Dog Breeds > Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois

Superdog of modern times

24-26 Inches*

Belgian Malinois

In Kg*
24-29

Originally developed in the Belgian city of Malines, Belgian Malinois are considered as one of the most intelligent dog breeds with high work ethics. In addition to guarding livestock, they are now the most preferred breeds in areas of law enforcement and military

  • Size
  • Efforts
  • Shedding
  • Large
  • Heavy Exercise And Firm Training
  • Negligible Hair Everywhere
  • Monthly keeping cost
    • Premium*
    • Standard*
  • Rupee8,000
  • Rupee2,500

Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Information

  • 13 to 14 years
  • Economical *
  • Star Superstar
  • Rare Easy to get
Introduction

Belgian Malinois (pronounced as Belgian Mal – In – Wah) is a medium sized shepherd dogs that have been long famous for guarding livestock and human families. In recent times, they have gained the nick name of Super Dogs as there is no task that a Belgian Malinois cannot perform. At first glance a Belgian Malinois resembles a German Shepherd, however there are stark differences in the two breeds. Originally developed in the Belgian city of Malines, Belgian Malinois are considered as one of the most intelligent dog breeds with high work ethics. In addition to guarding livestock, they are now the most preferred breeds in areas of law enforcement and military.

Belgian Malinois got its recognition in the world when Cairo, the Navy SEAL Belgian Malinois played a significant role in the capture and extermination of Osama Bin Laden in Abottabad. The security detail of President Barrack Obama has Belgian Malinois as K9 Officers.

Blessed with an intelligent and strong personality, Belgian Malinois have been credited for saving the lives of thousands of American and British soldiers deployed in the war struck Afghanistan and Iraq. As a tribute to one of the bravest Belgian Malinois, Max, Warner Brothers has directed a motion picture by the name Max.

If you are a proud owner of this majestic breed or if you are planning to get an Belgian Malinois as a family pet, you are making a wise decision. We bring to you all the aspects that you will have to keep in mind before getting a Malinois so that you are able to provide an environment that develops a healthy dog and a long lasting companionship.

History

Belgian Malinois is a descendant of sheep herding or pastoral group and was developed in the late 1800’s by a group of Belgian breeders who wanted a perfect Shepherd Dog. There are four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs – Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois and Groenendael. The American Kennel Club recognizes all but the Laekenois as separate breeds.

Belgian Sheepdogs have long been used as guard dogs and were one of the first dogs to be used by the Belgian Police. When World War 1 broke out, Belgian Malinois were being used by the military for a number of jobs such as messenger dogs, Red Cross dogs, Ambulance cart dogs and light machine gun cart dogs. Prior to the 2nd World War, there were a number of International Police Dog Trials where Belgian Sheepdogs excelled and won a number of competitions.

During the 1920’s several Belgian Malinois kennels began breeding the dogs and it was later in the 1930s that the Malinois were exported to France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada and the United States.

In the past decade, Belgian Malinois as a breed has gained a lot of attention due to their work in the armed forces, drug and bomb detection, search and rescue operations. The Malinois rank 90th among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Unique Aspects

One of the unique features of a Belgian Malinois is their high intelligent and extreme work ethic. Their eagerness to work and learn makes them a perfect dog breed for a variety of herding and military jobs across the world.

A Belgian Malinois is also famous for its speed and its agility. Belgian Malinois are known to dart at a speed of 30 miles per hour and can subdue intruders with greater agility. Their razor sharp teeth set inside the powerful jaw makes them one of the dogs from whom escape is not an option.

The compact size of the Malinois has been the reasons behind the preference of this dog breed over Dobermann Pinschers, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers in Military Operations. Belgian Malinois are known to be highly agile and have been trained to Tandem Parachute Sail and Rappel along with their human officers.

Fun Trivia

Belgian Malinois have become extremely popular in the world after the successful capture of Osama Bin Laden and the inclusion of Belgian Malinois to the security detail of the world's most powerful man - the President of United States of America. A Belgian Malinois stars in the soon to be released Hollywood Flick – Max. Based on a true story, Max is the story of a Marine Dog who, after the death of his handler, finds a new home with the family of his handler. 

Person of Interest is a prime time Television Series which stars a Belgian Malinois who works alongside the lead actor Jim Caviziel.

This intelligent breed has caught the fancy of many Hollywood celebrities. The list includes Eva Mendes, Charlie Sheen, Jon Claude van Damme and Jim Caviziel. 

