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Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Introduction
Belgian Malinois (simply referred to as Malinois or Mal) is a medium-sized herding breed from Belgium. It has a short dense fawn-mahogany coat with a black mask. Malinois is one of the closely related Belgian Shepherds or Belgian Sheepdogs that is recognized as a separate breed by AKC. Other Belgian Sheepdogs are Groenendael (black long-haired dog), Tervuren (long-haired fawn-mahogany dog), and Laekenois (rough haired fawn coated dog). However, these dogs are recognized as one breed by the United Kennel Club. Malinois were initially bred as herding dogs. Currently, they are used as companion dogs, police dogs, guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, detection dogs, and assistance dogs.
Belgian Malinois History | Origin
Belgian Malinois originated from Malines City in Belgium in the 19th century. It was developed as one of the four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs. The four varieties are Groenendael, Tervuren, Malinois, and Laekenois. In an attempt to determine which of the many types of dogs were representative only of the shepherd dogs developed in Belgium, Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed in September 1891. Fanciers and breeders met in the outskirts of Brussels in November 1891 to examine Shepherd dogs from that area.
Following much deliberation, a panel of judges and veterinary professor Adolphe Reul concluded that native shepherds of Brussel were medium-sized, square with very dark eyes and well-set triangular ears. However, these dogs differed only in the length of the hair, texture, and color. Similar findings were found after subsequent examinations of dogs in other Belgian regions. The first Belgian Dog Standard was written in 1892 by Professor Reul which recognized three varieties of dog; short-coated, long-coated, and rough-coated dogs.
The progenitors of today Malinois can be traced back to a breeding pair owned by Adrien Janssens, a shepherd from Laeken. He purchased a rough-haired fawn coated dog, Vos I who was bred with Lise(short haired brindle-brown coated dog). Later on, Vos I was bred to his daughters, creating a line of very homogeneous dogs.
Currently, Vos I and Lise are recognized as ancestors of modern Belgian Shepherds, Dutch Shepherd Dogs, and Bouvier des Flandres. The different varieties of Belgian Shepherds were given names by breeders. In Malines, Belgium, there was a club formed in promotion of fawn colored Belgian Shepherd with a short coat. Therefore the name ‘Malinois’ came to be associated with fawn shorthairs.
Malinois were first brought to the USA in 1911, where they flourished until the World War II ceased the importation of the European breeding stock. The breed declined until in the 1960s when Malinois fanciers began the process of replenishing the American Population. Malinois has been recognized as a separate breed in the USA since 1959.
Belgian Malinois Lifespan
A Malinois has a lifespan of 14 to 16 years according to AKC.
Belgian Malinois Grooming
A Malinois sheds heavily twice a year during seasonal change in Spring and Fall. During the shedding season, use a slicker brush once daily to remove the loose hair. All-year round, a Malinois will shed at moderate levels. Occasional brushing once a week using a hound glove, medium-bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt will keep the coat looking healthy and glossy.
Regular brushing removes dead hair from the skin, prevents spread of loose hair around the house, and evenly distributes the natural oils present on the coat. Bathe a Malinois once or twice every 6 weeks unless it rolls in to something stinky. Remember to brush the coat to remove dirt before bathing. After a bath, thoroughly rinse the coat with lukewarm water to remove all the grooming products. This helps to prevent skin irritation.
Trim the nails once or twice a month if they don’t worn out naturally. Overly grown nails are painful for your dog as it walks or runs. Soapy water irritates the eye, therefore, use a clean damp washcloth to wipe the face. Clean the ears once a week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove dirt and excess wax. Brush the teeth of your Malinois at least twice a week using a tasty doggy toothpaste and finger toothbrush.
