The Belgian Malinois is one of those dogs which turns heads.
There’s something undeniably impressive about this breed’s proud bearing.
The light, athletic build, and alert intelligence.
Yet the striking physicality of this dog is only scratching the surface.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Belgian Malinois.
Finally, we’ll give you some advice on how to find your perfect Belgian Malinois puppy.
Origins of the Belgian Malinois Breed
Up until the 1880s, the Belgian Malinois was grouped together with the Shepherds.
All of which were collectively referred to as Continental Shepherd Dogs.
These dogs were working dogs from the very beginning and were fastidiously bred.
Designed to be accomplished herders, fiercely loyal and blessed with an unbreakable work ethic.
In the 1890s, the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club decided it was time to change.
The breed was so different from its Shepherd cousins that it no longer fitted the mold.
Named for the Belgian city of Malines, the Belgian Malinois was born.
In the early 1900s, the Belgian Malinois made its way across the Atlantic to the United States.
But it was only in the late 1950s that it was registered as a separate breed.
The Changing Roles of the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois story is one of a truly adaptable working dog.
It’s probably not surprising that the Belgian Malinois has worked in a wide variety of roles.
Today, the Belgian Malinois is prized as a military dog.
Lighter and more nimble than the GSD the Belgian Malinois is capable of working in a wide-range of settings.
It’s also strong and agile enough to provide a guarding and protective role.
Belgian Malinois are valued for their natural intelligence and aptitude for policing activities.
From drug-sniffing, to bomb-detection, to search and rescue.
Therapy and care roles have also developed.
Due in part to their physical strength and a readiness to learn.
The breed has even been employed by wildlife protection officers.
They take advantage of the breed’s keen sense of smell to find endangered primates.
And even to prevent poaching.
This knack for versatile usefulness is the hallmark of a Belgian Malinois.
Indeed, it could be its guiding trait.
What Does a Belgian Malinois Look Like?
This breed ranges from 22 to 24 inches (female) and 24 to 26 inches (male).
It weighs from 40 to 60 pounds for females and 60 to 80 pounds for males.
The Belgian Malinois is striking and something of a contradiction physically.
The first physical trait many people notice is its physical strength.
With its thick neck and strong chest, this dog is an obvious athlete.
Yet for all that power, there’s a lithe, slender grace to the Belgian Malinois.
An elegance, even.
The result is an extremely attractive dog.
Their working heritage glows out, revealing a no-nonsense dog with an obvious lean athleticism.
Facially, a Belgian Malinois is frequently confused with a German Shepherd.
Its ears are upright and triangular.
It has a black mask and intelligent, searching eyes.
Its coat is black-flecked and ranges from deep fawn to chestnut mahogany.
Temperament and Behavior
To understand the Belgian Malinois temperament you need to know one thing.
It’s a working dog.
Everything about this breed’s temperament is geared toward being useful.
The Belgian Malinois will develop a close and powerful blond with its human family.
It will typically see its role as both guard and protector.
For this reason, early socialization is vital to ensure the dog understands appropriate behavior.
It’s also imperative to keep a Belgian Malinois busy.
This is a dog that will not do well with boredom or neglect.
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A big part of this is regular exercise, but just as important will be keeping your dog’s brain busy.
Remember, this breed is all about intelligence and work.
This is also a herding dog.
If you have small children or other animals, you’ll likely need to focus on early training.
This is to manage chasing and nipping.
Most Belgian Malinois also have a strong prey drive.
In terms of training, the key is to start early.
Use of positive reinforcement is vital.
It’ll also be important to build a solid regimen of exercise into your training.
It’s the best way to keep the breed’s vast reserves of energy and enthusiasm in check!
Grooming and General Care
The Belgian Malinois has a short and easily maintained coat.
Weekly brushing with a medium-stiff brush or glove will be sufficient.
Twice a year, a Belgian Malinois will shed.
During a shed it’ll be beneficial to provide less intensive, daily grooming using a lighter brush.
This will help stay on top of burrs and keep those drifts of dog fur to a minimum.
Every breed of dog needs a regimen of regular nail-trimming and the Mali is no exception.
This is particularly important for this breed because it is such an active dog.
And poorly kept nails will cause pain and discomfort while exercising.
Generally speaking, the Belgian Malinois is an easy dog to groom and maintain.
Health Issues of the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois has a life expectancy of around fourteen years.
He is by and large a healthy and hardy breed.
Nevertheless, before you make any decisions it’s important to do your research.
The AVMA recommends early health screening just as you would for your own health.
Here are the recommended screening evaluations.
Elbow and hip evaluation
Hip and elbow dysplasia are hereditary skeletal conditions in which these joints fail to develop properly.
Causing a gradual deterioration in function.
While hip or elbow dysplasia is a relatively infrequent condition among this breed.
Screening is still recommended.
Ocular disease screening
Belgian Malinois are somewhat prone to ocular disease so this is also worth evaluating.
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy While these conditions do not develop until later in life, early screening can identify potential problems.
The OFA’s overview on ophthalmic evaluation is a good resource.
