The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent, focused, active, and faithful dog breed. People originally bred it as a herding dog.
The Belgian dogs serve on the front lines in military and police units and search and rescue operations. The Secret Service and Navy SEALS use them. Don’t let that stop you from considering this breed if you want an active companion.
You should know a few things if you consider getting a Belgian Malinois puppy. First, you may want to learn about their behavior.
Second, it is essential to know how long they typically live. Last, you may want to find out if they shed or have any health issues, such as hip problems.
Find answers to those questions in this complete guide to the Belgian Malinois breed.
Breed characteristics
The Belgian Malinois is one of four varieties of Belgian Shepherd dogs, named after Malines, Belgium.
Originating in the late 19th century, they were standardized for herding and agricultural work, prized for their intelligence and strong work ethic.
Their reputation grew during the World Wars as they served as messengers and search-and-rescue dogs. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1959, cementing its role in military and police work.
Today, Malinois are popular as service dogs and active family companions, needing significant physical and mental stimulation.
With their European backgrounds and strikingly similar physical appearance, many confuse the breed with German Shepherds.
However, there are many differences between the breeds.
The Belgian dog’s fawn color easily distinguishes it. The dog’s coat is short and sleek, with black tips and a softer undercoat. The muzzle is black, as are the alert, naturally erect ears.
Male dogs weigh 55-75 pounds and measure 24-26 inches at the shoulders. Females are smaller, weighing 40-60 pounds and measuring 22-24 inches at the shoulders.
This breed usually lives for 10-12 years with good care, but some can live up to 15 years.
Like many other shepherds, the dogs express themselves with plenty of barking, which can become problematic when bored.
These high-energy dogs dig big holes if they are bored and left alone in the backyard without anything to do.
A Belgian Malinois needs a lot of activity. These athletic dogs excel at jumping, pulling sleds, herding, and competing in agility.
They thrive with a purpose, such as running with you or serving as service dogs. They are often chosen for military, guard, or law enforcement work.
Health issues
Is a Belgian Shepherd dog an excellent breed to buy? It’s hard to say. You might get a great dog from a good breeder, or be stressed if you adopt a puppy with health issues.
Before we examine common health problems in Belgian sheepdogs, it’s worth noting that reputable breeders offer complete transparency about the parents’ health clearances, including certifications on hips and elbows, heart, and eye health.
Certificates don’t prevent issues from occurring, but they do provide proof that the pup’s parents are sound.
A good breeder will allow you to meet and interact with the puppy’s parents. They won’t hesitate to provide you with reliable references, including prior clients and their veterinarians.
There are a few common health issues associated with the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Corneal disease
- Sensitive skin/allergies
- Thyroid disease
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Arthritis
- Cataracts that can lead to blindness
Genetics affect the price of these dogs. You’ll pay more for a puppy from a good line.
Even if your dog has health certifications, there’s no guarantee that they won’t have common health problems throughout their life.
At the same time, purchasing a Malinois for a low price can be a recipe for disaster.
If, for example, your dog has hip dysplasia, you could pay thousands for surgery or need to put your beloved pet to sleep. That’s a choice no one wants to make.
Temperament
You’ll first notice the dog’s intense intelligence and high energy. These dogs are always active and need exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and find ways to entertain themselves.
This breed isn’t the best choice for a first-time dog owner, nor is it ideal for someone who prefers watching TV over more active pursuits.
Individual temperament varies, but there are some general characteristics. The dogs are often quite aloof with strangers, but they will make friends once it’s clear that someone new is welcome in your home.
These dogs take guarding home and family seriously and will be highly protective once bonded with you.
While the dogs are attentive and can be very good with kids, it’s important to note that not all Malinois have the right temperament to be a family pet and share a home with small children.
Herding instinct
Their herding instinct makes them prone to trying to corral toddlers, particularly when running and screaming are involved. Additionally, these dogs have a very high prey drive.
Smaller dogs, cats, and other small pets don’t usually make excellent companions for these dogs.
This breed doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods. It can cause issues like being shy and biting out of fear. Another large dog makes the ideal companion for those times when you can’t be by your Malinois’ side.
It’s best to wait until your first dog is fully grown or introduce a new puppy to your home simultaneously. Another Malinois would be a fantastic companion, but be very careful about getting two dogs at once unless you’re an experienced dog owner who can handle the demands of grooming and exercise.
Grooming
Caring for your pet, including frequent brushing, will keep your dog’s short-haired coat looking and feeling its best. Even with grooming, your dog will shed a bit.
Because dogs have double coats, the undercoat will “blow” or shed twice annually, creating quite a mess if you don’t keep up with it.
Regular brushing is highly recommended, as their short, dense coat sheds year-round with increased shedding during seasonal changes.
Aim to brush them at least once a week using a slicker brush to remove loose hair and minimize shedding.
It’s important to bathe your Malinois only when necessary, as frequent baths can strip their coat of natural oils.
When baths are needed, use a gentle dog shampoo and ensure a thorough rinse to prevent skin irritation.
Dental care is crucial for your dog’s overall health, so brushing their teeth a few times a week with dog-specific toothpaste is ideal. Providing dental chews can also help reduce plaque buildup.
Regular ear cleaning is vital; check their ears frequently for dirt or wax buildup and use a vet-approved ear cleaner with a cotton ball, avoiding cotton swabs that can push debris deeper.
Nail trimming is essential, too. Trim your Malinois’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks, or more often if they don’t wear down naturally from exercise.
Pay close attention to the dewclaws; activity doesn’t wear them down like the rest of the dog’s nails.
Monitor your dog’s skin for irritation, parasites, or infections, particularly in sensitive paws and underbelly.
Regularly inspect their eyes for unusual discharge or redness.
