The dog in question was an adolescent female Malinois x Husky mix with brown and black mottled fur and heterochromia. This pup looked so much like Jaz that Amanda and Daniel even started calling her ‘Little Jaz’ before finalizing the adoption.

Source: @abc7newsbayarea/TikTok

“I told my husband: we can’t leave Little Jaz in the shelter,” Amanda said in an interview with ABC7 News Bay Area. 

Captivated by how similar this puppy was to their beloved dog, Jaz, Amanda and Daniel decided to make it official and adopted the puppy, who they named Zoey. Excited to give Jaz a sister, they knew the adjustment period could take some time, especially since Zoey was nervous, and barely wanted to leave her crate. Little did they know that soon, they would learn life-changing information. 

DNA Test Reveals Shocking Truth About Newly Adopted Puppy

Amanda and Daniel gave Zoey lots of time to warm up to her new home and kept her and Jaz separated for a few weeks while Zoey decompressed. Though the dogs had never met before and were always separated by a glass door, they began whining for each other and staring obsessively through the barrier. Some kind of connection had formed even before they physically met, and their similar appearance made Amanda and Daniel suspicious that some greater connection could be occurring. 

Taking DNA swabs of each dog, Amanda and Daniel sent the samples off for testing. In the meantime, Zoey and Jaz got to meet, and the two hit it off immediately. Allowed to greet each other off-leash in the backyard, Zoey and Jaz started playing almost right away and had no trouble communicating, almost like they had the same brain. 

Soon, the DNA results confirmed it: Jaz and Zoey are biological sisters, adopted two years apart by a family that unwittingly ensured they would spend their lives together!

In a trending video on TikTok uploaded by @neucountyofficial, viewers see two dogs, both Belgian Malinois, adorably and skillfully helping their mom bake cookies for them. 

It is evident from the video that the dogs are brilliantly trained as they know exactly what to get in order to help their mom make the cookies for them.

@neucountyofficial Dog Cookies Super Yummy #dog #smartdog #doglife ♬ original sound – NeuCounty

Belgian Malinois Dogs Are Excellent Kitchen Helpers

The dog duo starts by opening a kitchen cabinet and bringing the parchment paper to their mom. Next, the mom asks for the ingredients, so they go to a kitchen cupboard. One of the dogs opens it by pulling on the cloth tied to the handle. 

Then, they bring all the ingredients required for the cookies one by one and give them to their mom – oats, bananas, and peanut butter. 

When she has all the ingredients, their mom starts mixing them in the bowl and even lets the dogs lick the mixture on the spoon to give them a taste. Then she puts the mixture in tiny circular shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Finally, she puts the tray in the oven and tells her large dogs to wait for the cookies to bake. 

Drooling Dogs Can’t Wait To Eat The Cookies

After the timer beeps and the cookies are ready, the dog mom places them on the table in front of the dogs. However, the canines are trained so well that they don’t start eating them straight away even though they clearly can’t wait to eat it all as you can see them drooling. Once they hear the command from their mom, they devour the delicious cookies they helped make. 

There is a third dog getting the cookies too. He may not have helped in the baking process like his siblings, but deserves the cookie all the same for patiently waiting and being a good dog. 

Anyone seeing the video will be in awe of how smart these Belgian Malinois dogs are. Additionally, the video also suggests that with proper training, our furry companions can help us with basic chores and make our lives easier. 

Homemade Dog Treats Recipes

It is not easy to train our pets to be such great helpers in the kitchen, but making homemade dog treats or cookies is definitely easier. Let’s check out some homemade dog treat recipes that you can try making for your dogs. 

1. Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe For Peanut Butter Dog Treats or Cookies

The first recipe is an easy homemade dog treats recipe that requires three simple ingredients, which are not only loved by dogs but are also healthy for them. This recipe is published by Sam Turnbull, a bestselling cookbook author, on her website, itdoesnttastelikechicken.com. 

