A few weeks ago I got to photograph Mia, a Belgian Malinois. And if you know the breed... you already know how that session went. Fast. A little chaotic. Genuinely one of the more fun shoots I've had in a while.
"Fur missile" is the nickname, and honestly, it fits. These dogs move like they've got somewhere to be, always. Turns out there's a reason for that. Malinois are one of the most in-demand police and military dog breeds in the world right now... more in demand than German Shepherds, if you can believe that. Smart, athletic, driven. Every one of those words is earned with this breed.
Here's the part I want to be straight about though. These dogs need a job. Some need 90 minutes or more of real exercise a day... not a stroll, an actual output. Give a Malinois nothing to do and they'll find something, and you probably won't love what they pick.
So yeah. Amazing dogs. If you've got the time and energy to match theirs. If you don't... that's okay too. Better to know that about yourself before you bring one home than after.
Mia's people clearly put in the work. You could tell they spend a tremendous amount of time giving her her best life, and it shows. Our session was equal parts well mannered and moments of puppy erupting... Mia tackling her mom, sprinting after her favorite toy, and at one point unintentionally submerging herself completely.
Mia's still young. Well socialized. Mostly just wants to play with her people.
This is the first one in a new series I'm doing... one breed, one session, based on the dogs I actually get to spend time with. Got a maligator of your own? I'd love to hear about it (and probably photograph them).
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