KNPV Malinois

KNPV (Koninklijke Nederlandse
Politiehond Vereniging) also know as the
Royal Dutch Police Dog Association is a sport based out of the Netherlands. This sport is much different than the protection sports here in the United States. The dogs are tested in the sport for their ability to become a patrol dog for police work. There are two levels in the sport ph1 and ph2. The dogs are tested in each level on swimming, jumps, obedience, search, and apprehension. Dogs must obtain their ph1 certificate in order for them to be an acceptable candidate for police work. The majority of the dogs here in the United States that are selected for police work come from KNPV lines as they are known to produce quality working dogs. One of the big differences within the sport and the KNPV line of dogs is that it is based off workability and not looks. This is not the same standard as AKC dogs here in the United States. AKC standards are based off of the color and appearance. This is why we look for the KNPV malinois as candidates for our personal protection dog program. The goal is to have a strong confident dog with the ability to protect and be a companion without the aggressive behaviors towards anyone, but someone who is threatening. The selection process takes time and often requires trips to the Netherlands to ensure the quality of personal protection dogs we select.

AKC vs Bloodlines registration 
KNVP lineage is tracked by a bloodline net work. Unlike AKC registration where a dog is given a registration number and kennel name. Dogs are given a BRN number which can easily track the lineage of the dog as well as any certificates. There are no traditional “papers” for the dog like the ones given with an AKC registered dog. Since KNPV dogs are bred for workability and health often other breeds such as the Dutch shepherd, Belgian Malinois and German shepherd are used to keep strong lines, however they are all classified as a Malinois. This gives the “KNPV malinois” a wide range of colors and appearance. Most having a rich darker color than most traditional malinois here in the United Sates.

Equipment
The suit used in KNPV is much more unique than any of the other suits used in protection dog sports. For example the KNPV suit looks less “bulky” and gives the appearance of someone wearing clothing and not a padded suit. The traditional KNPV suit has been the same since the early 1900s. The decoy will wear leather gauntlets underneath and a thin “suit” over the top and bottoms. In the KNPV sport dogs will bite the bicep, tricep, and legs.