The Belgian Malinois, sometimes known as the Mal, is a medium-to-large dog with a powerful, graceful body. It is one of four Belgian herding breeds. This high-energy dog requires daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation but is otherwise low-maintenance. Because of its high work ethic and intelligence, the Balgian Malinois is a popular choice for police and military K-9 groups.
The Belgian Malinois is a powerful, rugged dog with a wide range of temperaments and aggressiveness. This breed is not ideal for families with little children who are prone to misbehaving. Though more usually seen on the job than at the park, Mal’s calm, playful temperament and loyalty can make him a great family member.
Contents Overview
History of Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a breed of Belgian shepherd dog that is one of four related types. The Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois are the other three kinds. The Malinois is a Belgian shepherd breed that dates back to the 1800s and is named after the city of Malines, where it was developed.
In the early 1900s, the Malinois made their way to the United States. During World War I, several were utilized as military dogs. The breed declined in the United States due to the Great Depression and import restrictions imposed during World War II. The Malinois was initially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959.
Belgian Malinois Personality
The Belgian Malinois is a very intelligent and obedient breed of dog. His protective and territorial instincts are strong. This breed requires significant socialization beginning at a young age, as well as tough but not severe training. Belgians are naturally protective, therefore they should be well-trained and socialized from the start.
In terms of temperament and aggressiveness, there is a wide variation. They are inappropriate as kennel dogs because they desire nothing more than to be with their family. These dogs are normally relatively affectionate and friendly, yet they build strong attachments with their owners.
Belgian Malinois Temperament
This is a high-energy breed with a demand for constant mental and physical stimulation. These canines are observant, intelligent, and serious. They can be wary of strangers and should be cautiously introduced to other dogs and animals. Some people can be bossy. When they’re trapped, they sprint in sweeping circles to keep moving. They are very protective of their house and loved ones.
The Belgian Malinois is a fiercely intelligent and motivated dog and they are extremely loyal to their people. The disadvantage of this breed trait is that they require daily mental and physical enrichment commensurate to their energy requirements. In a home that cannot meet their fundamental needs, these dogs can become destructive and difficult to manage.
Size and appearance of Belgian Malinois
How big is a Malinois?
Malinois has an air of elegance and toughness about it. He’s a tough dog who’s used to living outside and has a coat designed to withstand the wet Belgian climate. He is a proud representation of the herding breeds, with his elegance and expression indicating considerable character strength.
The Belgian Malinois is a lively, quick-moving dog with a natural desire to be on the move. Males range in height from 24 to 26 inches and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds (25 to 34 kilograms). Females are between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms).
Appearance of Belgian Malinois
A huge herding dog, the Belgian Malinois is a Belgian Malinois. Mals were bred to work and have robust muscles while maintaining an attractive appearance. They can reach a height of 2 feet at the shoulders! With perked-up ears, kind, dark chocolate eyes, and a somewhat bushy tail, she is always attentive.
The Mal’s thick, the short coat comes in colors of fawn to mahogany, and it’s typical to see a black mask and ears. The Mal is frequently mistaken for a German shepherd at first appearance. Despite their similar appearances and the fact that, both are among police and soldiers around the world, these dogs are unrelated and distinct breeds.
Belgian Malinois Health & problems
The Malinois is a generally healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will check breeding stock for health issues including hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as some eye issues. Although not every Malinois will contract any or all of these illnesses, it’s crucial to be aware of them if you’re thinking about getting one.
The Belgian Malinois is a sturdy breed with a few health issues to be aware of:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: A painful bone ailment that can cause lameness if left untreated.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: The retina degenerates with this eye illness, which can lead to blindness.
- Cataracts: A condition in which the fibers in the lens of a dog’s eye degenerate, causing visual impairment and possibly blindness.
- Pannus: An irritated third eyelid affects the cornea in another eye ailment. It’s a hereditary ailment that can be treated but not cured, and it may necessitate the use of eye protection when a dog is outside.
- Epilepsy: A brain disorder that causes seizures and the loss of bodily functioning.
Malinois Lifespan
Herding behavior in Malinois includes pursuing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours, and biting at people’s heels. The dog is suitable for working and competitive obedience, but not for running and screaming toddlers. A Belgian Malinois will strive to keep the toddler in one place at all times!
The Belgian Malinois can live in an apartment provided it is sufficiently exercised. He’ll need at least an average-sized yard because he’s moderately active indoors. He favors chilly climes but is adaptable to other environments. A Belgian Malinois should live to be 12 to 15 years.
How to take care of Belgian Malinois
Exercise requirements
In order to keep a Belgian Malinois physically fit and avoid behavioral issues, owners must commit to daily exercise with their dog. This means that a simple walk around the block twice a day will not be sufficient. They’re ideal for joggers and runners, as well as those who enjoy outdoor sports like trekking.
They don’t do well when left alone in a fenced yard to exercise, and these dogs have incredible jumping abilities, so don’t expect your 6-foot fence to keep a bored Malinois from finding something to do.
If you wish to maintain a Belgian Malinois, talk to other dog owners to see if you can give the training and stimulation that this working dog requires.
A Visit to the Vet
It is an important and valuable way to taking care of your Belgian Malinois Dog. Like all dog breeds, This breed needs to go to the vet once per year for a checkup.
Generally, a complete physical examination of a particular dog is needed at least once a year. It involves getting your dog’s temperature, checking heart, lungs, weighing, stomach, eyes, teeth, ears, skin, and coat.
Vaccinating your pet has long been regarded as one of the most straightforward approaches to assist him to live a long, healthy life. Puppies are vaccinated at 8 and 10 weeks; your young Malinois should then be given a booster 12 months after their first vaccination because it’s beneficial to take care of any pets.
