Belgian Malinois Basics
Learn about about Belgian Malinois basics like where Belgian Malinois come from, how many different types of Belgian Malinois you can find, and what other breeds mix with Belgian Malinois.
The following are common Belgian Malinois mixes:
Malinois Greyhound (Belgian Malinois + Greyhound)
Belusky (Belgian Malinois + Siberian Husky)
Mali-Dutchie (Belgian Malinois + Dutch Shepherd)
German Malinois (Belgian Malinois + German Shepherd)
The Belgian Malinois is named after Maline, the region around Brussels where these dogs were bred in the late 1800s. They are one of four types of Belgian sheepherding dogs. The others are the Groenendael, Laekenois, and Tervuren.
Belgian Malinois were originally bred for herding and guarding livestock. They possess a strong work ethic and excel at various tasks such as police work and search and rescue. Their intelligence, agility, and loyalty make them effective working dogs.
Belgian Malinois usually stop growing in height around 12 to 18 months old, but their development continues until about two to three years of age. During this time, they may continue to fill out and develop muscle mass — but their overall size doesn’t typically change much after the initial growth spurt.
The Belgian Malinois, pronounced “BEL-juhn MUL-lin-wah,” is one of four types of Belgian sheepherding dogs, including the Groenendael, Laekenois, and Tervuren.
Belgian Malinois Appearance
Learn about about the Belgian Malinois general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.
Belgian Malinois have sleek, athletic builds with medium-size frames and short, dense coats. Their ears are erect and triangular. Their eyes are usually dark brown.
Belgian Malinois are large dogs, with most weighing 40 to 80 pounds and standing around 22 to 26 inches tall. Males are generally larger and heavier than females, but they may vary slightly in size based on factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise levels.
Belgian Malinois are red, fawn, or gray with a black overlay. Other color variations may include brindle (which is a combination of fawn and black stripes), as well as a mix of fawn or mahogany with white markings on the chest and toes.
The rarest color for a Belgian Malinois is a solid-black coat. While black Belgian Malinois are not officially recognized by all kennel clubs, the coloring can occur due to genetics or breeding variations. These Belgian Malinois can be striking in appearance and may be sought after by enthusiasts.
Yes, Belgian Malinois do shed. They have short, dense coats that shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes (typically in the spring and fall). Regular grooming, such as weekly brushing, can help minimize shedding and maintain healthy coats.
Belgian Malinois Temperament
Learn about about the Belgian Malinois temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.
Yes, Belgian Malinois do bark a lot. They were bred as guard dogs, so they will bark to alert you of something — though they are not nuisance barkers. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from frequent barking with proper training and exercise.
Yes, Belgian Malinois can be good with kids. However, these dogs need to be trained to behave gently with children due to their size. They can be more timid or reserved with strangers, but they are very affectionate with the kids in their family. As with any breed, it is recommended that you supervise any time your child interacts with your Belgian Malinois to keep both the child and dog safe.
Yes, Belgian Malinois are good family dogs. Belgian Malinois are affectionate and very devoted to their family members. They even thrive on companionship, though they can be timid around strangers. They need a lot of exercise, so an active family willing to put in the time and attention for them to be properly stimulated is best. They love, in equal parts, to work and to please.
Yes, Belgian Malinois can be good with cats. These dogs have a solid prey drive, so they may give chase to your family cat. Of course, each dog (and cat) has a unique temperament, but you can still feel fairly confident that your Belgian Malinois, if properly socialized with your cat at a young age, will get along well with them.
Yes, Belgian Malinois can be good with other dogs when they are properly socialized and trained from a young age. However, due to their strong prey drive and protective instincts, some Belgian Malinois may display dominant behavior, especially towards dogs of the same sex.
Yes, Belgian Malinois are highly trainable but require consistent and positive training methods. These pups are known for their intelligence and eagerness to work. They excel in various dog sports due to their high energy levels and desire to please their pet parents. However, they also have a strong independent streak and need firm but fair leadership to thrive. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key while training Belgian Malinois.
Yes, Belgian Malinois are exceptionally smart dogs. This intelligence, coupled with their strong work ethic and eagerness to please, makes them excel at various roles. They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy tasks that challenge their intellect, making them a favorite breed for those seeking a smart canine companion.
Yes, Belgian Malinois are excellent guard dogs due to their protective nature. Inherently loyal and possessing a strong sense of territory, they are vigilant guardians of their homes and families. Their intelligence, courage, and assertiveness make them effective deterrents against intruders.
Yes, some Belgian Malinois enjoy cuddling. But Belgian Malinois can vary in their preferences for cuddling, just like any other dog. While they are affectionate with their pet parents and enjoy spending time with them, they may not be as inclined to cuddle as some other breeds. Their high energy levels and need for mental and physical stimulation often keep them on the move. But they do appreciate bonding time with their human family members.
Belgian Malinois’ attitudes towards water can vary from individual dog to individual dog. Some may love water and enjoy swimming, while others may be more cautious or even indifferent. Early exposure to water and positive experiences can encourage Belgian Malinois to become comfortable in aquatic environments.
Belgian Malinois Health
Learn about about the Belgian Malinois health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.
No, Belgian Malinois do not usually have health problems. They are a very sturdy, healthy breed with a fairly long lifespan, especially considering their size. However, they can be prone to certain health conditions such as:
Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: These are the two most common skeletal diseases in dogs, in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. This prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing can cause a variety of complications, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Belgian Malinois, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to getting dysplasia, so you know what they can handle in terms of activities and exercise.
Eye problems: Belgian Malinois can potentially face a trio of eye issues. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative disease affecting the retina, eventually leads to blindness. Pannus, an eye condition that presents as a pink mass on the cornea, will create scarring across the eye and cause blindness if untreated. And cataracts, a common condition that causes cloudiness in the eye, will obstruct vision.
Anesthesia sensitivity: This is very common in Belgian Malinois, so make sure your vet understands your dog’s sensitivity before undergoing any treatments requiring anesthesia.
No, Belgian Malinois are not considered hypoallergenic dogs. They have short, dense coats that shed moderately throughout the year, but despite this, they do not produce fewer allergens. This means they can still trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Yes, Belgian Malinois need a lot of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They are a high-energy breed known for their athleticism and endurance. Daily exercise is essential to prevent boredom and channel their energy into productive activities. This can include long walks, vigorous play sessions, running, hiking, or engaging in canine sports such as agility or obedience training.
Adopting a Belgian Malinois
Learn about about acquiring a Belgian Malinois –the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.
You can adopt a Belgian Malinois at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. Adopting a Belgian Malinois will cost around $300 (this covers pre-adoption expenses to care for the dog). In contrast, buying Belgian Malinois from breeders can be prohibitively expensive: anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.
The easiest way to adopt a Belgian Malinois is through a rescue that specializes in them. You can start with a breed search on Adopt a Pet. This tool will show you all the available Belgian Malinois in your area.
