Which breed?

[tessa_s212]

My name is Tessa. I am 15 years old and have been training dogs for seven years. I have also worked with rescue dogs for about two-three years now. I feel this has given me a lot of experience with different dogs from different groups(sporting, herding, etc) and am now ready and capable to get a dog of my own to raise and train.

My family owns seven cocker spaniels. We have a huge fenced in back yard. I go to dog training classes on Mon.-agility, Tues.-4-H classes, and Wednes.-obedience(advanced). When I get this new puppy it would compete in conformation, junior showmanship, agility, obedience, and would get its CGC and TDI.

After owning seven cocker spaniels, I want a dog with less hair(but still enough that there is something to groom), a bigger dog, and something that is very smart(herding breeds).

The breeds I was first interested in were Brittany, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, or Vizla. Notice anything? They are all from the Sporting group! Although I love dogs from the sporting group due to their temperments, I have decided to stray away from the sporting group. I want to have experience with several different breeds from several different groups(have already gotten some experience due to working with rescues, but have never owned the rescue-just trained).

Now that I have focused my attention on the Herding group, I think I may be interested in a Belgian Malinois. I've already worked with one several times(she was a rescue) and absolutely loved it.

Any one own, breed, or show Malis that could give me some tips???
Is a Mali the right breed for me?

[tessa_s212]

No replies at all? That is kind of discouraging....

[Moo]

I don't think there are any Malinois on this forum. I've known one (in agility), personally, and it had the uncanny ability to distract EVERY SINGLE DOG. I don't know much about them. I love Groenendaels though.

[Appylvr]

I have a Belgian Tervuren... I think the Belgian breeds are all a bit alike. Except in looks. I love her, she is a great dog and a lot of fun to work with. Definately dogs that need an experienced owner.

I used to have a cocker spaniel. A buff male, named Chester. He was such a great dog. I had him for over 15 years and he was 2 when I got him. So, he had a long, loved life. I had to have him put to sleep about 4 years ago... After him I said I would NEVER have another dog with long hair and what do I get? A Belgian Tervuren!!!