Discover the Belgian Malinois, a breed celebrated for its alert, trainable, and protective nature. Recognized as a medium dog, Belgian Malinois have their origins in Belgium, where they were initially bred for herding, police, and military work starting in the late 19th century.
In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective Belgian Malinois owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Belgian Malinois or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with an alert Belgian Malinois.
As Sniffspot user SB says, "Belgian Malinois are incredibly intelligent, versatile dogs. I love their loyalty, their eagerness to work, and the endless possibilities you have with them at your side."
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Belgian Malinois, these dogs are alert and friendly. The Belgian Malinois is known to be very social with children and neutral with other pets.
When living with a Malinois, 84% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 44% found that a rural or suburban area with open spaces is also acceptable. This dog is highly trainable by all types of dog owners, and owners say that the Belgian Malinois learns best with positive reinforcement, training aids, mental stimulation, and consistent routines.
In terms of exercise, 63% of Sniffspot owners say their Belgian Malinois benefits from high exercise every day, including over 2 hours of activity a day, such as walks, runs, and play sessions. The Sniffspot Malinois community would not recommend this breed for first-time owners.
The Belgian Malinois, developed in the late 19th century in Mechelen, Belgium, was bred for herding, guarding, and working on small farms. Known for their intelligence and strong bond with their owners, these dogs were vital for managing flocks and performing various tasks around the farm.
One of four Belgian shepherd breeds, the Malinois shares a similar build with the Belgian Sheepdog, Tervuren, and Laekenois but differs in coat and color. Initially recognized as Belgian Shepherds, they were split into separate breeds by the American Kennel Club in 1959, with the Malinois later moving to the Herding Group.
The Malinois has gained popularity in the U.S. for its athleticism and versatility, excelling in dog sports and professional roles. Its agility and intelligence make it a top choice for police, military, and search and rescue work, exemplified by its critical role in capturing Osama Bin Laden, as described in "No Ordinary Dog" by Cairo's handler.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Belgian Malinois require low-maintenance grooming. This means minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. Their short coat is ideal for protection from the elements and is considered moderate to high shed. To keep your Malinois's coat healthy, brush weekly to manage shedding and maintain the coat. Among herding breeds, Belgian Malinois grooming is categorized as relatively easy.
A great cold-weather breed, Belgians have a dense undercoat that help them adapt to cold weather. However, coat grooming can't be an afterthought if your pet is consistently active outdoors.
Belgian Malinois require a high level of activity each day to avoid destructive behaviors. They are a very athletic, high-energy breed and thrive with over 2 hours of activity a day, including walks, runs, and play sessions. They particularly enjoy tug-of-war, playing with a ball or frisbee, and obedience training. Without sufficient exercise, they may display undesirable behaviors. Consistent training, mental stimulation, and regular exercise are essential.
As a high-energy breed, diet is crucial for your Malinois. A significant 66% of our community feeds their Malinois commercial dry kibble. For optimal health, they should consume 2 to 3 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of 40 - 80 lbs. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Malinois's sex, activity level, and age.
The Belgian Malinois is prone to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite, as well as joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. Our data shows that 33% of owners reported digestive issues and 30% reported joint problems. Additionally, 20% struggle with skin conditions such as allergies, yeast infections, and alopecia. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about these health issues.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With consistent training, you can develop your Malinois's herding instinct into a well-rounded family dog. Introducing positive reinforcement (treats, praise) and training aids (harnesses, leashes) early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors. Our community comments on their Malinois's friendliness:
Whether you're adopting a puppy or an adult Malinois, training is crucial. Without proper training, your Malinois may display undesirable behaviors. Providing stimulating activities is important, but it must be paired with the right training.
As a herding breed, Belgian Malinois benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our community recommends:
Malinois are highly trainable and suited for various roles due to their intelligence and work ethic. Proper training helps avoid undesirable behaviors like destruction, reactivity, and so on. Additional training goes a long way with this smart breed.
We asked Sniffspot Malinois owners what they love most about their Belgian Malinois pups, and here's what they had to say:
Malinois owners shared some of the biggest challenges:
We asked Sniffspot Malinois owners what they love the most about their Belgian Malinois pups, and here's what they had to say:
Similarly, Malinois owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Belgian Malinois:
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 97% of our Sniffspot community, Belgian Malinois are not a great choice for first-time dog owners. This is due to their alert nature and high exercise needs. This is a breed for an experienced owner. Belgian Malinois owners say it best:
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Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced and trustworthy Malinois owners. These Belgian Malinois breed owners share the most essential tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
The average lifespan of a Belgian Malinois is typically between 12 and 14 years. Belgian breeds can live a long time when given the proper care to their health and physical stamina.
An adult Belgian Malinois weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and stands between 22 and 26 inches tall.
Belgian Malinois dogs require low-maintenance grooming compared to other Belgian breeds. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. They have a short coat that is well-suited for protection from the elements and are considered moderate to high shedders.
To maintain your Belgian Malinois's coat, brush it weekly to manage shedding and keep the coat healthy. Among herding breeds, Belgian Malinois grooming is relatively easy.
Belgian Malinois require high levels of activity each day. Though popular, they are classified as an athletic, high-energy breed with a high level of proper care.
Malinois are excellent companions and thrive with over 2 hours of exercise per day, including walks, runs, and play sessions. They particularly enjoy tug-of-war, playing with a ball or frisbee, and obedience training. Some owners say their Dutch shepherds are the perfect biking companions and running companions, helping them meet their physical activity goals.
If they don’t receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behavioral issues. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively. They can make a great family pet, but they're best suited for active families.
According to our data, Belgian Malinois are very friendly and social with children.
Our research indicates that Belgian Malinois pups are generally neutral with other pets, neither particularly friendly nor unfriendly.
As a high-energy breed, the diet of your Malinois is crucial. A significant 66% of our community feed their Malinois commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Malinois should consume 2 to 3 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight between 40 and 80 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Belgian Malinois's sex, activity level, and age. A 22 inches tall Belgian will require less food than a full-sized, 26 inches tall dog.
The Belgian Malinois breed is particularly prone to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite, as well as joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Our data shows that 33% of Belgian Malinois owners reported digestive issues. Malinois's risk for these health problems increases with age.
Additionally, 30% of owners reported joint problems, and 20% reported skin conditions such as allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Malinois veterinarian for customized, proper care.
Bred as herding dogs who are their best when given a job to do, Belgian Malinois are the ideal companions for active families. Whether you're a current Belgian Malinois owner or considering adopting one, Sniffspot is here to help. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Belgian Malinois owners:
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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