Belgian Malinois

also known as Malinois

Pros Summary


it is known for its intelligence, trainability, and high energy level. It originated from the Belgian city of Malines, hence the name "Belgian Malinois". The breed was first recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1891 and American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911. It is also recognized by other Kennel Clubs and organizations such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). It was originally bred for herding and guarding livestock, but now it is commonly used as a police and military dog as well as in search and rescue operations. It makes a great family pet but requires consistent training and regular exercise to thrive.

Breed Information


Type

Is Belgian Malinois a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Belgian Malinoiss originally used for?

Stock Herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Belgian Malinoiss Live? What is average life expectancy for a Belgian Malinois? How long can Belgian Malinoiss live?

12-14 years

The average Belgian Malinois lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Belgian Malinois Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Belgian Malinois?

What is the average height of a Belgian Malinois? How big is a Purebred Belgian Malinois height? Belgian Malinois dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm)
Female 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Belgian Malinois? How much should Belgian Malinoiss weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 60-80 pounds (27 - 36 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 67.0 pounds (30 kg) 80.0 pounds (36 kg)
Female 40-65 pounds (18 - 29 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 57.0 pounds (26 kg) 72.5 pounds (33 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Belgian Malinoiss get fat easily?

The Belgian Malinois is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Belgian Malinoiss Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Belgian Malinois is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Belgian Malinois personality? What are Belgian Malinois dogs best known for?

Active
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Hard working
Protective
Stubborn
Watchful

Shedding Level

Are Belgian Malinoiss heavy shedders? How Much Does a Belgian Malinois Shed?

Belgian Malinois dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Belgian Malinois. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Belgian Malinois dog?

The Belgian Malinois dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Belgian Malinoiss come from?

Belgium

Ancestry

What are Belgian Malinoiss descended from?

Shepherd Dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Belgian Malinois breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Belgian Malinoiss first bred? How old is the Belgian Malinois breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Belgian Malinois?

Herding (AKC:1959)(UKC)

Belgian Malinois Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Belgian Malinois eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Belgian Malinois nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Belgian Malinois coat be naturally?

Brown
Fawn
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a Belgian Malinoiss coat?

The coat of a Belgian Malinois dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Belgian Malinois Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Belgian Malinois?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Belgian Malinois have in a litter? How many puppies can a Belgian Malinois have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Belgian Malinois can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Belgian Malinoiss are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Belgian Malinois Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Belgian Malinoiss have a lot of health problems?

The Belgian Malinois is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Belgian Malinois?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Belgian Malinoiss?

Epilepsy
Pannus
Skin Allergies

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Belgian Malinois breed?

Hip
MRI
Eye Examination
Allergy Tests

Belgian Malinois Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Belgian Malinoiss have a lot of energy?

Belgian Malinoiss are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Belgian Malinoiss need socialization? How social are Belgian Malinoiss?

Belgian Malinois have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Belgian Malinoiss get?

The Belgian Malinois needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Belgian Malinois have? Do Belgian Malinoiss sleep a lot?

Belgian Malinoiss are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Belgian Malinois drool a lot?

The Belgian Malinois is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Belgian Malinoiss exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Belgian Malinoiss mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Belgian Malinois running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Belgian Malinois dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Belgian Malinoiss enjoy doing? How do I keep my Belgian Malinois busy?

Explore, Run, Running, Walks, Walk, Catch treats, Play, Ball fetching, Item searching, Frisbee, Chase, Fetch, Hide & Seek, Walking, Sprints, Riding in truck, Fetching games, Bitting Bones

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Belgian Malinois? How much energy does a Belgian Malinois have?

High

Belgian Malinoiss are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Belgian Malinois walk each week? How many miles should a Belgian Malinois walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Malinois, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Belgian Malinois should exercise a day? How much activity does a Belgian Malinois need?

60 minutes

In general most Belgian Malinoiss usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Belgian Malinois?

The Belgian Malinois is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Belgian Malinois?

Weekly

Belgian Malinois should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Belgian Malinoiss?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Belgian Malinois eat?

3 cups

For an average 60-80 pound (27 - 36 kg) Belgian Malinois feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Belgian Malinois Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Belgian Malinois is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Belgian Malinois Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Malinois is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Belgian Malinois Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Belgian Malinois?

The Belgian Malinois breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Belgian Malinois dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Belgian Malinois dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Belgian Malinois do well in apartments? Are Belgian Malinoiss good indoor dogs?

Belgian Malinoiss are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Belgian Malinoiss good with kids? Are Belgian Malinoiss good around children?

Belgian Malinoiss are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Belgian Malinoiss good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Belgian Malinoiss good with cats? How friendly Belgian Malinoiss are toward cats?

Belgian Malinoiss are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Belgian Malinois dogs get along with other dogs? Are Belgian Malinoiss OK with other dogs?

Belgian Malinoiss are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Belgian Malinois dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Belgian Malinoiss friendly with strangers?

Belgian Malinoiss are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Belgian Malinoiss are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Belgian Malinoiss will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Belgian Malinoiss like to play? Are Belgian Malinoiss playful?

Belgian Malinoiss are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Belgian Malinois for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Belgian Malinois easily trained?

The Belgian Malinois is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High intelligence
    Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and trainable.
  • Active
    They have high energy levels and require regular exercise.
  • Good watchdogs
    Belgian Malinois are known to be protective of their owners and make excellent watchdogs.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The incidence of obesity in Belgian Malinoiss is usually low to average.
  • Versatile
    They are often used as service, therapy, and search and rescue dogs.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Belgian Malinoiss are not suited to the office environment
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    While beloved by many, Belgian Malinoiss may not be appropriate for those with allergies due to the possibility of allergic reactions.
  • Barking
    The breed of this dog is characterized by its loudness.
  • Medical concerns
    The Belgian Malinois breed may be prone to certain health issues, similar to other breeds, such as Epilepsy, Pannus and Skin Allergies.