Socialization
If you’re adopting a Belgian Malinois puppy, socialize it by exposing it to many people, different situations, and friendly dogs while supervised.
Keep socializing your Malinois to prevent shyness and keep aggressive tendencies to a minimum.
This critical period occurs between 3 and 14 weeks of age, during which exposure to various experiences, people, and environments helps prevent fear or aggression later in life.
Regular interactions with a diverse range of people and other pets build confidence and reduce anxiety. Puppy classes or playgroups can aid in this process.
Taking your Malinois to parks, busy streets, and public spaces helps them acclimate to different stimuli and teaches them to remain calm in new situations.
Proper socialization leads to well-adjusted, adaptable, and confident adult dogs. They are generally happier, more obedient, and better able to handle daily challenges, resulting in a stronger bond with their families.
Additionally, ensure that you set up a solid routine for your puppy so they know what to expect and are set up for success. These pups love to play fetch and will have fun finding objects you hide from them.
Puzzle toys and interactive feeders keep the dogs active and engaged, but avoid “tug” games to prevent accidental biting. Whichever games and training techniques you choose, consistently reward your puppy for doing the right thing.
While your dog will grow to adulthood within about a year, the breed’s mental development takes longer.
These dogs are not considered mentally mature until about age three. To develop their minds, they need lots of interaction and stimulating playtime.
Training tips
Belgian Malinois are intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable dogs.
To effectively train them, begin with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, down, and come, using positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, or play to motivate them.
Keep training sessions short and engaging, lasting around 10-15 minutes, as these dogs can lose focus if sessions are too long or monotonous. Incorporating mental stimulation is crucial, as they are physically active and intellectually curious.
Clicker training can be effective. The clicker’s sound helps them associate behaviors with rewards clearly, encouraging independent thinking.
Once your dog learns the basics, you can introduce advanced obedience and agility training. This breed excels in agility due to its speed, athleticism, and reflexes.
Focusing on impulse control using commands like “leave it” and “wait” teaches self-control and promotes better behavior.
Regular physical exercise is essential, and daily walks, runs, or play sessions help keep your dog healthy and reduce boredom.
Ensuring consistency in command words and rules of engagement. For behavior correction, use positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
Be patient and consistent throughout the training process. Celebrating small successes and remaining calm is crucial, as your Malinois can pick up on your emotions and influence your response to training.
By tailoring your approach to their unique needs, you can create a productive and enjoyable learning experience for you and your dog.
While these dogs are fast learners, they do exhibit some willfulness.
If you’re inexperienced, you and your dog will benefit from the assistance of a professional trainer.
Do your homework when looking for a dog trainer. Malinois learn best in a supportive, rewarding environment that uses positive reinforcement to maximize their instincts.
Working dogs
Suppose your dog will be a pet, not a working dog like a police or military dog. There’s no need to fall for the misconception that “only a Belgian Malinois trainer can teach a Belgian Malinois correctly.”
Any good trainer can help your dog learn what you want them to know.
The sky is the limit for how much your dog should learn. Basic obedience training is enough, but your Mal is capable of much more.
The dogs enjoy agility training and do well in competitions. They also have strong instincts for protective work.
Unless your dog is destined for a lifetime of police or military work, there’s no need to teach them how to be a protection dog to guard your home and protect you from intruders. They’ll do it on their own.
Exercise
Regarding exercise, leisurely walks don’t count unless you adopt a senior dog. These dogs require intense play sessions and plenty of running, alone or with you.
If you’re not into running, long walks—at least 40 minutes to an hour daily—will do the trick.
They quickly become destructive without plenty of exercise and exciting chew toys. Consider whether you’re prepared to provide the necessary activity for a Belgian Malinois.
Dietary needs
The Belgian Malinois is a highly active and intelligent breed. It is often used in police and military roles, making nutrition critical for maintaining health and performance.
They require a diet rich in high-quality protein, which supports muscle development and maintenance; therefore, it’s best to choose dog food that lists meat, such as chicken, lamb, or fish, as the primary ingredient.
Healthy fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, are also essential for skin health and cognitive function, and good sources include fish oil and chicken fat.
Carbohydrates play a vital role in providing the energy necessary for an active lifestyle, with whole grains like brown rice and oats or grain-free options like sweet potatoes and peas being ideal choices.
A well-rounded diet should also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, E, and D, along with calcium and phosphorus to support bone health.
Nutrition varies by age, so it’s essential to recognize that puppies, adults, and senior dogs have different dietary requirements.
Puppy foods are usually higher in calories and protein to support their growth, while senior formulas might contain fewer calories with added joint support.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial since obesity can lead to various health issues; therefore, monitoring weight and adjusting feeding portions based on activity levels is recommended, and consulting with a veterinarian can provide further guidance.
Hydration is another key aspect, with fresh water always available, especially for active dogs. Additionally, some dogs may have food allergies or sensitivities that require special attention; signs of discomfort should prompt a consultation with a veterinarian to explore alternative diets.
Establishing a consistent feeding schedule, generally two meals a day for adults, can aid digestion and contribute to training.
Finding a Belgian Malinois
If you’re hoping to buy a puppy, dig deep when looking for a reputable breeder through the American Kennel Club Marketplace.
Check references, read reviews, and see if you can interact with others who have purchased puppies from the same breeder. Double-check to ensure that the breeder is not operating a puppy mill.
If you don’t have your heart set on a puppy, consider adopting an adult dog from a rescue. Many wonderful dogs have lost their homes and need new families to love.
Choosing the right dog
Is a Belgian Malinois the right dog for you?
Mals are intense and energetic but can also be loyal and loving. This is possible if they are treated well, appropriately trained, and given opportunities to be active and engaged.
If you’re considering getting a Malinois, check with your local shelter or contact an AKC-approved breeder.