Grooming & Bruising
Though they have a double coat, the Belgian Malinois requires very little maintenance. Brush them once a week, and more frequently at the two times of the year when they shed or blow their coat. Bathe him only when necessary.
The coat of the Malinois is short and straight, and it sheds a lot. The coat is thicker on the back of the thighs, around the neck, and on the trail. At least once a week, brush it to eliminate dead hair and disperse skin oils. Brush hair a little more frequently to prevent it from falling on the floor, furniture, or clothing.
Nails should be trimmed as needed, which is usually every few weeks. Brushing teeth on a regular basis is essential for good overall health and fresh breath. Their teeth should be brushed once a week, and their nails should be trimmed daily.
Providing a high-quality dog food
Each dog is individual and, therefore, will need a particular diet. Since the Belgian Malinois is inclined to hip and elbow dysplasia, provide him food enriched with fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It is necessary to evade over feeding your dog as it can only exasperate health obstacles such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Your most essential purpose should be to provide your pet companion properly.
The Belgian Malinois is a big dog, so going for the best big breed dry dog food may be the correct choice. If, upon all benefits, your dog turned out small, search for one of the greatest dry dog food for small dogs and see if they like it!
Here we list out some of the best good dog food for Malinois.
Best dog food for Belgian Malinois 2021
- Orijen Original Formula Dry Dog Food.
- Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Fish.
- Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free.
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food (Small Bites)
Avoid unhealthy and digestive system-damaging foods similar to soy, wheat, and corns.
Remember that some of the smallest breeds have the most refined taste. Even though your Malinois is big, we’re sure your puppy won’t mind taking a bite of these best dry dog food brands for Pugs!
How to Train Malinois
Because of its intelligence and focus on people, the Malinois is a relatively simple dog to train. Like most herding dogs, they have been bred to work with humans and this makes training run easily, providing you have appropriate training skills and employ stimuli that the dog is interested in.
Because of their excellent trainability and athleticism, Belgian Malinois dogs are popular in obedience competitions, a canine sport that stresses protection, obedience, tracking ability, dog agility, and other dog sports. It’s also why they’re so popular in search-and-rescue and military activities.
Potty Training
It’s a fantastic time when you buy a new puppy in your home, but a new puppy also comes with many challenges. The first and most significant challenge that you may face is that of potty training.
If your dog decides to go with an indoor potty, so placement is essential. Find a space in your home where messes won’t interfere with your life.
Potty training your Belgian Malinois puppy can take a lot of time, patience, and attention, but luckily, one tool can make a huge difference: a potty training pad.
Some dog experts recommend that you begin house training your puppy when they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. At that time, they have ample control of their bladder and bowel movements to learn to hold them.
Crate Training
If you’re planning on crate training, your puppy should be placed to bed every night in its crate. However, you may require thinking of the best place for that crate at the beginning.
Correctly done crate training is also a highly effective management technique that dog owners can be a lifesaver.
Using a crate is essential to keep your dog from getting into a riot when you can’t supervise them directly.
Crate training is suitable for hunting dogs because it keeps them comfortable during hunts and on the road.
Socialization
Belgian Malinois puppy might produce aggressive behaviors and severe anxiety if you do not enforce the early socialization. In the method of early socialization, you will present the puppy to different objects, people, and areas as advanced as possible.
There are two stages of this process. The first one initiates as early as 2 and 1/2 weeks. From this period of time up to four weeks of age, the buyers will hold the dog in a listed amount of time.
The second stage of socialization begins from four weeks of age to 16 weeks of age. You will let the dog become familiar with neighboring formations and smells.
This training activity aims to form the puppy into a fearless and incredible adult dog. The dog will appear at ease with interacting with people and different dogs, providing to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders.
How much do Malinois cost?
If you feel you have the proper home for a Belgian Malinois, you can start searching through the American Belgian Malinois Club’s breeder directory. Because these dogs can be difficult to train, it’s vital to do homework and choose a breeder who produces dogs with good temperaments and health clearances.
The Belgian Malinois is widely regarded as one of the world’s top security dogs. Many different police enforcement agencies use this canine for protection, security, and guarding purposes.
An adult Belgian Malinois will cost between $45,000 and $65,000 on average. It may appear to be a lot, but your dog has been taught to do much more than retrieving.
Belgian Malinois puppies for sale
PSD Kennels offers both trained and untrained Malinois dogs. These Malinois, also known as Belgian Shepherds, have excellent European working pedigrees and are well-bred. They’ve already demonstrated a high level of motivation, perseverance, and athleticism.
These adults have been hand-picked for their superior bloodlines, capability, drive, temperament, and intelligence. Our breeding adults are of exceptional quality, which is passed down to the litters.
Belgian Malinois breeders
Any dog lover would like the Belgian Malinois, which is a gorgeous, confident, and stalwart canine. They are, however, not the dog for everyone, as great as they are. If you’re considering getting a Malinois, chat to other owners and breeders about what life will be like with one.
It is in both your and the dog’s best interests to ensure that your home and lifestyle are appropriate for this brave and devoted canine. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.
Advantage and disadvantages of Belgian Malinois
Pros of Malinois
- Highly intelligent, playful, and energetic
- Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat
- Average intelligence and trainability when positive training methods are used
- Brave and ready for adventure
Cons of Malinois
- Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices
- Sensitive by nature, a bit slow to mature
- Can be aggressive, fearful, or snappy if not socialized properly
- Strong prey drive will chase and grab things that run, including cats and children
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