Ingredients 

1. Peanut Butter: Homemade peanut butter dog treats are one of the most popular treats that your dog will love. But you have to ensure you use natural peanut butter with only peanuts as the ingredient. Avoid processed varieties that include sugars, salt, and added oils as these are essentially frosting and not suitable for dogs. Natural peanut butter provides dogs with healthy fats, vitamins B, vitamin E, protein, and niacin.

2. Banana: The next ingredient for this recipe for dog cookies is bananas, a super healthy fruit for dogs. Bananas are a nutritious treat for dogs, containing fiber, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

3. Oats: Oats are another great ingredient for recipes for dog cookies or treats because they contain a lot of fiber, and are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin B. Just keep in mind that do not use oats that have added sugars or any other ingredients. You are free to use instant oats or 1-minute oats. For this recipe, you will need to turn the oats into powder form, which is essentially, oats flour. You can do so using a food processor or blender. 

The Process

• First of all, preheat the oven to 300°F and place a parchment paper on the baking sheet. 
• Put the oats into a food processor or blender and grind it until the oats turn into a fine powder. 
• Then, you need to add peanut butter and bananas into the blender. 
• Blend them all together until you get a sticky dough. 
• To roll out the mixture, remove it from the blender and place it on a surface lightly dusted with dog-safe flour such as whole wheat flour or additional ground oats. 
• If you have a cookie cutter, you can cut various shapes like hearts or you can simply use your hands to make circular shapes from the dough. 
• After you have placed the treats on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper, put it in the oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. 
• When you take them out, the treats should be puffy, dry, and dark brown in color at the bottom. It is okay if they are a bit soft when you first touch them after taking them out of the oven. They will get firmer as they cool. 
• Your treats are ready and wait for them to cool completely before you can give them to your pup to enjoy. 
• They are easy to store for future use as well. Just use an air-tight container and you can store your peanut butter and oatmeal treats or cookies for dogs for up to a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for around 2 weeks and in the freezer, they can stay fresh even longer. 

2. Healthy Homemade Dog Treats or Cookies For Dogs Who Love Bacon And Peanut Butter

Now we have one of the best vet approved recipes for homemade dog treats. Through this recipe, you will be able to make oatmeal cookies for dogs with bacon in them, adding that extra source of deliciousness as well as good health. The recipe has been shared by Truffle Paws.

Ingredients

1. Oats: As mentioned in the previous recipe, convert oats into oat flour using food processor or blender. 
2. Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter that is smooth and contains no salt, sugar, or oils. 
3. Bacon: Crumble the crisp bacon into fine pieces, making sure to trim away any excess fat, leaving only the crispy, flavorful bits.
4. Banana: Just take one banana and mash it. Instead of a banana, you can use pumpkin and mash it or unsweetened applesauce can work as well. 
5. Egg: Take one large egg.

The Process

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Blend the mashed banana, oat flour, egg, crumbled bacon, and peanut butter together using a hand mixer in a medium bowl. Do this until you get a dough-like mixture. 
• On a clean surface, you can roll out the dough. 
• Next, you can create shapes of cookies or treats using your hands or a cookie cutter. 
• Then, place the cookies on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or you can use any non-stick utensil. Greasing with olive oil is also an option to make sure your cookies do not stick to the surface. 
• Finally, bake for 20 or 25 minutes, or until you can see that the treats are dry and golden-colored. 

FAQs

According to the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois comes in two official coat colors: fawn and mahogany. According to other international kennel clubs, any variation of fawn, red, or silver with black tips is acceptable and meets breed standards. But, can Belgian Malinois be black? 

International kennel clubs agree that for a Belgian Malinois black fur is considered a fault. A black mask and black ears are standard, but fully retaining dark fur on the body past puppyhood doesn’t meet breed standards for the Malinois. Nevertheless, yes, Belgian Malinois can be black. While it’s relatively uncommon for a Malinois to be solid black, it’s slightly more common to find black sable Belgian Malinois that are mostly black with a lighter undercoat. 

