Belgian Malinois
Thank you for using our site to find Belgian Malinois information. Feel free to add any information about Belgian Malinoiss we may have missed. If you have any Belgian Malinois questions please feel free to ask them below. Most Belgian Malinois owners are often very insightful and offer great advice. Please don't hesitate to upload a picture of your Belgian Malinois or write a review. We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your Belgian Malinois check out some dog training reviews. |  |
General Description
(Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge) The Belgian Malinois is one of four types of Belgian Sheepdogs. Their bodies are square-shaped and are approximately as long as the length of their tail. They are elegantly muscled and agile, and they carry their heads proudly. Their backs are level and feature a slight slope at the withers, and their hindquarters are strong and lean. The breed’s chest is neither wide nor narrow, but it is very deep and reaches to the level of the elbows. Their limbs are straight and parallel and feature round, cat-like feet. The Belgian Malinois has a flat skull that is parallel to the plane of the tapered muzzle. Their nose is black and their teeth meet in a level or scissors bite. They have a pair of triangular ears that stand erect on the head and their small, almond-shaped eyes are dark in color. The tail is very long and reaches to at least the hock. The Belgian Malinois has a short-haired, waterproof coat that ranges in color from fawn-and-red to mahogany. Black tips, a black mask, and/or black ears may be present. White markings are also prevalent in some Belgian Malinois. The hair around the breed’s neck is longer than the hair across the body.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
The Belgian Malinois is a working breed with an intelligent, obedient temperament and a watchful disposition. They are serious and possess strong protective and territorial instincts. Some Belgian Malinois may be excessively shy or sensitive. It’s important for this breed to receive proper training and thorough socialization from an early age. Without a firm, patient, and understanding trainer, this breed can become destructive or timid. The Belgian Malinois is happiest when he has a job to perform. They thrive on human affection and form strong bonding relationships with one or two people. While the Belgian Malinois is often dominant towards other dogs, they are almost always very gentle and patient with children. If properly socialized from a young age, they are also likely to get along with other dogs and pets.
Size
22 – 26 inches
Weight
55 – 65 poundsA normal weight range me be closer to 40 pounds (or even lighter for some individuals) up to or surpassing 75 pounds. The heights and weights listed are pretty tight range wise.
General Health
The Belgian Malinois is a comparatively healthy breed with few major concerns. Skin allergies and eye problems are prevalent in some lines of this breed, and behavior fluctuations (like excessive shyness or aggressiveness) may also be present. Like other large dog breeds, the Belgian Malinois is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. Typically this breed lives for 12 to 14 years. The Belgian Malinois averages 6 to 10 puppies per litter.
History
The Belgian Malinois is one of four types of Belgian Sheepdog. The breed was named for the Belgian city of Malines. The Belgian Malinois was recognized as a separate breed in 1959 by the AKC. Although they are quite rare in the United States, the Belgian Malinois is very popular in Belgium. The breed has a number of natural talents and is utilized heavily as a working breed. If properly trained and socialized from an early age, the Belgian Malinois makes an excellent family pet. All four types of Belgian Sheepdogs are hardy working breeds with abilities in hunting, tracking, obedience, protection, detection, and herding.
Maintenance
The Belgian Malinois has a smooth, short-haired coat that is easy to groom and take care of. Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush will assist the shedding process. This breed is a light constant shedder, but sheds heavily twice per year during shedding season. The Belgian Malinois should be bathed only as necessary. Too much bathing can remove the waterproofing of the coat.
Ideal Environment
The Belgian Malinois is a working breed that needs plenty of exercise. Because they are accustomed to an active outdoor life, they need as much time off the leash as possible. This breed can live happily in a small household or apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and are most content with a minimum of a medium-sized yard. Although the Belgian Malinois can live outside, he prefers to sleep inside with his family.
Dog Training!If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. |
Find your new Belgian Malinois
Puppies For Sale
Be the First to take out an Ad!
Find a Breeder
Be the First to take out an Ad!
Rescue a Dog
Be the First to take out an Ad!
Ask a QuestionBelgian Malinois Q&A
I have 2 4 year old belgian malinois they are perfect except for the fact that every now and then decide when left alone to chew the leather couch ... it has been a constant in their behavior, despite of the scat mats .... yesterday they decided to chew the part of the uncovered leather couch ... I don't know what to do ... other than that they are very good dogs .. the best actually, please help me..
I adopted a 14 month old Malinois a month ago, but she does not seam protective at all. Are there non protective Malinois?
We just adopted a 9 week old pup. We were told he was a German Sheppard but we were unsure and did some research, it turns out he has the makings of a Malanois. The only difference; the ears. The pup's ears flop over and don't appear as pointy as the other Malanois. Will the ears stiffen up and strighten out as he gets older?
We adopted a Belgian whose ears flopped over and our vet recommended some cottage cheese added to his food. His ears stand straight up now!
Please help me! My neighbor has a Belgiun Malanois who had 7 puppies on 12/08/2008. My neighbor, Kim has MS and the dog (Molly) is her Help dog. Kim had a relapse and is in the hospital and will be for another several weeks. Molly is not letting the puppies nurse and her teats are very red and swollen..and one of the nipples is partially torn off. I think that the dog must have some separation anxiety from Kim being gone. Her stools are very loose also. HELP! Can I give the puppies something else to eat to supplement? And how do I comfort the mother dog, Molly. I am just a neighbor trying to help until she gets home from the hospital. I am overwhelmed because I don't know what to do.
View more Belgian Malinois Questions and Answers
Upload a PhotoBelgian Malinois Photos
View more Belgian Malinois Photos
Write a ReviewBelgian Malinois Reviews
Rating:
The new top dog
When looking to get a dog, I had my heart set on a German Shepherd- I had experience with them, and loved every part of those dogs. But the health problems and inbreeding in the US had me concerned. That's when someone suggested a Mal. I'm hooked. The malinois has all the things I loved about the GSD and none of the problems. They are very easy to train, incredibly smart, naturally protective, very social. Energetic. They are so great that they are replacing the GSD in many police departments, as well as the military and government agencies. Best dog in the entire world.
Pros: Great size- easy for travel (even for short trips in a little car). Have the heart, drive and personality of a much bigger dog, just eats less. Minimal shedding.
Cons: Can't think of any