Belgian Malinois Shedding | Shedding Season
A Malinois sheds at moderate levels throughout the year. During this period, occasional brushing using a hound glove, rubber grooming mitt, or medium-bristled brush will help keep the coat looking healthy. This breed experiences heavy shedding twice a year in Spring and Fall during seasonal change. To manage shedding, brush the coat daily using a slicker brush to remove the loose hair. Brushing helps to confine the dead hair that would otherwise spread around the house.
Belgian Malinois Coat
Malinois have a water resistant double coat that is straight and comparatively short with a dense undercoat. The hair on the lower legs, ears, and head should be very short. However, the hair on the neck region should be somewhat longer where it forms a collarette. A Malinois should also have longer hair on the backs of the thighs and tail.
Belgian Malinois Hypoallergenic
A Malinois sheds all-year-round and heavily twice a year hence not considered hypoallergenic. Shedding spreads dander and hair around the house which triggers allergic inflammation in people suffering from dog allergies. Dog’s urine, saliva, and mucus also have a protein allergen that cause allergic reaction to allergy sufferers.
Belgian Malinois Training | Training Tips
A Malinois is an intelligent dog that is highly-trainable. Although, it has a strong herding and guarding instinct which makes them protective of family and property. They are also well-suited for security services. If not socialized, these dogs may be aggressive out of shyness or fear. Socialization training start from the age of 3 weeks when the pup is still with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks. A companion pet goes home to the new owner at the age of 8 weeks. This makes it crucial to get a Malinois pup from a responsible breeder who will prove that the pup has started socialization.
A well-socialized dog is well-adjusted and well-mannered. To socialize a Malinois, expose it to a wide variety of places like busy shopping streets and marketplaces, sights, smell, situations, animals, people, sounds, and bringing a wide variety of people at home to teach that it is normal for people to show up and it should not be defensive about it. Some of the sounds that a Malinois can be exposed to include sirens, whistles, vacuum cleaners, washing machine, and lawn mowers. Enrolling your pooch in puppy classes will also serve as a form of socialization. It will also help the Malinois parent to identify and correct bad habits like growling when someone approaches the food bowl.
Due to the high prey drive that a Malinois possess, it is strongly interested in moving objects. This trait may lead to chasing vehicles, other animals, and children. Therefore, it should be directed into acceptable activities through training. Use positive reinforcement methods such as use of treats, verbal praise, petting, and toys to encourage positive habits. Malinois are extremely sensitive hence harsh correctional methods should not be used on them. Remember to teach basic commands words like sit, stay, lie down, come, stop, leave it, No, etc. one at a time to avoid confusion. Obedience training is also a must for Malinois dogs.
Clicker training also comes in handy when training command words. It is a training that incorporates a distinctive noise to signify the dog has completed the issued command. Keep the training sessions short, fun, and challenging for a period of 10 to 15 minutes for a Malinois pup to avoid boredom. The training span will increase as the dog matures. Discourage herding behavior through play time, going for a walk or using the command word ‘Stay’.
To effective housebreak a Malinois, create a feeding schedule as well as crate and potty train your dog. A crate is a safe place where the dog retreats to. It also teaches a pooch to stay alone. A crate is also essential with potty training helps dog owners to watch out for signs that the dog wants to relieve itself. Remember to create positive associations with the device through the use of treats, toys, and praise. Make it appealing by lining the device with a comfortable blanket. At no time should a crate be used as a form of punishment.
Belgian Malinois Potty Training
The general rule of the thumb when it comes to potty training, is understanding that the bladder and bowel muscles strengthen as the puppy grows up. An 8-week old Malinois will be able to hold for 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old pup holds for 3 hours. Before bringing a Malinois puppy home, choose a designated toilet area where the dog will relieve itself far away from the patio deck or BBQ area.
For positive outcomes, take your dog outside immediately it wakes up, after a nap, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, every 2 to 3 hours, following an exciting activity like playtime and car ride, and before bedtime. Once you get to the designated spot, utter the command word Toilet or Potty which you will use every time you take your pooch outside. Consistently use one command word. At no time should you interchangeably use the command words to avoid confusion. Remain there for 15-minutes to allow the bowel and bladder muscles to relax for a pee or poo.