Here, we will clear up some common confusion about the semi-rare Black Belgian Malinois, learn what it takes to own one of these dogs, and explore the needs and unique temperament of one of the world’s most infamous breeds. 

Meet 5 Black Belgian Malinois Dogs from Instagram

Ready to meet a handful of beautiful black Malinois? These dogs aren’t one’s you’ll see everyday, so get a good look—it might help you spot one in the “wild!”

1. Jones

Jones is a stunning all-black Belgian Malinois from Iowa who loves training with his mom, and will do almost anything for his chew toy!

2. Luna

Have you ever seen a dog with such impressive ears? Luna is a black Malinois whose humans can confirm she’s a certified good girl, and her ears look like they might help her fly. 

3. Mila

Mila is living a life of luxury with her humans in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico where she gets to spend days at the beach playing and evenings watching perfect sunsets over crystal clear water. 

4. Steel

Malinois are naturally athletes, and Steel is a great example of this—just look at that dive, he looks like he’s taking off! Owned by a firefighter and EMT, Steel is the perfect fearless dog for a fearless human. 

5. Carbon

Carbon is a black Malinois demonstrating bitesports, a protection and working dog training modality that teaches dogs to pursue, catch, and hold targets. Malinois are exceptional at bitesports, a quality that helps to make them such prolific police and military k9s. 

All-Black Black Belgian Malinois Basic Info

Originally bred to be an elite all-purpose working dog who, according to the American Kennel Club, “spurned passing fads and fancies of pet owners.” First standardized by Belgian farmers aiming to isolate all the best qualities of the local shepherd varieties, Belgian Malinois are named for their home city of Mechelen, Belgium. In French, Mechelen is pronounced “malines.”

Not solely shepherd or herding dogs, Belgian Malinois also protected their homes and properties, pulled carts, and served as livestock guardians, though they still lived in the home. Malinois didn’t need a human to give them instructions—their instincts gave them all the information they needed to successfully drive and protect their flocks. 

During WWI and WWII, these tenacious, strong, and highly intelligent dogs helped to pull equipment for soldiers, acted as military companions, and eventually were trained for specialized work in the field. Eventually, the Malinois’ incredible drive to work and deep attachment to their handlers helped them to become one of the most coveted dog breeds for military, police, and special forces worldwide. 

But, can Belgian Malinois also be family companions? What does it take to own an “extreme” dog breed, and could a Mal fit your lifestyle? 

Black Belgian Malinois Temperament

The Belgian Malinois is fearless, highly intelligent, and loyal. Confident and eager to please, Malinois are highly trainable, and will do nearly anything to obey their handlers. Though they are incredible working dogs, training a Belgian Malinois isn’t for the faint of heart. Often stubborn and intense, Belgian Malinois can create a lot of havoc without a consistent routine, and their high need for mental stimulation makes them prone to boredom. Malinois simply can’t be kept happy with occasional physical activities—they need regular, high-intensity exercise and mental stimulation. 

“[My Malinois] is very obedient and has the advantage of two very hands-on parents, one with extensive handling experience, and weekly K9 training sessions,” says a comment from a Reddit user with Malinois experience. “[But if] a day goes by without even the bare minimum activity and she will chew us out of house and home.”

High-energy is an understatement for most Malinois, and Malinois puppies can become so out of control, snappy, and bite-y that they are sometimes nicknamed “maligators.” Even experienced dog owners can find the Belgian Malinois to be challenging to train, and these dogs often do best when their owners have advanced obedience, working dog, or K9 experience. 

The bottom line is that Belgian Malinois aren’t the right dog breed for most people. Moderately affectionate and prone to bonding with just one or two family members, Belgian Malinois can be good with kids and other pets, but aren’t naturally child-friendly. 

