When we first brought Lulu home, we thought we had adopted a mixed-breed puppy with an unusually high energy level. Little did we know, we were in for a bigger surprise.

As days went by, Lulu’s energy wasn’t just high—it was off the charts. This little bundle of fur was like a perpetual motion machine, always ready for the next adventure, the next game, the next chance to zoom around at top speed. We found ourselves constantly wondering, “Is this normal puppy behavior?”

It wasn’t until a her DNA came back… Lulu wasn’t just any high-energy mixed breed. She was a Belgian Malinois.(50%, 18% Australian Shepard, 15% Great Pyreneess…etc)

Suddenly, everything clicked into place. The intense focus, the boundless energy, the intelligence that seemed almost too sharp for such a young pup—it all made sense. We had inadvertently adopted one of the most active and work-oriented breeds out there!

Thankfully, we have a large yard, which quickly became Lulu’s personal racetrack and training ground. From sunrise to sunset, Lulu would race around the yard, chasing toys, learning new commands, and generally burning off her seemingly endless energy. We started incorporating more structured play and training sessions, tapping into her Malinois instincts to work and learn.

But here’s the thing about Malinois puppies that we quickly learned: despite their reputation as “Maligators,” they still need their naps. And boy, did Lulu need hers.

After an hour or two of non-stop action, Lulu would suddenly remember she was, in fact, a baby. She’d flop down wherever she happened to be—in the middle of the yard, next to her water bowl, or if we were lucky, in her bed—and fall into a deep sleep. One moment she’d be a tornado of energy, the next, a peaceful, snoring little angel.

These nap times became our saving grace. Don’t get me wrong, we adore Lulu’s energy and enthusiasm. It’s a joy to watch her explore the world with such excitement and to see her Malinois traits shine through. But those nap times? They were our chance to catch our breath, to recharge our own batteries, and to research more about this incredible breed we had unknowingly welcomed into our lives.

As Lulu grows, we’re learning to balance her need for intense exercise and mental stimulation with her need for rest. We’re discovering new ways to channel her Malinois energy into productive training and play. And we’re falling more in love with our energetic little furball every day, Malinois surprise and all.

To all the other accidental Malinois parents out there: hang in there. The energy might be off the charts, but so is the love and joy these pups bring into our lives. Just remember to enjoy the nap times when they come—you’ve earned that rest too! And maybe, just maybe, consider a DNA test before bringing home your next “mixed breed” puppy. You never know what kind of wonderful surprise you might get!