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Belgian Malinois History

The Belgian Malinois originates from Belgium. These dogs were originally bred for the herding and guarding of sheep. The breed was officially recognized as a bree by the AKC in 1912, but until 1959 was registered as the Belgian Sheepdog. In most European countries, as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia, the Malinois is bred primarily as a working dog for personal protection, bomb and drug detection, police work, search and rescue, and dog sports such as Belgian Ring, Schutzhund and French Ring.

Belgian Malinois Temperament

The Belgian Malinois is a dog that is keen, responsive, and fearless. They are an intelligent dog that is easily trained, but they do need a confident owner which means that they are not a breed that is suited to a first time owner. The Malinois is also a breed that does better around older childern and is better kept in a house that has no other pets. They are natural watchdogs and are usually suspicious around strangers. They need a lot of exercise and an mental stimulation otherwise they will get bored and destructive behaviors can arise. Malinois usually do not do well with smaller pets or same sex dogs and can show aggression towards them.

Belgian Malinois Appearance

Malinois are fairly large dogs that usually weigh between 55 to 75 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches at the withers. The acceptable colors of purebred Malinois are a base color fawn to mahogany with a black mask and ears, and with some degree of black tipping on the hairs, giving an overlay appearance. They tend to look like smaller German Shepherds. They have short coats and pricked ears.

Belgian Malinois Grooming

This is an easy breed to care for, a quick brushing once a week should suffice. These dogs are heavy shedders.

Belgian Malinois Life Expectancy and Health Problems

The average lifespan of a Malinois is 10 to 14 years. The common health problems of this dog are Hip Displaysia, Progressive Rential Atrophy, Cataracts and Epilepsy.

Belgian Malinois Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Malinois is a good fit for your lifestyle

Do You Want

• a big dog?
• a dog that is a natural watchdog and protector?
• an energetic dog?

Do You NOT Want

• a dog that sheds a lot?
• a dog that is suspicious around strangers?
• a dog that NEEDS a lot of exercise?
• a dog that needs a strong-willed confident owner?
• a dog that can possibly be aggressive to other dogs and small pets?

Useful Belgian Malinois Links

Belgian Shepherd Dog of Canada

American Belgian Malinois Club

The World Federation of Belgian Shepherd Dogs