Immediately your dog eliminates in the designated spot, rub it on the back as your praise it. This will help it to associate going outside with elimination. Before a puppy is fully housebroken, it may have accidents in the house. When this happens, utter a firm No and immediately take it to the toilet area. Avoid yelling since it will make the dog fearful increasing accident rates.
Remember to clean the mess using an enzymatic detergent or iodine solution to remove the odor. Failure to remove the odor will encourage future accidents in the same spot once the dog sniffs. Watch out for signs that your dog wants to eliminate, such as the whining, circling, squatting, and lifting a leg against the furniture or wall. Before a dog is 16 weeks old, set an alarm to take it outside at least once during the night.
Belgian Malinois Training Book
Belgian Malinois (Comprehensive Owner’s Guide) published in September 2005.
The Complete Guide to the Belgian Malinois: Selecting, Training, Socializing, Working, Feeding, and Loving Your New Malinois Puppy(September 2020).
Belgian Malinois Temperament | Traits
- Alert.
- Sensitive.
- Intelligent.
- Eager.
- Protective.
- Confident.
- Energetic.
- Inquisitive.
- Lively.
- Vigilant.
- Responsive to directives given by the owner.
Belgian Malinois Exercise
A Malinois should be physically and mentally exercised at least for one hour a day. Neither daily walks nor alone playtime in the backyard is enough for this breed. Malinois needs plenty of exercise preferably with the owner since they are happy with human companionship. A Malinois makes a great running, biking, and hiking companion. These dogs also excel at tracking, obedience, agility, protection competitions, and herding.
Belgian Malinois Barking
Initially bred for herding and guarding, a Malinois is a vocal breed that barks a lot. It uses barking while guarding and herding. If a Malinois is not exercised physically and mentally, it may develop destructive behaviors like barking, herding anything in motion, and chewing. To minimize barking, ensure that the dog is well-socialized, exercised, and properly raised. Teaching the Quiet command is also essential.
Belgian Malinois Growling
A Malinois has a protective temperament and may growl when someone approaches its food, territory, or owner’s property to give a warning. Socialization is key in minimizing growling.
Belgian Malinois Height
A female Malinois has a height of 22 to 24 inches ( approx. 56 to 62 cm) while its male counterpart has a height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 60 to 66 cm).
Belgian Malinois Weight
Male Malinois have a weight of 55 to 66 pounds ( approx. 25 to 30 kg) while the female counterparts have a weight of 44 to 55 pounds ( approx. 20 to 25 kg).
Belgian Malinois Size
Malinois dogs are medium-sized herding dogs. However, Male Malinois are slightly bigger as compared to the female counterparts in terms of height and weight. A female malinois has a weight of 44 to 55 pounds ( approx. 20 to 25 kg) and a height of 22 to 24 inches ( approx. 56 to 62 cm) while a male Malinois has a weight of 55 to 66 pounds ( approx. 25 to 30 kg) and a height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 60 to 66 cm).
Belgian Malinois Aggressive
According to AKC, a Malinois should neither be aggressive nor fearful. A poorly socialized dog will be aggressive due to shyness or fear. Even though a well-socialized and trained Malinois is good with children, especially if raised along with them, they may develop a tendency to nip at their heels while trying to herd them while playing.
Belgian Malinois Bite Force
An Adult Malinois has a bite force of 195 Psi.
Belgian Malinois Biting
Originally bred for herding, Malinois did their work through barking, nudging, and nipping. As of now, these dogs are also used as police and guarding dogs where biting on command is still crucial. However, a companion pup that is biting rampantly should be discouraged. Puppy biting is extremely rapid during teething due to discomfort and when exploring their surrounding. This may seem adorable but not for long after the dog matures in size and has serious biting issues. Redirection and bite inhibition training helps to correct this behavior.
