to the best known and most... more travel advice

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Comments (3)

  • Reply
    alza's Profile Photo
    Apr 16, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    oh that's a mean looking dog with the trainer! glad he obeys on command! It's quite funny to imagine a city where one type of dog reigns! funny as in... nightmare! LOL I'm afraid of vagrant dogs so... But really an interesting tip! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Apr 14, 2011 at 3:09 AM

    Amazing that such a "high energy" dog obeys the commands of that tiny lady.

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    Apr 3, 2011 at 4:58 AM

    Thanks for your story, mate!

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