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group: Pastoral Dogs

Height: 22-26 inches

Weight: 24-29 Kg

Life Span: 13 to 14 years

Pros
    •  A very intelligent dog breed
    •  High work ethic
    •  Highly agile
    •  Easy to train dog breed
    •  Most preferred dog for differen law enforcement agencies
Cons
    • May be shy around new people or strangers
    • Require high levels of exercise and mentally stimulating games
    • May display herding behaviour if not trained well

Belgian Malinois Maintenance & Effort

  • Low
  • No
  • Rare
  • Get a heatstroke Basks in it
  • Need warmth Loves snow
  • Little Lots
Grooming

Belgian Malinois are one of the easiest breeds to groom. Blessed with short straight hair that feel hard to touch, Belgian Malinois come in two different fur colours - fawn, mahogany.

The coat of a Belgian Malinois is of two types – a hard topcoat and a dense undercat that is weater resistant and allows the dog to work in extreme weather conditions. A bristle brush is ideal to groom your Malinois while regular baths will ensure that your Malinois stays clean. Malinois shed heavily all year round but heavily during the spring and fall season.

Dental grooming is also a must for the Belgian Malinois. Regular brushing will ensure that there is no tartar or plaque buildup in their scissor sharp teeth and the mouth of the Belgian Malinois remains clean and there are no chances of the onset of any periodontal problems.

The nails of a Belgian Malinois grow really fast. To avoid any injury to the feet especially during running or playing, it will be advised that the nails of the dog are regularly trimmed and kept short. Cleaning of ears using a ear wipes will also help avoid any ear infections or wax buildup.

While grooming, check for any rashes or redness in the skin, especially between the paws and the ears. A good grooming regime begins from an early age. Introducing your dog to dental, grooming and bathing regimes will ensure that the puppy gets accustomed to the routine and is comfortable with it.

Belgian Malinois Hair & Coat

  • No
  • Fawn and White/Brindle and White/Fawn/Grey Brindle/Red
  • Short
  • Short Flowing
  • Sparse Dense

Belgian Malinois Health & Care

  • Rare
  • No
Common Health Issues

Belgian Malinois are generally a healthy breed of dogs, however, like all large breeds they are prone to certain health conditions. While getting a puppy, it will be imperative to get all medical clearances for the dog especially if there are any genetic conditions that may affect the dog as it grows up. A medical record of the puppy’s parents can also be assuring. Some of the common health issues that Belgian Malinois might be prone are:

Hip Dysplasia - Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disorder where the hip bone has a defect in connecting with the hip joint as a result of which the dog may experience pain or lameness in either of the rear legs. As the dog grows, he / she may also develop arthritis. Before getting a puppy, check the medical documents of the parents to rule out hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disorder which eventually causes blindness due to the loss of Photoreceptors at the back of the eye.

Elbow Dysplasia - Elbow Dysplasia is a genetic disorder where the elbow joint has a defect in connecting with the elbow socket as a result of which the dog may experience pain or lameness in either of the legs. As the dog grows, he / she may also develop arthritis. Before getting a puppy, check the medical documents of the parents to rule out elbow dysplasia.

Anesthesia Sensitivity – Belgian Malinois are extremely sensitive to anesthesia. As a pet parent to a Belgian Malinois one would have to be careful when it comes to any activity that involves administering anesthesia, Belgian Malinois have higher than average rate of death due to anesthesia.

Belgian Malinois Behavior

  • No
  • High
  • Snappy Patient
  • Prefer Adults Nanny
  • Aloof Best Buddy
  • Poor Excellent
  • Headstrong Obedient
  • Moody Always Ready
  • Mute Woofer
  • Intolerant Best Buddies
  • Intolerant Best Buddies
  • Carefree Doting
  • Couch Potato Energy Bundle
Training & Intelligence

Belgian Malinois are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world and they thrive on exercises and activities that stimulate them mentally and physically. As military or law enforcement dogs, Belgian Malinois have a very strict training schedule that keeps them physically and mentally stimulated.

First time owners of a Belgian Malinois may want to seek professional help from Canine behaviorists or Dog Trainers to ensure that a comprehensive training regime is designed for this dog breed that keeps them engaged and also meets the characteristics of a working dog breed. Belgian Malinois respond extremely well to positive reinforcements and activities that allow it to think independently.