Belgian Malinois Ear Problems
Malinois dogs have erect triangular shaped ears that are set high and distinctly. These ears promote air flow in the ear canal. However, they also collect a lot of dirt which may cause ear infections if not cleaned once a week. Other causes of ear infections in dogs include excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, ear mites, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, moisture accumulation from swimming, yeast imbalances, and excess wax or debris.
A Malinois may suffer from the three types of ear infections; externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. However, externa otitis is very common and results to the inflammation of the cells located in the external ear canal. If left unattended the infection spreads to the middle and inner ear canal. Media and Interna otitis is the inflammation of the cells located in the middle and internal ear canal respectively. These infections causes vestibular signs like blurred vision, dizziness, and disorientation as well as deafness and facial paralysis.
Symptoms manifested by a Malinois that is suffering from an ear infection include odor, redness, dark discharge, walking in circles, scratching at the affected ear, scabs in the ears, head shaking, and rubbing the ears on the ground.
Belgian Malinois Health Issues
This is a relatively healthy breed. Although, a Malinois is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, skin allergies, epilepsy, and Anesthesia Sensitivity.
Belgian Malinois Names
The next best thing that a pet parent does after bringing a pup home from a responsible breeder, is getting a name for the Malinois puppy. Pet parents may name these dogs based on the Belgium origin, personality, coat color, movie, food, music, celebrities, nature, and historical figures.
Regardless of what will inspire your pet name, ensure that it freely rolls off your tongue. The name should also not make you embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places like malls. Remember that Malinois and other dog breeds understand better names that have vowels.
Giving your pooch a name that rhymes with the command words will create confusion. If your Malinois has a long name, find a nickname for it. Giving a Malinois a name that is used by other family members or guests who frequent your home could create confusion.
Belgian Malinois Names Girl
- Belvas.
- Mons.
- Ilse.
- Nadia.
- Amber.
- Clara.
- Julie.
- Lina.
- Lola.
- Ava.
- Daisy, etc.
Belgian Malinois Speed
An adult Malinois may run for a speed of up to 30 miles per hour ( approx. 48 km/h ).
Belgian Malinois Names Male
- Baz.
- Hans.
- Bram.
- Noah.
- Milan.
- Otis.
- Matheo.
- Hank.
- Oscar.
- Chase.
- Jake.
- Mal, etc.
Belgian Malinois Heat Cycle | Mating
A Female Malinois has a heat cycle that lasts for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. The heat season recurs after every 6 months. The first heat cycle is experienced by this breed from the age of 6, 9 or 12 months. However, if your pooch is aged one year and above and is yet to experience the heat cycle, contact the vet.
Dogs don’t experience menopause, therefore, a female Malinois may get pregnant at the age of 12 years. Symptoms exhibited by a potential dam that is on the heat season include: a swollen vulva, increased urination, bloody discharge, tail flagging, mood swings, loss of appetite, and lack of energy.
Before mating Malinois dogs, ensure that the dam and sire are screened for elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and eye problems. It is recommended to wait until a dam is 2-years old before breeding her. This will ensure that it is emotionally and physically mature to raise a litter. Look at the pedigree of the dam to ensure it is not genetically related to the sire. Never breed an aggressive dam since the puppies will likely be fearful or aggressive.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Belgian Malinois Litter Size
After conception, a Malinois dam can whelp an average litter size of 4 to 6 puppies.
Belgian Malinois Harness | Collar
Professional trainers of Malinois guard dogs or police dogs prefer using a prong collar or a choke collar. Although, these collars should only be used under the supervision of a professional trainer.
This accessory should not be used on puppies that are younger than 6 months old. When professionally used correctly, prong and choke collars are intended for getting the dog’s attention, and not as a means of punishment.
However some recommend use of treats and games to teach a dog not to pull. A flat collar is also recommended to hold the rabies and ID tags. Experts also agree that a harness is a better option for dogs that have a high-prey drive and are likely to pull on the leash.
