Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Height, Lifespan, Characteristics, Price and Facts  

Belgian Malinois Dog Image

Belgian Malinois Dog Videos

One of the four Belgian herding Dog breeds the Belgian Malinois affectionately called the Mal- medium to large dog with a strong and elegant body. This high-energy breed needs plenty of strenuous exercise and mental stimulation is not far faint of the heart. Revered for their strong work ethics and their smarts, Malino is the top pick for the police and military K-9 units. 

Though being more frequently seen on the job than at the park, Mal’s gentle, playful demeanor and loyalty make him a great family companion for Pet lovers who are willing to give the exercise and mental stimulation needed. 

This dog is tall up to 2 feet at the shoulder and always alert with perked-up ears and a light-catching eye. A Mal is often mistaken for a German Shepherd. Though they have similar appearances both are favorites of the people and police officers. In this blog we will let you know more about the Belgian Malinois dog’s temperament, Living needs and many more.  

Belgian Malinois Dog Height

Male: 61 – 66 cm

Female: 56 – 61 cm 

Belgian Malinois Dog Weight

Male: 27 – 36 kg

Female: 18 – 27 kg 

Belgian Malinois Dog

Lifespan

14 to 16  years 

Also Read: Cockapoo Lifespan

Belgian Malinois Traits, Personality & Characteristics 

The Belgian Malinois is a high athletics medium to large dog known for its sleek, muscular, appearance, agility, and many more things. Their fawn-colored coats with black masks and their attentive stance make them look ready for action and exemplify their role as a working breed for their versatility.

Also Read: Shih Tzu Dog Breed Traits & Personality | German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Traits & Personality

History of Belgian Malinois Dog Breed

According to the ABMC, Mals were one of the first Belgian dogs brought to the USA in 1911 and experienced a long streak of popularity until the outbreak of World War 2, which paused European imports.  The Belgian Shepard dogs were officially registered by the AKC as a separate breed in 1959 and the Mal saw a resurgence in interest though it fell behind the three other Belgian shepherds in popularity.  

Often they are used in the military during World War 1 as a messenger, ambulance dogs, and also to pull machine guns. The breed is so reversed for its service that a memorial to military dogs in Fayetteville. Currently and maybe most broadly, a Mal named Cairo helped Seal Group Six within the 2011 attack that slaughtered fear monger Osama Canister Laden. Today, the breed may be a sought-after working puppy, from grouping and ensuring animals to serving nearby policemen they’re more in request for these parts than indeed German shepherds. 

Belgian Malinois Dog Physical Appearance

The Belgian Malinois is a high athletics medium to large dog known for its sleek, muscular, appearance, agility, and many more things. Their fawn-colored coats with black masks and their attentive stance make them look ready for action and exemplify their role as a working breed for their versatility. Let’s take a glimpse at the appearance of the Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois Dog Temperament ( Know Their Behavior) 

Malino is known for their intelligence and smartness and thrive in an environment where they are given both mental and physical tasks. Suited best for experienced dog owners who provide structured training, regular activity, and socialization. Move to more temperament information about the Malino 

• Intelligent and Trainable –  Breed are among the most intelligent breed and are quick learners or excel in obedience to advanced training. Being driven by mental challenges, makes them ideal for the task requiring complex problem-solving.  

• Energetic and Active –  This breed has exceptionally tall vitality and requires day-by-day physical and mental incitement to remain adjusted and substance. With a characteristic slant for running, hopping, and dexterity, or appreciate exercises like running, climbing, and dexterity preparation. Despite their work-focused nature, or have a lively side and appreciate intelligent diversions with their family. 

• Protective and Alert –  Pets are known for their strong protective insights and make excellent watchdogs. Also, they can be aloof or cautious with strangers but they are aggressive unless provoked or there is in threat. 

• Sensitive and Responsive –  Tend to be sensitive to their handler’s emotions,  picking up on cues and the responsible accordingly. Because of their sensitivity, making develop separation anxiety if left alone or bored for extended periods.  

• Social and Family-Oriented –  With appropriate socialization, Belgians are cherishing and defensive family individuals, even though may be as well enthusiastic for exceptionally youthful puppies. They frequently bond escalation with one or two family individuals, but with early socialization, they are comfortable around bigger families and other pets. 