Black Belgian Malinois Size

Belgian Malinois stand 22–26 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh between 40–80 pounds. 

Black Belgian Malinois Health

Belgian Malinois are relatively healthy dogs, and coat color isn’t known to be a marker of health in this breed. A few health issues to be aware of if you own a Malinois include:

• Joint issues (e.g. elbow and hip dysplasia)
• Eye and vision problems (e.g. progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts)
• Ear infections
• Dental disease
• Bloat

Where To Find a Black Belgian Malinois Puppy

If you are certain a Belgian Malinois is the right dog breed for you, and you have done a lot more research than simply reading this blog, I suggest you start your journey with a rescue Malinois. Raising a puppy is an enormous task and investment, and it can be an overwhelming way to get to know a breed. Adopting an adult Malinois helps to give a dog in need a home, and can help to introduce you to owning a Malinois without the overwhelming ups and downs of raising a puppy. 

You can find adoptable Belgian Malinois through rescue organizations like the American Belgian Malinois Rescue, Woof Project Rescue, and even in local shelters and humane societies. 

If you are prepared to raise a Malinois puppy, I recommend joining Belgian Malinois groups and forums online, attending events, and getting to know Malinois owners to get first-hand recommendations for reputable breeders. It’s not guaranteed you’ll find a black Belgian Malinois for sale since this coat color isn’t breed standard and puppies often change coat color as they get older. If you adopt an adult you’ll know their permanent coat color, and you’ll have a better chance of finding a black Malinois if you’re open to mixed-breed dogs. 

Black Belgian Malinois vs. Black Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael)

Four distinct varieties of Belgian sheepdogs exist: the Groenendael, the Malinois, the Tervuren, and the Laekenois. 

The Groenendael—also called the Belgian Shepherd—is sometimes confused for a Belgian Malinois, and vice versa, though the Groenendael has longer fur than the Malinois. The Groenendael comes in a dozen standard colors, but they most commonly have black coats. While it isn’t standard for Malinois to be all-black, they are still sometimes mistaken for Groenendael, and Groenendael are mistaken for black Belgian Malinois. 

Technically, mistaking one for the other isn’t wrong. Some countries group all four breeds of Belgian sheepdog into one, and classify them all under the same name. Other countries, like the US, classify each variety as a distinct breed. 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of a black Groenendael and a black Belgian Malinois so you can learn to spot the difference. 

Black Belgian Malinois FAQ

There’s plenty left to learn about the black Malinois—here are some of the most common questions about the breed and quick answers to help you become a Malinois expert. 

Throughout her stay with her previous owners, Molly knew nothing but a life marred by horrific physical abuse, which she endured at the hands of a teenager in her home. The teen would constantly hit her with a pole. It’s unclear why they were so mean toward Molly.

Poor Molly was no stranger to the harsh outdoor life, as she spent all her days confined in a kennel and restrained to a short lead in the backyard amidst the sweltering heat. Sadly, going without food or water wasn’t out of the ordinary.

When Molly’s owners divorced, they planned to surrender her to a shelter before relocating. Luckily, the compassionate neighbor stepped in and offered to take her in temporarily. Eventually, due to different circumstances, the neighbor reached out to the Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue (MAD Rescue) for intervention. 

Molly Arrives at MAD Rescue, Staff Discover She’s Pregnant

When distressed Molly was brought to the rescue on Dec. 13, 2023, it didn’t take long before staff discovered she was a soon-to-be mom. Then, on Dec. 19, a heavily pregnant Molly gave birth to nine healthy, Malinois-Lab mix puppies.

Sadly, postpartum proved to be a trying time for Molly. Her maternal instincts kicked into high gear and made her excessively protective of her puppies. Fearing for the pups’ safety, the rescue staff were left with no choice but to separate them from Molly. Seven of the puppies have already found their forever homes, while the remaining two are in foster care.