Belgian Malinois Muzzle
Although well-socialized Malinois are neither aggressive or fearful, they are also muzzled in certain situations where the pet parent is not sure of how the dog will react to a new stimulus. It is also recommended to muzzle a Malinois that is in pain since it is more prone to biting.
American Kennel Club encourages dog owners to create positive associations with a muzzle through the use of treats and praise. This will ensure that the dog will not become defensive once the muzzle is needed for use. However, this accessory is not used to correct bad habits like biting, chewing, digging, or barking.
Belgian Malinois Neck Size | Collar Size
The collar size of a dog is equivalent to the neck size since the accessory rests around the neck. The neck size | collar size of a Malinois is 16 to 20 inches ( approx. 40 to 50 cm ).
Belgian Malinois Colors
According to the breed standards, the ideal coat color is a rich fawn to mahogany. This breed should also have black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance. Although, the breeches, tail, and the underparts of the body have a lighter shade of fawn. The ears and the mask of a Malinois appears black.
Belgian Malinois Allergies
Malinois dogs are prone to different forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin Allergy – Genetic factors, food allergies, contact allergies, or environmental allergies make a Malinois prone to skin allergies. Environmental allergies are especially associated with atopic dermatitis, a skin condition that results to reddened patches, bumps, and circular areas. Common affected body parts include ears, paws, underarms, groin, belly sides, feet, face, etc. If left untreated, skin allergies result to secondary skin infections.
Contact allergies – This inflammation occurs once the skin of a Malinois comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that affect Malinois include grooming products, carpet cleaning detergents, plastics, bed linens, lawn chemicals, medications, latex, etc.
Food allergies – Malinois are affected by both food allergies and food intolerance. However, the former result in an immune response.
Environmental allergies – Flea’s saliva causes flea allergy dermatitis that causes excessive scratching and biting until the skin around thebite area is raw. Commonly affected body parts include back legs and underneath the tail. Other environmental allergens that affect Malinois dogs include dust and dust mites, ragweed, grass, pollen, tree, mites, house molds, and mosquitoes. Common symptoms include congestion, swollen eyes, a runny nose and itchiness on various body parts including underarms, groin, muzzle, ears, feet, paws, around the eyes, and belly sides.
Belgian Malinois Food Allergies
Although rare, Belgian Malinois is also affected by food allergies that results in an immune system. As a result, it is accompanied with a wide range of symptoms ranging from skin conditions signs like hot spots, sores, hives, facial swelling, dermatitis, pruritus, and crusting lesions as well as gastrointestinal stress including acute vomiting and/or diarrhea.
When compared to food allergies, food intolerance(sensitivities) is far more common. Food intolerance is caused by a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snack of a Malinois. Some of the common offending culprits include chemicals, additives, preservatives, milk, eggs, fish, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, etc.
Signs of food intolerance include poor skin and coat, foot infections, itchiness, lack of energy, vomiting, diarrhea, and ear infections. Malinois owners are urged to work along with the vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient.
Belgian Malinois Ears | Ear Cropping
A Malinois has small and triangular shaped ears that are set distinctively and high with pointed tips and well-cupped outer ears. When the dog is alert, the ears are stiff and carried vertical and upright. Ear cropping in Malinois is rare since the ears are naturally erect and not floppy.
Belgian Malinois Teeth
During birth, Belgian puppies are born with no teeth. However, deciduous teeth starts growing in at the age of 2 to 3 weeks until they have a total of 28 milk teeth. From the age of 12 weeks, a pup looses the milk teeth which is replaced by a set of 42 permanent teeth. At the age of 6 months, a Malinois pup has all the permanent teeth. From the age of 6 months old, a Malinois should be brushed at least twice a week using a tasty dog toothpaste and finger toothbrush. Irregular teeth cleaning results to bad breathe, loss of teeth, and gum inflammation.