For years Belgian Malinois have been trained for agility, obedience and other trainings that suit a working dog breed. As parents to a Belgian Malinois, be ready to spend a lot of time training and playing with your dog.

All forms of training for your Belgian Malinois puppy should start at an early age. It will be imperative for new pet parents to start house training as soon as the puppy arrives so that there are fewer incidents inside the house.

Environment

Belgian Malinois are extremely adaptable dogs in nature. They can do well in both apartment and big house set up as long they receive ample amount of exercise to expend their high energy levels and also to stay healthy.

Belgian Malinois prefer cooler climates but adapt well to warmer environments too. Belgian Malinois thrive on love and affection and do best when they are allowed to be a part of the family and stay around them. When taking your pooch outside, it will be good to give them off the leash exercise in a fenced area. Long runs or jogging is ideal for Belgian Malinois as it keeps their muscles strong.

A Belgian Malinois will require about 20 minutes of daily activity atleast 4 – 5 times a day. If you are a runner or love to hike, your Belgian Malinois will be a great company. Make sure that you start training and socilaisation activities from an early age so that the puppy gets used to the regime.

Temperament

Belgian Malinois are known to be one of the best dogs under the working dog group mainly due to their high levels of intelligence and their eagerness to work. Belgian Malinois are extremely confident and have a strong protective and territorial instinct about them.

As a pet parent to a Belgian Malinois, one would have to be confident and display natural authority over the dog and ensure that consistent rules have been set. Due to their high protective instincts, a Belgian Malinois needs to be socialized well and early on in age so that there are not shy or sensitive or aggressive when it comes to other dogs and humans.

Due to their high levels of intelligence and agility, Belgian Malinois make excellent guard and military dogs. In current times, the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies prefer to work with Belgian Malinois. However, their affectionate nature also makes them excellent family pets. As a pet parent, you will have to ensure that you dedicate ample amount to time to play, train and communicate with your Belgian Malinois. If you are a person who has to stay away from home and spend time travelling for work, then a Belgian Malinois is not for you as they do not like to be left alone on their own.

As they belong to the herding group, their natural herding instincts may step in making them chase, circle or nip at people’s feet. Belgian Malinois would do well in a family where there is an alpha family member who can understand the demanding nature of this breed and channel the energy and intelligence in the right manner. Belgian Malinois are highly trainable and very sensitive in nature. A gentle yet consistent training regime will be best suited for them

Like all dog breeds, early socialisation with children, other human beings and pets will ensure a well developed and gentle temperament.

Belgian Malinois Breeding

  • 4 to 6 puppies (approximately)
  • No
Puppies

An average litter size of a Basenji varies between 4 - 6 puppies with an average life expectancy of 12 - 14 years. When the puppies are born, it will be imperative to vaccinate them and to train them from early own as they are extremely active and if not monitored may destroy furniture and other things that might catch their attention.

Procreation

Belgian Malinois are a healthy and sturdy breed and become mature by the age of 18 months. If you are going to mate and breed your Malinois, make sure that you understand thoroughly the medical histories of his / her mating partner and also the medical history of the Malinois’s parents so make sure that they are not suffering from any serious genetic disorder that may be deterrent to the overall growth of the new puppies.

If you are a first time pet parent, seek medical advice to ensure that the mating and breeding process is comfortable for both the dogs.

Belgian Malinois Appearance

  • No
  • Whip
  • Lozenge
  • Rose
  • Scissor
  • Atheletic Stuff Toy
  • Handsome Awe
Body

A Belgian Malinois is a small, athletic dog with lighter bones. While standing they place their weight on their toes which makes them highly agile and aerodynamic and also gives them a square body profile.

Belgian Malinois have erect, triangular black ears and their coat varies from fawn to mahogany colour. Malinois have a dark muzzle in sync to the ears and the fur has black tips giving them a camouflaged appearance.

A Malinois has a deep chest and the topline slops slightly at the withers. The overall size of the head is proportional to the size of the body as the skull is flat and being the same in length and width. The muzzle is pointed and has a moderate stop with medium sized almond shaped eyes that may be in shades of dark brown or black. A Belgian Malinois has a powerful jaw and the teeth meet in a scissor bite. The tail is strong at the base while the feet of a Belgian Malinois is cat like in shape.

A full grown male Malinois will stand tall and proud at a height of 24 – 26 inches and weight anywhere between 24 – 29 kgs. A female on the other hand is slightly shorter and can be anywhere between 22 – 24 inches in height.

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