Feeding & Diet For Belgian Malinois Dog Breed

Feeding and maintaining a proper diet for a Belgian Malinois is essential for their health, energy, and overall well-being. As an active and intelligent breed, they require high-quality nutrition tailored to their size, activity level, and life stage, which makes them fit to the fullest. If Malinois is working for any military or police service, then usually they require more meals in comparison to other breeds. Let’s now look at the feeding and diet tips for the Belgian Malinois. 

Belgian Malinois Dog Puppy Diet ( Age 1 to 12 months )  

• Puppies need a diet rich in protein, fat, and essential nutrients for growth.
• Choose high-quality puppy-specific kibble.
• Feed 3–4 times a day until 6 months, then transition to 2 meals a day.

Belgian Malinois Dog Adult Diet ( Age 12 months to 5 years ) 

• High protein diets with moderate fat levels to support their active lifestyle 
• Feed 2 times a day to avoid bloating, which is a common concern for the adult breed 
• 2- 4 cups of food daily which depends on size, weight, and activity level.  

Belgian Malinois Dog Old Age Diet ( Age 5 years to 16 years )  

• The lower-calorie breed needs a high-fiber diet to support aging joints and slower metabolism. 
• Include supplements like glucosamine and omega 3 for joint health 
• Feed at least 1 to 2 times a day to remain stable with the health and age. 

Also Read: German Shepherd Healthy Best Food Diet

Dietary Components for Belgian Dog Breed

• Proteins –  Chicken, hamburger, sheep, or fish-based like salmon nourishment guarantees genuine meat as the primary fixing.
• Carbohydrates – Entirety grains (like brown rice or oats) or grain-free alternatives for touchy stomachs.
• Fats –  Fundamental greasy acids for vitality and coat wellbeing.
• Vitamins & Minerals – Natural products like vegetables(carrots, Persimmons etc), and supplements as required.
• Hydration –  Try to always provide filtered or freshwater.

Health Issues & Care For Belgian Malinois Dog Breed

Belgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10 to 16 years but are prone to certain health issues, largely due to their age and active muscles. 

Owners should be aware of the health concerns associated with the problems as well as eyes, hips, and even cancer.  Being aware of their genetic predispositions in early detection and management thrives as loving and energetic companions.  

• Hip And Elbow Dysplasia –  Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are genetic conditions, where the joints develop improperly leading to pain and arteries. Signs include lameness, difficulty rising, and reluctance to exercise.  While the genetic problem can’t be easily cured, it can be managed through lightweight, physical therapy, and many more.  

• Hypothyroidism –  It is usually a condition where the thyroid organ doesn’t create sufficient hormones, which can moderate the digestion system. Side effects incorporate weight pick up, dormancy, hair misfortune, or skin contaminations. Normal vet checkups can offer assistance screen thyroid levels, and pharmaceuticals be endorsed to oversee the condition if is analyzed. 

• Ear Infection –  With their straight ears, Mals are susceptible to ear infections due to trapped moisture and debris. Redness, oder, head shaking, and many other things. Trying to make it healthy can be done through regular ear cleaning and drying, especially after swimming or any ear drops, which can easily save their life from this infection.  

Health Care Tips to Keep Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Healthy

• Regular Vetnery Checkups –   Annual checkups for healthy dogs, which depend on the age as well.  The purpose of the regular checkups will be early detection of illness, vaccination, and routine health screening like Gum color of your dog, paw licking Activity etc.
• Vaccinations –  Core vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Optional vaccines, depending on lifestyle, may include leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme disease.
• Nutrition & Weight Management –  Feed a high-quality diet tailored to their activity level, life stage, and weight, try to avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which is known as a joint issue.  
• Parasite Prevention –  Use flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives consistently and regularly deworm for internal parasites.

How to Train Malinois Dog Breed

Training a Malinois Dog breed is highly feasible due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and versatility. Known for their roles in law enforcement, search, and rescue, and as a service breed, while they excel in structured training programs.  Here are the tips for training and training feasibility for the Belgian Malinois Dog.

• Start Early –  Begin the training and socialization as early as eight weeks, which exposes them to different environments, sounds, people, and other pets to reduce fear and anxiety.  
• Basic Obedience –  Instruct foundational commands such as sit, remain, come, and heel utilizing positive fortification strategies like treats, laud, or toys.
• Socialization –  Present them to other pooches and individuals to empower great conduct and diminish animosity or regional behaviors.
• Chain Preparing –  Utilize a tough chain and educate them to walk without pulling. Begin with brief sessions and steadily increment length.
• Mental Incitement –  Get the confused toys, fragrance recreations, and dexterity preparing to keep their dynamic minds locked in. 

