breed of herding dog known for its keen intelligence and strong abilities as a shepherd, police and military dog, guide dog, and search-and-rescue dog; the moderately short and dense coat can be any shade from fawn to dark brown, but the ears are always black and the face always has a black mask; ears are large, erect, and pointed; tail is long, slightly bushy, and carried low-slung in a natural curve; eyes are large, almond-shaped, and dark brown; adult stands 22–26 in. (56–66 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 50–60 lbs (23–27 kg); very dutiful and hard-working nature; requires much exercise; originated in Belgium in the late 1800s and was named after the city of Malines, where it became most numerous; closely related to Belgian sheepdog and Belgian Tervuren,