Evaluation for spongy cerebellar degeneration
This is an inherited neurodegenerative condition known to affect the Mali.
Symptoms can typically be observed at 4 to 8 weeks of age.
Less prevalent conditions to consider checking for are diabetes, gastric cancer and neoplasia.
Breeders must screen their pups for genetic problems.
They can provide paperwork to verify a clean bill of health.
If possible, it’s advisable to meet the puppy’s parents.
Always ask for evidence of health tests of the parents.
If the breeders are not forthcoming, we suggest you find a different breeder.
Should I Consider a Belgian Malinois Puppy?
The Belgian Malinois as a pet is hardy, intelligent, insatiably active, and devoted.
You’ll need to be active and keen to keep your lifestyle that way.
The breed is not a low-maintenance dog!
They crave activity.
If you don’t keep them busy, they can become a challenge to handle.
They’re also a herding breed.
They may not be suitable for a family with young children or small pets.
Unless you’re willing to spend significant time and energy socializing your puppy early on.
In the right home this clever, active dog can flourish into a happy pet.
Sources
- UK Kennel Club.
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
- Bates, M., 2016. Detection Dogs Sniff Out the Droppings of Endangered Primates. Public Library of Science Journal.
- Belgian Sheepdog and Tervuren Gastric Cancer Study Update. Tufts Medical Center.
- Causmaecker et al. 2009. Diabetes ketoacidosis and diabetes ketosis in 54 dogs: a retrospective study. Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdshrift.
- Mauri et al. 2017. A Missense Variant in KCNJ10 in Belgian Shepherd Dogs Affected by Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA1). US National Library of Medicine.
- Obergauer et al. 2017. Long-term genetic selection reduced prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia in 60 dog breeds. Public Library of Science Journal.
- Peterson et al. 2000. A Study of the Lifetime Occurrence of Neoplasia and Breed. Differences in a Cohort of German Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois Military Working Dogs that Died in 1992. Wiley Online Library.
- Spongy cerebellar degeneration with cerebellar ataxia (SDCA1) in Belgian shepherds. Genomia Genetic Laboratory.
- Veterinarians Underuse Human Health Care Prevention Tactics. 2005. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Johnny Harrison. says
An amazing dog but a lifetime investment of your time.
My mali comes with me wherever I go and is given a good walk 2x a day as well as thorough exercising 1st thing in the morning (6:30) and an evening exercise most nights.
Firm but kind has reaped many benefits as he is so smart he will take advantage of any slip ups I may make.
He is fantastic with my kids and others, really friendly and loving yet I would be reluctant to recommend the breed to others unless they were willing to commit at least 4 hours of their day to their dog.
Truly amazing dogs but nearly as much commitment as a child is needed.
Louie says
Belgian’s are without a doubt the most impressive, intelligent dogs that I’ve ever been around. We have 2. We were extremely lucky to get them and I am so please that we did. My girlfriends mother is in law enforcement at a very high level. Their Division acquired 6 puppies in which only 4 were to be used. Before the 4 were chosen, we were given the opportunity to choose 1 or 2, naturally, we took 2. We were so lucky to have that chance. The puppy’s (at the time) were everything one would expect in that breed, especially with their father and grandfather having backgrounds in Military & Law Enforcement. They aren’t for everyone. They are very possessive and territorial, great guard dogs. They are brilliant, observant, funny, loving, protective and athletic like you can’t imagine. Very impressive animals. Not one day goes by where I’m not stunned by something they pick up on by just observing. Oh yes, they can be very mischievous too. Keep them busy !!
Larry Stephenson says
Great information. I am on the way to retirement and looking for something to keep me on my toe’s. Being a former Police Officer I watched our K-9 officers with these dogs and have been a fan. What is a fair price for this breed and should i get a trained dog or look locally for help?
Steven Knepp says
Looking for a belgian malinois german shepherd mix. Would love for it to be a female puppy.
Malou Saito says
A friend gave his 9 months old female Belgian Malinois to us. Our place is a heavy equipment garage office where the dog’s cage is now placed. Very noisy on daytime. Does this stress the dog?
RaNae Hatfield says
Yes! It is not good for a Malinois!! They need to be busy at all costs! If he is running around playing and has toys to chew on it’s a great idea he won’t be so stressed out with all the noise!
RaNae Hatfield says
Also if u would like to contact me that is fine! Please don’t take my comment the wrong way just trying to help!!
Oleg says
very nice, and interesting !
look at this video, also not bad 🙂
A. Gallinger says
We are retired and live in the country. We both owned Dobermans in our younger years and find that we have a hole in our life that needs to be filled. We are far from rich but would give a dog a wonderful life. As long as it has been trained age does not really matter to us. So if you are looking for a loving home for one of your dogs just give us a call and we will be there. Thank you
Jersey Girl says
Consider contacting American Belgian Malinois Rescue. Two of the five Mals I have owned have come from them and they have both been wonderful dogs.
Gregory Wilkins says
Please keep ms posted if yiu come across young dos of this breed ” under $500.00