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
Belgian Malinois Quick Characteristics
- Breed Type: Herding
- Size: Medium
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Healthy Weight Range: 40 - 80 lbs.
- Height Range: 22 to 26 inches tall
- Temperament: Alert, Trainable, Protective
- Coat Type: Short
- Color: Fawn, red, and sable with black or tan markings (typically has a black mask)
About the Belgian Malinois
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.
History and Origin of Belgian Malinois
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.
Belgian Malinois Traits and Characteristics
- Temperament: Alert, Trainable, Protective
- Energy Level: High
- Trainability: Highly trainable - Learns commands quickly and responds well to training.
- Coat Grooming Needs: Low maintenance - Requires minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing and baths.
- Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
- Good with Other Pets: Neutral, neither particularly friendly nor unfriendly
What to Expect as a Belgian Malinois Dog Owner
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Grooming Needs
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.
Exercise Needs
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.
Diet and Nutrition
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.
Belgian Malinois Health Concerns
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.
How Friendly Are Belgian Malinois?
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:
- Loyal, fiercely protective, energetic, drive for days (Jeanie)
- Intelligent and will work together with you - true teamwork (AS)
- Loyalty and desire to cuddle - super affectionate (Leslie)
- While these dogs are great additions to family households, they're not for the average dog owner. Pet owners need to do additional training and desensitization exercise. (Anon)
How to Train Your Belgian Malinois
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:
- Positive Reinforcement (92%): Treats, praise, and rewards for positive behavior
- Training Aids (70%): Martingale collars, walking harnesses, and no-pull attachments
- Consistent Routines (67%): A consistent training routine helps the dog understand expectations, including practices like desensitization exercises and regular exercise
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.
What Do Owners Love About Belgian Malinois?
We asked Sniffspot Malinois owners what they love most about their Belgian Malinois pups, and here's what they had to say:
- Protective and loyal beyond belief, sweet, affectionate, high energy, and fun. (Jessica)
- Smart, loyal, and very protective of their humans. (Lisa)
- Unique, challenging, and rewarding breed with love, loyalty, and fun. (Paige)
What Are the Biggest Challenges for Belgian Malinois Owners?
Malinois owners shared some of the biggest challenges:
- Not for the faint of heart. (LA)
- This dog is NOT for the average dog owner. Even experienced, assertive owners will struggle with this breed's need for structure and activity. It's true they can be affectionate family dogs and a great addition to family households, but this comes at a high cost. (Anon)
- HIGH energy and require a lot of training and exercise. (SB)
- Extremely high drive and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. (Katherine)
What Do Owners Love About Belgian Malinois?
We asked Sniffspot Malinois owners what they love the most about their Belgian Malinois pups, and here's what they had to say:
- She’s protective and loyal beyond belief. She’s also sweet, affectionate, high energy, and fun. (Jessica)
- He's challenging for sure, but he's still an affectionate family dog. This is the ultimate companion animal, and it's almost like he has an innate ability to understand me. (Reese)
- They're smart, loyal, and very protective of their humans. (Lisa)
- They are the most unique and challenging breed we have ever owned. Constantly making sure they aren’t getting into trouble (counter surfing, eating dirt, chewing on a pillow), but it’s all worth it for the love, loyalty, and fun we have with Malinois. Definitely not a breed for people without working dog experience, as they require a lot of work, patience, and attention. We have rescued two, and they are our absolute favorite breed. (Paige)
What Are the Biggest Challenges for Belgian Malinois Owners?
Similarly, Malinois owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Belgian Malinois:
- Being in the wrong hands. These dogs are not for the faint of heart. (LA)
- Malinois are high-energy dogs that require a lot of training and exercise to ensure they are happy and healthy. (SB)
- They are extremely high-drive working dogs and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Their care requirements are super high! (Katherine)
- This dog has an innate ability to drive you crazy! Not easy additions to family households, that's for sure. (Susannah)
Is a Belgian Malinois Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?
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:
- They are the most unique and challenging breed we have ever owned. Constantly making sure they aren’t getting into trouble (counter surfing, eating dirt, chewing on a pillow), but it’s all worth it for the love, loyalty, and fun we have with Malinois. Definitely not a breed for people without working dog experience, as they require a lot of work, patience, and attention. We have rescued two, and they are our absolute favorite breed. (Paige)
- Their desire to work all the time makes training fun because they’re always eager to get started. (Missing Name)
- She’s wonderful and affectionate to the people she lives with. She’s protective and loyal. But her care requirements are no joke! (Shannon)
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Advice for Belgian Malinois Owners
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:
Commit to Daily Exercise and Training
- You must work with them every day and provide lots of exercise. Get them used to people and other animals when they are very young. We rescued ours when he was a bit older, so we missed out on early socialization, which is why he is wary of other dogs that don’t live in the household. (Jessica)
- Ensure you have a job for your dog. (Lisa)
- I highly recommend becoming a member of the Malinois Club and taking advantage of their recommendations for physical exercise, crate training, and mental exercise. (Lindsay)
Ensure Your Dog Has a Job
- If you do not have a job for the dog, do not get one. They are not suited for city living at all. They need way too much physical exercise, and they have an innate ability to go crazy if left to themselves too long. (DL)
- Remember these are herding dogs. While they can be fine companion animals, they have natural instincts to work. (UR)
- Do not get this breed unless you are willing to work with the dog every day. This is not a breed that can be walked around the block and be satisfied with exercise. Do not get this breed unless you have a plan for activities such as search and rescue, shed hunting, other scent work, obedience trials, etc. These dogs need a job or they can become destructive. (Rachel)
Prioritize Training and Socialization
- Train, train, and train some more. They love to work and thrive on learning, and they have an innate ability to learn. (Becca)
- While a well-trained Malinois, as seen on TV or in police or military work, is an incredible and loyal athlete, they aren’t born perfectly trained—it takes a lot of work and time over many months or even years. They’re great for those who want to engage in dog sports! If bored, they will become destructive, chewing on you, your clothes, furniture, walls, and doors without proper guidance. You need several years of experience working with dogs and a strong understanding of canine body language before considering this breed. (RW)
Be Prepared for a Lifestyle Change
- They’re a lifestyle breed—you will need to adjust your lifestyle to ensure they receive enough time and attention. (AS)
- These dogs are a lifestyle commitment. You must be able to dedicate time and energy to them or you won’t be able to live with them. (Ruth)
- Malinois puppies are cute, but this is a high-energy dog through and through. If you're not ready for their physical activity needs, keep looking. When it comes to active breeds, you won't find one more intense than this. (P)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Belgian Malinois
What is the average lifespan of a Belgian Malinois?
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.
What is the size of a Belgian Malinois?
An adult Belgian Malinois weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and stands between 22 and 26 inches tall.
How much grooming does a Belgian Malinois need?
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.
How much exercise do Belgian Malinois need?
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.
How friendly are Belgian Malinois with children?
According to our data, Belgian Malinois are very friendly and social with children.
How well do Belgian Malinois get along with other pets?
Our research indicates that Belgian Malinois pups are generally neutral with other pets, neither particularly friendly nor unfriendly.
What should you feed your Belgian Malinois to keep them healthy?
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.
What health concerns are common for Belgian Malinois?
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.
Resources for Belgian Malinois Owners
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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