Belgian Malinois
Also known as Malinois
- Height at the withers
- 56 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 150 minutes
- Origin
- Belgium
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 150 minutes of activity a day
Overview
A medium-sized herding dog, athletic and well proportioned, with a proud bearing, a short fawn coat with black overlay and a black mask. Highly intelligent and very eager to work, it is especially valued by police and armed forces.
History and origins
Developed in the late 19th century in the Malines (Mechelen) region of Belgium, it is one of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd. First bred to guard flocks, it was quickly adopted by law enforcement and armed forces around the world for its eagerness to work.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very poorly, 1 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Belgian Malinois FAQ
How big does the Belgian Malinois get?
The Belgian Malinois stands 56 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 30 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Belgian Malinois shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Belgian Malinois live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Belgian Malinois need each day?
Allow about 150 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Belgian Malinois good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Belgian Malinois live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as epilepsy.
