Belgian Malinois-Australian Cattle Dog

by Scott French
(New Haven, KY)

Malinois and ACD's such as blue heelers, are in my opinion a couple of the best dogs breeds you could own.

This is based on the fact that I love a loyal, naturally protective, intelligent dog. I like the fact that there are still "performance" bred dogs out there that are physically competent and healthy. When color, coat, and size are simply results of performance breeding, and not what is sought after.

When these are traits that are sought after, too often health, performance, and intelligence is sacrificed. Most of the herding breeds that are still bred to perform a task, possess these traits that I desire.

Malinois, Heelers, Dutch Shepherds, etc. German Shepherds are terrific dogs, but the not so common "working lines" possess what I would call true grit; whereas the american, and show lines are intelligent and loyal to a point, yet lack the kill or be kill true grit that the working lines possess.

There are many different "best" dog breeds for many different people, dependent on the qualities they desire. This is my opinion of what the best breeds are for me, and the qualities that I find admirable in a breed of dog.