Susan Legg | Broadcreek Belgian Malinois

Interview with Susan Legg, Breeder of Broadcreek Belgian Malinois

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Susan Legg

1. I have been breeding dogs since I was a young child; I was involved in breeding Beagles with my father. I bought my first German Shepherd Dog when I was 16 and had my first GSD litter when I was 18. I met my husband, Chris, and he was a dog trainer; he trained my German Shepherds and started to teach me how to train dogs. We then managed Old Dominion K9 and trained police dogs in the Washington, D.C., metro area. I also bred Rottweilers for 15 years and showed them.

I lost Chris and met Larry, my current husband, and we began breeding Belgian Malinois 36 years ago. We have bred three Best in Show dogs, three Platinum Grand Champions, the only Malinois that received a Group placement at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, over 300 Champions, 17 No. 1 ranked Malinois, and hundreds of Performance-titled dogs. Our registered kennel name is Broadcreek.

2. The Malinois has to have the correct square silhouette and the double coat with a harsh outer coat. They should not have a coarse German Shepherd-shaped head. They should have small, triangular ears and dark, almond-shaped eyes. They should be a rich red to mahogany color with black tips, and never be blonde. They have to have tight cat feet. And they must be substantial enough to take down a man; never spindly or small.

3. I have a waiting list, so I have a couple of litters planned this year.

4. I have started using the new AKC (American Kennel Club) DNA Kit that includes health testing, and we have been using the AKC Marketplace.

5. Yes, I see dogs placed in homes from rescues that are aggressive and have many issues. Too many people don’t understand the value in getting a puppy from well-bred Champion lines that has been socialized and health tested.

6. I am seeing a lot of straight-shouldered dogs with cow-hocked rears being bred, as well as dogs that are too small, with blonde coats, being bred. There is no test for this. Also, there are a lot of inexperienced people breeding Malinois that “rag train” them as young as four weeks old, which can make them very aggressive.

In addition, there are too many people breeding Malinois who have no property. Crating them in their houses or basements and rotating dogs out is not enough with this breed.

7. I think the NOHS (National Owner-Handled Series) competition is great, as is the BPUP (4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition). I wish there were more shows that offered Fast CAT and Dock Diving at the same venue.