Malinois Tail
A Malinois dog has a strong tail at the base and reaches the hock. At rest, the tail is carried down. When moving, the tail is raised and curved. However, it doesn’t pass the horizontal.
Belgian Malinois Feeding Chart
The amount of food that a Malinois feeds on depend on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism. This dogs are categorized as medium-to large sized dogs. Therefore, consult your vet on the amount of protein that your dog should be eating. In order to raise a healthy Malinois, ensure that your pup feeds on proteins, vegetables, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, healthy Omega 3 fats, and water. The following is the feeding guide for Malinois dogs:
At the age of 6 weeks feed your dog around 4 to 6 times a total of 1.5 to 2 cups in a day.
From the age of 8 weeks, a Malinois pup should feed 4 times a day a total of 2 to 3 cups.
At the age of 10 weeks, feed a total amount of 3 cups a day spread over the course of 4 meals.
From the age of 12 weeks, a pup should feed a total of 4 cups a day over the course of 3 to 4 meals.
On average, a Malinois pup should feed a total of 4 to 6 cups of dry food 3 times a day before the age of 6 months.
From the age of 6 months, feed a Malinois twice a day.
N/B The number of times that you feed your dog will decrease as the metabolism level slows down.
Belgian Malinois Dog Food | Food
A Malinois should feed on dog food formulated for large-sized breed especially males. This diet should contain lower fat with a proper protein to calcium ratio. Such kind of diet helps the dog to reduce the risk of suffering hip and elbow dysplasia.
Depending on the time and budget of the Dog owner, he or she may decide whether to feed dry kibble food, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Regardless of the food that you choose, ensure that it meet all the nutritional requirements of a Malinois.
The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding your pet is to take them to the vet to know more about their health and weight. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your dog, if you can see your pooch’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If a pet parent cannot feel the ribs of a Malinois under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed. Food bowls should not be left out all day after meals since these dogs have a tendency of overfeeding.
When you get a Malinois from a breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food with old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your Malinois with the same amount of the new food and old food.
On the third week feed your pooch with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food. During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. For a dog owner who wants to feed commercial dry or wet food, they should purchase food that are specifically designed for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
Belgian Malinois Vs German Shepherd
Both Malanois and German shepherds are medium-sized dogs initially bred for herding. Currently, they are both used for police work, companion dogs, guard dogs, detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Although the former was bred in Belgium while the later was created in German.
Both Male Malanois and Male German Shepherd have a height average of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 60 to 65 cm ). This is also the case to a female Malinois and a female German Shepherd with a height of 22 to 24 inches ( approx. 55 to 60 cm ). However, German Shepherds are slightly heavier as compared with Malinois.
A Male Malinois has a weight of 55 to 66 pounds ( approx. 25 to 30 kg) while a male German Shepherd has a weight of 75 to 90 pounds ( approx. 34 kg to 40.8kg). On the other hand, a female Malinois has a weight of 44 to 55 pounds ( approx. 20 to 25 kg) while a female German Shepherd has a weight of 60 to 75 pounds ( approx. 27.2 kg to 34 kg) .
Are Belgian Malinois Good With Kids
Yes, especially when raised along with them. However, although socialized Malinois may still have the tendency of nipping their heels and to try to herd them when playing.
Are Belgian Malinois Hypoallergenic
No. Malinois are not considered hypoallergenic since they shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily twice a year. Shedding spreads hair and dander around the house which triggers allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Are Belgian Malinois Aggressive
No. A well-raised Malinois is neither fearful nor aggressive. However, a poorly socialized dog will bite due to shyness or fear.
Belgian Malinois Quick Facts
- Malinois are energetic dogs bred for security roles.
- A Belgium Malinois named Cairo assisted in the killing of Osama bin Laden by the United States Navy SEALs.
- This breed has also been featured in various films including Dog(2022 film) and Max(2015 film).
