I've listened to everyone's opinion, here's mine:

As a Breeder I have listened to a great many opinions about breeding, raising, training, (and everything adjacent to these subjects) as relates to dogs in general (for decades), and to the Belgian Malinois, in particular (for the past 16 years).  Some opinions make sense to me, but a whole lot of it--makes little or no sense--whatsoever.  Many opinions I "take with a grain of salt" as it is clear, at least to me, that there was/is either an Ego or a Profit motive (oft times both) behind some of these opinions.  

Since I am reasonably well-off, and not particularly greedy, I can dismiss as meritless many Profit-driven opinions.  And, since becoming disabled, whatever Ego I might have had--has long since been knocked out of me . . . therefore, I can also discount many opinions--put forward from an Egotistical perspective.  

Then there are the purely Delusional opinions.  As a fairly logical person, I have a hard time understanding, much less countering, opinions that seem (to me) to be Delusions.  For example: Lately, it has become fashionable to refer to people who own dogs as "Pet Parents" and/or "Pet Moms" or "Pet Dads".  And to refer to the dogs they own as "fur babies."  When a dog is sold or placed they are (presumably) going to their "furever" homes. 

                                                              Gag me with a spoon!

When I encounter this type of thinking, I cringe, and then I feel grateful that my dogs don't speak or read (much) English . . . These folks are trying to make their dogs into children.  They dress their dogs up in all sorts of outfits, paint their toenails, put bows on their heads, arrange playdates and have holiday parties for them.  Are you kidding me?  Ms. Xena and I had a fairly long discussion on this very subject the just other day--wherein she told me that if I EVER try to put her in a 'doggie dress', she will bite me square on the patootie HARD. 

                                                           And, who could blame her?  

"Wait a bit," I can almost hear some people say, "why do you anthropomorphize your dogs by calling them 'Mr.' and 'Ms.', if you are so free of delusional thinking regarding your dogs?"  Good question.  It is largely to remind myself--and everyone else, that any animal--capable of ripping out the throat of another creature--in the blink of an eye--is worthy of a Title of Respect, and thus, the actual Respect that goes with the title!  

"Pet Parents" who, through stupidity or ignorance "baby" their dogs and "spoil" them--like "spoiling is a good thing"--often create a dog that will nip, bite, bark constantly, try to drag his or her "Parent", charge an open door, and jump on furniture, counters and guests.  In short: a "brat".  Some "Pet Parents" wind up taking their "fur babies"--from their "furever" homes to a kill shelter, or worse, dump them "out in the country", when little "Muffin" takes a chunk out of a grandchild's face.  These are not the people who should be candidates for ownership of any ordinary dog, much less a Super Smart 75-pound Maligator!  This is one of the reasons I ask questions of prospective owners.  

My Malis and I belong to two different "tribes".  My dogs are not (human) "babies" with fur!  Ours is a relationship of Mutual Respect, Affection, and Cooperation.  A sort of symbiotic relationship--as it were, yet I must provide leadership and structure as well as sustenance.  I take care of them in my way; they take care of me in their way.  I provide them with a clean comfy home, great food, pure water, exercise, a healthcare plan, learning opportunities for "on-the-job training" and true appreciation and genuine affection.  They, in turn, provide a 'security detail' that allows me to live where and how I want to live, and travel where I want to travel--in relative safety.  

                                               What they give me is no small thing!  

During the past five or six years, it has become plain to me that if I take my garbage to the recycling center, and a Mali is not with me--I will be harassed by the "Dumpster Nazis" (so named by the local Sheriff's Department.  Not kidding), presumably just for being Alone and a Woman.  

When not taking a Mali with me, I have had multiple encounters in stores and on the street wherein males of various ages (notice I say "males" not "men") have followed me around, calling names, blocking my way, flinging insults, and just generally behaving in a rude, threatening manner.  Though I cannot know for certain their reason for this total lack of common sense, common decency or common courtesy, it is presumably (in their pea-sized brains)  because of my wearing a mask--as a protection against contracting or spreading the Covid virus.  Apparently, a person who wears a mask and/or gets vaccinated is a Democrat, and an Anti-vaxxer is a Republican.  I didn't realize this was a partisan issue until my first encountering open hostility and stalking in public.  Some of these individuals go about with a GUN on their hips!  (This is an 'open carry' State).  Some have gone so far as to follow me out to my vehicle, wherein I was afraid I would be assaulted and/or robbed.  And, 

                                                              I am not the only one.  

When I am out in public with my ABI Service Dog, Ms. Xena, (so far) these individuals have kept their distance.  But many "regular folks" (mainly women and/or older people) come up to us and ask me where I got my dog, who trained her, and where can they get a dog like mine(?).  They recount stories of living in fear, both at home and on the street, as a result of the same type of experiences I have encountered--or worse.  

It is for this prospective Owner that I breed Belgian Malinois dogs.  If the Breeders of Top Protection Sport and Working Dogs lines are honest, somewhere between 70% to 90% of the puppies they whelp are sold as "Companion Dogs" to the General Public.  Some Breeders are revered for their Champions and have Acolytes in the Protection Sport Dog arena--for their Training acumen--which is great, and well-deserved!  Some simply buy Titled Sires for their breeding programs.  Both are selling primarily to ordinary individuals and families who will likely never see the inside of a Protection Sport Dog arena, or train a dog for a Police Department.

In my opinion, what is missing with many Breeders, is 

1.  Transparency about the genetic health of their breeding stock; and 

2.  A proper level of information and support for New Owners of dogs sold as Companions--even though these sales make up the bulk of their business!  

Oh yes, and by the way, I consider a Belgian Malinois a Working Dog.  Period.  I don't care if s/he works for you at home, on your ranch, on your farm, at your business, as a Service Dog for a Disabled Person, as a Scenting Dog, a Police Dog or as a Companion to a person who just feels vulnerable at home or in public . . . it doesn't matter!   It is, in my opinion, ALL honourable Work!  

Imagine you are the parent of a 10-year-old (human) child.  Your child wants to go down the street to play with friends at a park.  

Question:  Which would you be most comfortable with?  A. sending your child out to play on his or her own; B. dropping your child off at the park; D. Taking time from your crowded schedule to accompany your child to the park and sit and wait for them to finish playing with friends; E. Apologizing to your child, and not allowing them to go to the park, explaining that the park is not a safe place for them to play; or F. sending your child out to play with his/her environmentally-proofed, thoroughly (on and off-lead) obedience-trained Belgian Malinois Dog?  

I know which answer would make me the most comfortable.  I believe anyone who is living through these troubled and socially divisive times, and/or anyone who feels vulnerable at home or in public, absolutely should have a Competent Canine Companion.  

This works both ways.  A Prospective Owner must be ready, willing and able to provide the basics they would provide any dog.  To get the very best results, and to have a truly Competent Canine Companion, they must also Train their Belgian Malinois, or find a Competent Trainer!  

I am personally committed to providing a healthy puppy and ongoing support to anyone who purchases a Belgian Malinois puppy from Earthaven!  This support includes pointing a New Owner to training options.  Many Breeders SAY you are now part of the "family" and promise support, and then ignore you after the sale.  That's just wrong!  At Earthaven your phone calls and e-mails will be answered.  If I don't know the answer to your question, I will find someone who does.  That way, we will both broaden our horizons, options and knowledge base!   :-D

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