Belgian Malinois are smart, confident, versatile dogs. They're solid and well-built dogs who were bred to work hard and obey commands. They form strong bonds with their owners and work to make you happy.
Belgian Malinois have been noted to have bright, questioning eyes the color of dark Belgian chocolate. These sweet, people-oriented dogs prefer to spend as much time with their owners as possible, whether working outside or hanging out inside.
Belgian Malinois Characteristics
Belgian Malinois appear elegant and proud. They're well-balanced dogs with muscular, agile bodies. They typically appear alert and ready to work. Belgian Malinois have a lot of character and strength in their look.
How big do Belgian Malinios get? Belgian Malinois are medium-sized herding dogs. Males are slightly bigger than females. Males can grow between 24 and 26 inches tall, and females can grow between 22 and 24 inches. Males can weigh up to 80 pounds, and females are a little smaller, weighing 60 pounds.
Belgian Malinois temperament. There are some similarities between Belgian Malinois and German shepherd temperaments. Belgian Malinois are playful and energetic dogs that are very smart. They're easily trainable but very brave and adventurous dogs.
Belgian Malinois life expectancy. A healthy Malinois can live from 10 to 14 years. Like most dogs who live longer, cancer does become a health concern for them, but they're a generally healthy, lively breed.
Caring for Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois have short waterproof coats that require minimal grooming. They do shed and have two main shedding seasons. Occasionally, they should be brushed with a medium-bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt. Regular brushing helps promote new hair growth and keeps coats shiny.
They're a breed that needs their nails trimmed regularly. If their nails become too long, it can be painful for them to walk and run. Daily teeth brushing is important. Starting at a young age helps them get used to it. If your dog doesn’t like their teeth getting brushed, you can talk to your vet about other options.
Your vet can also help you decide on the right means of flea and tick control and provide recommendations for year-round heartworm prevention.
Belgian Malinois are very athletic dogs and love physical activities with their owners. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They like to go on runs, hikes, or biking adventures with their owners. They won't be satisfied if they get to run around in the backyard on their own.
They are agile dogs with great tracking and herding skills. They also have great protection qualities that can help keep you safe while you're out doing activities together. In fact, they need exercise and human companionship to thrive.
Another reason Belgian Malinois make great exercising dogs is because of their impressive stamina. They love to work, and some Belgian Malinois have been used as search and rescue dogs. They're also fast learners. They can pick up new tricks easily. They love fetching and other stimulating activities.
Health Problems to Watch for with Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs. With routine vet checkups and regular teeth and ear cleanings, they can live long, happy lives. There are some tests responsible breeders should run on their dogs before breeding:
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
There are some conditions your Belgian Malinois may be predisposed to that you should look out for.
Bloat. Bloat can occur in dogs with deep, narrow chests. When a dog bloats, their stomach fills with gas. Sometimes, it twists after inflating, and this twisting is called gastric dilatatian and volvulus (GDV). It cuts off bloodflow and can quickly become deadly if untreated.
Signs of bloat include:
- Heaving with nothing coming out of their mouths
- Restlessness
- An enlarged abdomen
- Lying with their front feet down and their back end up
Epilepsy. Primary or idiopathic epilepsy is a commonly inherited condition in Belgian Malinois. You'll notice early on if your dog is dealing with this condition. If so, lifelong medication and periodic testing are required to monitor your dog's health and see if their seizures are under control.
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Stiffness in the elbows and hips may be the first sign of dysplasia. This condition can develop as Belgian Malinois get older, resulting in arthritis. You'll notice your dog having difficulties getting up after lying down for extended periods. Overweight dogs are more prone to developing these symptoms at a younger age.
Eye conditions. Belgian Malinois can inherit several eye conditions that can affect their eyesight and impact their quality of life. Common eye conditions include:
- Cataracts
- Persistent pupillary membrane
- Pannus, which makes their eyes sensitive to UV
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism. Belgian Malinois are prone to thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism occurs when the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Annual blood screening tests are done to screen for the condition and hopefully catch it early.
Signs of this condition include:
- Dry skin
- Dry coat
- Hair loss
- Susceptibility to other skin diseases
- Weight gain in spite of appetite loss
- Aggression
- Fearfulness
- Cold intolerance
- Other behavioral changes
Routine vet care and checkups will help you identify problems earlier. Early treatment is important for giving your dog a chance to overcome these conditions or manage their symptoms.
A healthy diet and routine exercise can also keep your dog at a healthy weight, minimizing some of the effects of the conditions listed above. If you're worried about your dog's weight, you should talk to your vet.
Special Considerations for Belgian Malinois
As herding dogs, the Belgian Malinois has a high prey drive. They're very interested in moving objects, which could lead them to chase vehicles, children, and small animals. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to keeping them from acting on their prey-driven instincts.
Because of their intelligence, the Belgian Malinois needs a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become bored and start acting out or misbehaving.
If they're not properly socialized as puppies, they can be aggressive and fearful. They're sensitive dogs that are slow to mature, so they need plenty of interactions with other dogs and children from a young age.
Belgian Malinois were originally bred to work, and they can have an always-on-duty personality. Even when playing, Belgian Malinois can be serious dogs. They make great military dogs, much like German shepherds. They can handle technical support work and love to have a purpose.
These dogs fit best with an active family. Family activities may include hiking, jogging, obedience training, or other dog sports. They also need playtime in the yard with their family. Belgian Malinois are high-powered dogs that need companionship their whole life.
Adding a Belgian Malinois to your family is a big commitment, but the proper preparation will bring a lot of joy to your home. As long as you're prepared for how much activity these dogs need, then you will be able to keep them entertained.
They're a strongly bonding breed and will start loving you from day one. Keeping consistent rules and training backed by positive reinforcement will help make these dogs wonderful protectors and pals.
Before bringing a Belgian Malinois home, know that they do require a good deal of maintenance. If left alone for long periods, they can go on a rampage through the house, tearing up furniture and chewing on household items they shouldn't.
A well-behaved Belgian Malinois, though, is a well-loved dog with plenty of energy.
The History of Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois were first bred near the city of Malines in the northwestern region of Belgium. They're one of four herding breeds with Belgian bloodlines.
Since 1959, the Belgian Malinois has been registered as a distinct breed in America.
Due to their great working character and diligent breeders, Belgian Malinois became the go-to dog for Belgian cattlemen and sheepherders.
It wasn't until 1911, though, that this breed made their way to America. They were a popular, well-liked breed until World War II, when European breeding stock importation was ended.
Then, in the early 1960s, Belgian Malinois started becoming more prominent again in America.
As stated, their high work drive and versatility made them great police and military dogs. They share quite a few similarities to German shepherds, but Belgian Malinois have a differently shaped head, and they are leggier with finer bones.
Belgian Malinois are a type of shepherd dog and have been used as working dogs for many police and military operations. They have been used for tasks like:
- Explosive odor detection
- Accelerant detection
- Narcotic detection
- Human tracking for suspect apprehension
- Search and rescue
Belgian Malinois are strong, energetic, lively dogs. They have a rich European history, as well as a long history in America. They've made great protectors and loving companions. Their strong bonds and keen sense of smell, paired with their intelligence, make them wonderful working dogs.
These dogs thrive off proper training and attention. They'll expect the same love and respect they give you back. They will make great household mates as long as their needs are met and they don't get bored.
If you think your home is perfect for a Belgian Malinois, you can start looking into responsible breeders who engage in the right testing or look into local shelters, including those that specifically care for Belgian Malinois.
