Belgian Malinois Dog Breed

Below are details and facts for the Belgian Malinois dog breed.

The Belgian Malinois is considered a medium sized breed. Adult males average a height of 24 - 28 inches and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Adult females will stand 22 - 24 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. Strong and well-built, these robust dogs are highly versatile and excel in a wide variety of roles; as an agility competitor or a guard dog, there are few breeds that can outmatch the Belgian Malinois.

The Belgian Malinois is loyal and terribly smart. These dogs continue to excel in a number of roles and remain one of the most popular dogs in military service across the globe. Originally bred as working dogs, Malinois' are very energetic and demand an owner who can keep up with their energy level. Though unaggressive, these dogs are highly sensitive and have an intense disposition. A properly trained and socialized Malinois should be a gentle creature and watchful of children, but children should also be made to understand that these are not dogs to shout at or mess with while eating.

This breed is medium to high maintenance. Grooming this breed is fairly simple; brushing a few times a week will keep the coat healthy, and they shed an average amount. Exercise needs for the Belgian Malinois are above average. A short walk is not enough to properly exercise this dog. Being a working breed, they will require at least an hour’s worth of strenuous exercise to be at their best both physically and mentally.

In the 1800’s, four varieties of herding dogs were common around the Belgian countryside. Belgian sheepherders bred these dogs to be obedient and hardworking farm workers; as dog shows became fashionable around Belgium these dogs were often brought out to compete in various contests. In 1891, a veterinary professor by the name of Adolphe Reul discovered that some of the Belgian herding dogs were noticeably different than the other dogs (collectively known as Chiens de Berger Belge) in coat type and color. Reul found out that these short-haired and fawn colored dogs were being bred in the city of Malines, and in 1892 he wrote the first standard for the Belgian Shepherd Dog.

In 1911 the Belgian Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club. During the pandemonium of World War I, breeding efforts were severely hampered, and the breed narrowly escaped extinction. Just as the breed was beginning to flourish, World War II broke out, and Belgian Shepherd dogs were recruited into military service en masse, once again depleting their numbers. These intelligent dogs played an important role, however, as scouts, messengers, and patrol dogs in the Allied armies.

In 1959 the American Kennel Club decided to split the Belgian Shepherd Dog into separate breeds, and in 1965 the Belgian Malinois was awarded full AKC recognition as a working dog. In 1983 they were moved into the herding group where they remain today. Though the Malinois is not extremely popular among Americans, it has gained fame and recognition recently for its exploits as a military dog—a Malinois was part of the team that captured Osama Bin Laden—and as the breed used by the Secret Service, and many people expect to see more Belgian Malinois amongst American families in the years ahead.

The Belgian Malinois is a robust and sturdy dog of good proportion. It is square framed with a mostly level topline, which stands in contrast to the German Shepherd, which has a rectangular frame with a sloping torso. These dogs stand proud and erect; a Belgian Malinois is a formidable dog with an air of dignity about it. The coat is short, straight, and weather-resistant, meaning it can repel water and frost, allowing the dog to stay warm. The hair around the neck is usually slightly longer than on the rest of the body.

Belgian Malinois have a skull that is roughly equal in width and length. Their powerful jaw is lined with scissor-like teeth that can bite at approximately 1,400 pounds per square inch. The ears are large, pointed, and almost always stand erect, giving the dog a very alert appearance. Their almond-shaped eyes are dark brown. The tail is thick at the base, tapering slightly. Some dogs have a tail that is held up and curls forward over the rump while others carry their tail down.

The Belgian Malinois, as evidenced by its use in police forces and militaries across the world, is an extremely capable and intelligent dog. They excel in just about every dog sport and competition - this breed consistently does well in events such as Schutzhund, agility trials, obedience competitions, and search and rescue, among other things. As far as watchdogs go, you can't find a dog better than the Belgian Malinois. Though bright and willing to learn, the Belgian Malinois is a dog that will require an owner willing to commit time to his or her dog, especially when it is young. The Malinois is protective by nature and needs a lot of socialization to learn that people and animals approaching “his” territory are not threats. These dogs require a master who can establish him or herself as the pack leader, is consistent and firm, but does not resort to harsh punishment. This is a sensitive and discerning breed - owners who the Malinois judges to be unfair will be rewarded with uncooperative behavior. This breed is very demanding and many inexperienced owners find that it is too much for them to handle.

Socialization and training is especially important with this breed. Ideally, the puppy should be meeting new people and dogs on a daily basis. Puppy obedience classes are an effective way to achieve this end while teaching the dog valuable lessons. Though the Malinois benefits greatly from time spent off-leash, care should be taken to let this dog run when small animals are present, as they may run off chasing a squirrel or cat. If properly socialized, however, the Belgian Malinois can live peacefully around cats and other animals.

This dog has bountiful stores of energy and should be exercised multiple times a day if it is not performing some kind of job. Under-stimulated dogs may resort to unwanted behaviors such as chewing or digging. They may also resort to such behavior if left alone for too long. These dogs form strong bonds with their family and will be unhappy if neglected. Belgian Malinois should not be left outside or kenneled for long periods of time.

This breed is not for everyone. But for owners who can establish themselves as a leader, challenge their dog both mentally and physically, and wish to welcome their dog into the family home, the Belgian Malinois will be an immensely rewarding and loyal pet.

Owing to its history as a working dog bred at very high standards, the Belgian Malinois is considered one of the healthiest breeds, however there are a small number of individuals prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. If you are considering adoption, it is wise to consult with a breeder who will show you health clearances for the puppy's parents. Generally speaking, the Belgian Malinois is very robust and should not injure easily. The life expectancy for this breed is 10 to 12 years.