The Belgian Malinois as a pet is hardy, intelligent, insatiably energetic and devoted. You’ll need to be active and keen to keep your lifestyle that way if you want to live with one. They crave interaction and f you don’t keep them busy, they can become a challenge to handle. They’re also a herding, guarding breed so may not be suitable for a family with young children or small pets.
Contents
- A strong working history
- Physical characteristics
- Natural instincts and temperament traits
- Potential for health problems
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.
Changing Roles
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.
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 their 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 Do They 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. 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 build.
Facially, a Belgian Malinois is frequently confused with a German Shepherd. Its ears are upright and triangular and it has a black mask and intelligent, searching eyes.
Its coat is black-flecked and ranges from deep fawn to chestnut mahogany.
Grooming
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 and you’ll need to groom them daily. This will help stay on top of burrs, and keep those drifts of dog fur to a minimum.
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.
This is a dog that will not do well with boredom or neglect. A big part of this is regular exercise, but just as important will be keeping your dog’s brain busy. 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.
Health Issues of the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois has a life expectancy of around fourteen years.
They are by and large a healthy and hardy breed. However there are some potential health problems that puppy parents should be screened for. Hip and elbow scores should be checked before producing a littler, along with a recent eye test and an evaluation for spongy cerebellar degeneration. Less prevalent conditions to consider checking for are diabetes, gastric cancer and neoplasia.
Belgian Malinois Puppies
Good breeders will be happy to show you evidence of clear health tests for both of the litter’s parents. Their breeding stock will have a purpose beyond producing puppies too. They will be working companions or treasured pets that compete in agility or tracking for fun.
Make sure your puppy’s mother has an obvious bond with their handler. And although they probably won’t be overly affectionate with you as a stranger, she should not be visibly fearful or aggressive either.
Donn Johnson says
We adopted a Mal from MAD Rescue. We’d lost our sweet Dutchie and had recently adopted a female Mal for a playmate 6 days before we lost him. Our rescue pup, Astro was the best thing to fill the hole in our hearts as well as his sister’s. They’re both so happy and healthy, protective and affectionate. Lots of work teaching them as they both want to learn new things all the time. One thing I would advise is putting up Beware of Dog signs, even if they’re fenced in.
Deb Finke says
My good friend was just attacked by three of them where she boards her horses. For some reason they were loose and out of their kennels. The owner uses them to sniff out drugs and weapons at the local high school.. If he had not showed up they would have killed her. She is 67 years old and her ear was ripped off her scalp is tore open, She has bites on her arms, legs and back. I feel so sorry for her. I know it can happen with any breed but I have never seen anyone torn up like those dogs did to her.
Donn Johnson says
I’m so sorry that happened to your friend. Any breed can do this. They must be socialized and trained, and not ignored. They thrive on learning and can’t just be left alone to roam in the yard, even when it’s fenced in.
Stanley Dashner says
She is Great 3 years old now the Puppy stage was Trying She is awesome I Would like to breed het with a like male
Meg says
I have a Malinois I received after she washed out of the K-9 unit at our local police department. Luckily I have the time to train her and do dog sports with her. I would recommend doing a sport or two if you our even considering one. I do Nosework and Tracking with my Mal. They need a job. If you don’t have a job for them don’t get one!
David says
The wife and I are old time dog lovers. We now have 4 rescues. Our oldest is a Dobie Shepard mix he is 7. Then there is a Coon hound mix she is about 5. Last year we got a purebred Jack Russel (OMG folks do your homework for a Jack) And last we now have a Belgian Mal.He is now 4 months old and boy is he a challenge. The breed is 100% very active and you need to be if your considering a Mal. LISTEN TO ME I’M SERIOUS. A Mal is going to take ALOT of effort. We are lucky in that I am semi retired I can spend a lot of time training. We spend all of our time with our dogs, Even when I’m watching tv I’m on the floor and they are on my lap. So if you are thinking about a Belgian I strongly suggest you do a lot of reading. This is NOT a dog for a beginner.
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.
Donn Johnson says
Try MAD Rescue. You can apply online. That’s where we got our 2nd Mal and he’s awesome!
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