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Dog saved California owner from mountain lion. But should this breed be your pet?

After a 55-pound Belgian Malinois rescued its owner from a mountain lion in Trinity County this week, the dog has since been put at the forefront of the pair’s newfound popularity.

But Belgian Malinois aren’t your typical dogs. They need intensive training and are used by police and military — for a reason.

“They’re very high drive, they look for things to do, very oriented to working and action at all times, so they may not be the right dog for everyone,” said Ken Licklider, owner of Vohne Liche Kennels, which specializes in police dogs.

California’s newest mountain lion attack story reads like something out of a movie: Owner Erin Wilson and her 2 1/2 year-old dog, Eva, were on an afternoon stroll along the Trinity River in far Northern California when a mountain lion lunged for Wilson. Eva, who was a few feet ahead, heard Wilson’s scream and ran to an outmatched battle with the cougar.

The cat latched on to Eva’s skull before Wilson was able to flag down a nearby motorist for help, who eventually gave up after being pepper-sprayed and beat with a PVC pipe. Eva was left with a swollen head, facial puncture wounds and bloody mouth.

Erin Wilson is shown with her dog, Eva, the 2 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois was badly wounded fighting with a mountain lion that had just attacked Wilson as the pair were out for an afternoon stroll along the Trinity River on Monday.
Erin Wilson is shown with her dog, Eva, the 2 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois was badly wounded fighting with a mountain lion that had just attacked Wilson as the pair were out for an afternoon stroll along the Trinity River on Monday.

Wilson created a GoFundMe and has raised more than $31,000 to help pay for Eva’s vet bills.

“The breed of dog is not for everybody, but that’s across the board on dogs...if handled properly, and if you buy the right one, you’re fine,” said Licklider, owner of the international dog training kennel.

Characteristics of a Belgian Malinois

According to the American Belgian Malinois Club, these dogs are highly intelligent, athletic and muscular. This makes them the ideal dog for military and police personal.

“These dogs are bred to be taught and assigned tasks, and then to preform them at the highest levels of their mental and physical capacities,” the organization states on its website. “We urge anyone interested in the Belgian Malinois to do as much research as you can and to look for, contact and talk with a reputable breeder.”

In the early 1900s, five Belgian Sheepdogs, relativity new to the U.S at the time, were added to the New York police force. Today, the Belgian Malinois, often confused for the German Shepherd, is the top breed chosen for police departments around the country, according to the American Kennel Club.

Laika, a Belgian Malinois, poses for a photo with her handler during the California Highway Patrol graduation ceremony for eight canines and their handlers in July 2014 at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. The CHP will have another graduation ceremony on Friday.
Laika, a Belgian Malinois, poses for a photo with her handler during the California Highway Patrol graduation ceremony for eight canines and their handlers in July 2014 at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. The CHP will have another graduation ceremony on Friday.

For context: A Belgian Malinois and the only non-human U.S. soldier was used in the 2011 raid of Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. In 2019, a Malinois helped in the raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria.

Is a Belgian Malinois right for me?

A Belgian Malinois needs an active owner who wants an active participant in their life — and who’s excited about commitment and training a dog to share that lifestyle, according to the American Belgian Malinois Club. But remember, “an underutilized dog is a frustrated dog and a frustrated dog is not a good housemate.”

Without intensive and long-term training, Belgian Malinois will create their own activities – and those activities can be destructive.

Here’s what else you need to know about a Belgian Malinois, according to the American Belgian Malinois Club:

  • A partnership with a Belgian Malinois is an ongoing commitment with active interaction.

  • Belgian Malinois excel at agility, herding, tracking, obedience and protection sports.

  • Belgian Malinois are bred and born to perform tasks, not to be a couch potato.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our California Utility Team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email utilityteam@sacbee.com.