Is the Belgian Malinois right for you?
- 1Belgian Malinois are most known for their endurance, obedience, and loyalty.
- 2Belgian Malinois puppies are very trainable and often are used as police dogs and for search and rescue.
- 3Belgian Malinois typically have puppy-like energy until the age of 5.
HISTORY
Named for their city of origin, Malines, the Belgian Malinois Shepherd is one of the four Belgian Shepherds (Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois) that fall under the same breed standard in most kennel clubs. They were first used as herding dogs but today excel in a number of lines of work, from police and military jobs to search and rescue, guarding, and professional obedience training. While not popular in the United States, the Malinois is one of the more common breeds in Belgium.
Quick Facts
Size
Large
Lifespan
12-14 years
Hair Length
Short
Male Height
24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Male Weight
65-75 pounds (29-34 kg)
Female Height
22-24 (56-61)
Female Weight
55-65 pounds (25-30 kg)
Litter Size
6 to 10 puppies
Personality
A smart, obedient, brave and confident breed, the Belgian Malinois typically lacks any aggressive tendencies or shyness. They are very loving to their family but they can be wary of strangers. They are not typically overprotective, but without proper socialization and training, this may become an issue. They require a sure hand when training, as they do not respond to weakness, or to harsh tones. They are great with kids, but they tend to assert dominance over other dogs, and can be outright aggressive towards smaller animals. .
Color
The Belgian Malinois generally can be seen in a fawn color with a black on their muzzle, ears, and chest. Occasionally they will be completely black or fawn, but the mixture is more common.
Health Concerns
The Belgian Malinois has no major health concerns. Sufficient exercise should take good care of the breed. Minor health issues include:
- eye problems
- skin allergies
Appearance
A strong, athletically built dog, the Belgian Malinois has a relatively square body. They have large, triangular ears that sit atop their flat head. They have a long, somewhat pointed muzzle, and a very long tail. Their fur, unlike the other Belgian Shepherds, is a short, straight coat.