Also Read: How to train German Shepherd?

Training Feasibility of Belgian Malinois Dog

• Insights – Belgian Malinois rank among the foremost brilliant breeds, making them speedy learners. They can grasp commands after a couple of reiterations, which is perfect for submission and progressed preparation.
• Flexibility –  They adjust well to different preparing situations, whether at domestic, in classes, or in specialized settings. This makes them appropriate for apprentices and experienced coaches.
• Want to Work –  These mutts are profoundly propelled by errands and flourish when given a reason. This characteristic guarantees they remain locked in amid preparing sessions.
• Trainability Challenges –  Without reliable preparation, their insights can lead to unyielding quality or behavioral issues. Firm, reliable direction is fundamental, especially amid puberty. 

Top Parenting Tips For Belgian Malinois Dog

Caring for the Belgian Malinois involves meeting its high energy needs, keeping up with grooming, providing consistent training, and many more things.  Breed thrives in the home where they are valued companions and participate in activities with their family.  Looking at the glimpse of the care of Belgian Malinois 

• Exercise and Activity –  Malinois requires at least 1-2 hours of serious workout every day. This may incorporate running, climbing, nimbleness preparing, or recreations that permit them to burn vitality. If possible let them play in a secure, fenced yard, is best suited to homes with ample space, though apartment living can work if they receive consistent intense exercise.  

• Training and Mental Stimulation –  Start the training with the positive mindset methods, while the breed responds well to the structure and mental challenges. As they are highly intelligent benefit from advanced training tasks like agility, tracking, herding, or even service work. Keeping them busy is crucial by using puzzle toys and others.  

• Socialization –  Socialize them early with the various environments, people, and animals that help them grow into well-rounded adults and minimize overprotective behavior. Due to their protective behavior, they are dangerous to strangers and hard to control their minds.  

• Grooming Needs –  The dog has short, dense double coats and is brushed weekly to reduce shedding and keep their coat clean and out of the dirt. They experience a heavy shed twice a year especially during the springtime, while during this time increase the brushing to manage the shedding. Trim the nails regularly to prevent cracking or discomfort for them during running or walking.  

Top Parenting Tips For Belgian Malinois

• Early Socialization –  Expose your Malinois to different environments, which helps to reduce their stress or aggression. 
• Provide Regular Exercise –  Belgian Malinois are high-energy dogs that require at least 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily. Activities like running, hiking, or agility training help channel their energy positively and prevent destructive behaviors.
• Establish Clear Rules – Being a working breed, they thrive with consistent structure and boundaries. Establish rules and enforce them consistently to help your dog understand expectations.
• Use Crate Training –  Crate training provides a safe house for your dog helps with the house training and ensures the crate is comfortable and not used as punishment. 
• Provide Job Task –  As a working breed, they excel when given a purpose, such as herding, guarding, or participating in dog sports. 

Why You Should Buy Belgian Malinois & What is the Cost Associated With it?

• The Belgian Malinois is one of the fastest breeds in the world and it has clocked up to 30 Mph 
• Mals performed important jobs like message carriers, ambulance dogs, machine gun pullers, and many more.  
• Malinois are called one of the most efficient and trained dogs of all time.  
• Even many movies or web series these bred dogs were acted with the hero to save the world or fight with the enemies.  
• They love to get pampered by their owner but these are too dangerous for unknown people and strangers.  

Make A Move to Buy & Adopt Belgian Malinois 

If you’re prepared for a high-energy, steadfast, and clever companion, receiving a Belgian Malinois from a shelter or buying from a trustworthy breeder are the leading choices. Appropriation offers the chance to buy it from PawNPets for the best breed of which you are looking for. Furthermore, you can either move to various shelters and Breeder for the Belgian Malinois breed to buy or adopt.  

Adopting From The Shelter –  While adopting from the shelter Malinois breed is mostly found healthy and strong which costs up to  $2000 to $3,500. 

Moving to Breeder –  Breeder can also provide strong breeds of Malinois dogs at base price but make sure that before buying ask them for a registered certificate from AKC. 

Let’s Sum Up 

The dog that will never let you down is ready to protect your house door because no one can try to rob your house until you are with Malonis. This breed always does its job with full potential and loyalty, so bring it to your home and make yourself safe and happy by playing with it and matching its energetic skills to the fullest. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 

Other Popular Breeds in India

Popular Dog Price List in India 2025