It’s not uncommon for mother dogs to develop maternal aggression, especially if they are stressed, fearful, or have an underlying medical condition that’s causing them pain. A mother dog who exhibits aggressive behavior is more likely to injure her puppies in the process. So, in Molly’s case, the rescue staff had to intervene for the sake of the puppies’ wellbeing. 

Molly’s Health Woes After Giving Birth 

Molly’s stay at the rescue as a new mom was marked by worrying health challenges. She could barely keep food down, suffered diarrhea, and her dark-colored vomit put staff on high alert. Despite receiving treatment, her overall health continued to take a nosedive, and so did her weight.

Determined to get to the root cause of Molly’s health predicament, the veterinarian team performed exploratory surgery on her, which, by definition, involves viewing internal organs to further investigate the exact cause of persistent symptoms.

Thanks to this surgery, veterinarians were finally able to identify what was making Molly so sick — she had several large ulcers in the lining of her stomach resulting from the immense stress she was under. Luckily, Molly underwent treatment and has since made remarkable progress in her tear-jerking recovery journey.

To avoid any stressful experiences, the rescue had to ensure Molly enjoyed nothing but tranquility.

“Molly has been living at the vet’s office since March 15th due to needing a low-stress environment that is quiet and calm,” says Vee Jenkins, the rescue’s adoption counselor. Jenkins reveals Molly moved to foster care this past Friday, April 26.

Rescue on a Mission to Pair Molly With the Perfect Home

We’re happy to report that Molly is recuperating way better than anyone imagined and is ready to experience a second chance at life with a new family.

She can now hold food down, is eighteen pounds heavier, and is slowly regaining her zest for life. Did we mention the quickest way to her heart is food and delicious treats…on repeat? Plus, Molly is such a sucker for car rides; the mere jangle of car keys and mention of the word “ride” sends her into a paroxysm of excitement.

“Molly’s favorite thing to do is go for car rides,” Jenkins tells us. “She ‘smiles’ the entire time and likes to put her head out the window when it is safe to do so.”

Given her traumatizing past, Molly is better off in a calm home, preferably one with no more than two adults, zero kids, and no household pets.

Understandably, it may take some time for Molly to fully come out of her shell and warm up to her new family. So, all she needs now is a kind family that will extend lots of love, patience, and support to her….and spoil her to her heart’s content.

To adopt Molly — who’s currently in Wyoming — please visit MAD Rescue’s website for more details. 

The scientists put the pups through a series of cognitive and behavioral tasks to determine their intelligence. For example, they tested their ability to read human gestures and if they could navigate around a transparent V-shaped fence to reach a food reward. They also looked at how independent the dogs were and how quickly they came to a human for help when given an unsolvable task.

Not only did the Malinois excel in most of the cognitive tasks, but they also stood out as one of the most trainable breeds, which makes sense since they are often used as police or guard dogs. The Border Collie came in second place with 26 points, while the Hovawart, a German breed, took third place with 25 points.

It’s worth noting that different breeds had different strengths and weaknesses. For example, the Labrador Retriever was great at reading human gestures but not as skilled at solving spatial problems. Whereas the Shetland Sheepdog had more balanced scores across all the tests.

The study also only included dogs that were between 1 and 8 years old and were interested in working for food and not overly aggressive towards people. So, now you know the smartest breed of dog according to science is the Belgian Malinois. Though of course, every dog is an individual and special in its own way, regardless of breed.

Of course the big drawback of this study was that only 13 breeds were included, an no small breeds were included at all. To me one of the glaring omission is the Poodle, known for its intelligence.

Breeds involved in this experiment

• Belgian malinois
• Australian kelpie
• Labrador retriever
• Border collie
• Golden retriever
• Hovawart
• Spanish water dog
• Shetland sheepdog
• English cocker spaniel
• Australian shepherd
• Mixed breed
• German shepherd
• Finnish lapphund 

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