Catch the heroic Belgian Malinois rappelling from helicopters, herding sheep, winning agility competitions, and much more! In this Dog Breed Corner, we’re talking about this dog’s personality, energy levels, and trainability. Does your Maly need a pal-y! Mad Paws will connect you with the top Pet Sitters in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, and all ’round the country.
Quick Facts ✔
Height – 55 – 65cm
Weight – 25 – 35kg
Lifespan – 12 – 14 years
Other names – Belgian Shepherd
Country of origin – Belgium
Breed type – Herding Group
- Experienced Dog Owners
- Professional settings
- Owners looking for a highly trainable dog
Belgian Malinois Breed History ♜
If you walk up to a Belgian Malinois Owner to tell them that you adore German Shepherds, you might get a bit of an eye roll. In reality, while these dogs may look similar to the ever popular German Shepherd, the two breeds are not closely related. In fact, the Belgian Malinois has a unique personality, look, and history.
Mals were originally bred in Belgium as part of a small group of specialised working dogs, broadly called Belgian Shepherds. The four varieties included the Tervuren, Groenendael, a curly-coated Laekenois, and our present star: the Malinois. While the four groups varied by region in terms of coat type and stature, all were highly valued for their work ethic as sheep and cattle herders and fearless guard dogs. It wasn’t until around the last decade of the 19th century that dog fanciers established them as four separate breeds.
Unfortunately, just as the Belgian Shepherds were starting to gain traction in kennel clubs around Europe and the U.S., the first World War broke out. As occurred with many European breeds, the events of the War threatened to wipe out the Belgian Shepherds entirely. Some Malinois dogs were used to send messages and patrol boundaries in the war, but the overall population dwindled. Fortunately, dog fanciers had some success in bringing the breed back through the 1920s and 30s. However, World War II once again left the Belgian Malinois in a bad state.
Perhaps thanks to their amazing work ethic and athleticism, the Mal did make a full recovery. But instead of life on family farms, these dogs would take on some of the most challenging canine careers imaginable. Search & rescue, law enforcement, military, and personal protection have been the Belgian Malinois primary roles from the later half of the 20th century onwards. Today, you’re more likely to see these puppers in a working capacity than on a comfy couch. With that said, they do make fantastic family pets in the right setting.
Personality Traits ★
These dogs have all the traits of a true canine hero. They’re brave, focused, and incredibly smart. Before you set your heart on Owning a Mal, though, there are some things about their personality you should know.
For one thing, these naturally protective dogs are intense about their guarding duties. They are always on high alert and never seem to relax completely. If you’re not prepared for their persistent patrolling, you might find yourself a bit anxious around these high-strung pups. They shouldn’t be aggressive towards houseguests, but their guarding instincts can make them cold or aloof towards newcomers or anyone outside of their immediate family.
When it comes to other animals, the Belgian Malinois has the potential to enjoy furry friends. But, that’s only if they’ve had proper socialisation, ideally as puppies. That’s not to say that a grouchy older Mal can’t learn to get along with other dogs and even smaller animals. However, it may take quite a bit of work.
Finally, we don’t want to brush over the fact that, in Mal Owner circles, these puppers have earned the nickname “Maligator.” This is a nod, in part, to their alligator-like ability to bite and hold. But it’s also a reference to their quick reactivity. When triggered, Mals tend to jump into action much faster than other guard dogs. Even for Owners who are accustomed to the behaviours of German Shepherds and Rottweilers, this level of intensity can be a challenge.
Now, how about the Belgian Malinois’ amazing qualities? For one thing, you won’t find a more loyal pup. These dogs build rock solid relationships with their Owners and family members. And, no matter where you go, this dog wants to have their eyes on you to make sure you’re okay. If you’re looking for a dog who will always make you feel safe, the Mal is right for you.
These puppers are renowned for their high intelligence, which makes them excellent companions. If you’ve established a strong bond with your Belgian Malinois, it will feel like you have a furry mind-reader at your side. This kind of two-steps ahead thinking means that you don’t typically have to tell this dog anything more than once.
And, don’t forget, that for all this dog’s work ethic and intelligence, deep down, they’re a doggo! Belgian Malinois dogs have a silly, playful, cuddly side that is endearing and heart-warming. Give this dog the exercise, training, and environment they need, and you’ll be able to enjoy a smart, loving, devoted furry friend.
Belgian Malinois Trainability & Training Tips
Books can, and have, been written about training the Belgian Malinois. Because, as you’ve probably already gathered, training for a powerful pup like this is unique.
Unless you’re an experienced dog Trainer yourself, the best way to go about training this dog is to get professional obedience lessons. While Mals are one of the most trainable dogs in the world, they do need the right training structure to learn. And, a professional familiar with the breed can help put together a training program for your dog.
Here are a few more tips to train the Belgian Malinos:
- Start early. As we’ve mentioned, Mals have some inherent tendencies, such as aggression and territorial behaviour, that will be much easier to manage with early training. But, no matter what age your Mal is when you bring them home, training should start from day one. After all, these dogs love training and they need the productive outlet.
- Build the relationship. Establishing a trusting, respectful relationship with a Belgian Malinois will determine how responsive they are to training. Luckily, these dogs are naturally people-oriented and won’t take much convincing that you are the centre of their world. From the beginning, make sure to spend quality time with them and provide them with plenty of praise when they’re doing the right thing.
- Find their drive. For many puppers, dog treats are the one thing that will keep them engaged in the training process. With a highly motivated dog like a Mal, you might find that they’re more driven by play or praise and affection. Finding the one thing that motivates your dog will be key in positive reinforcement training, which tends to be highly effective with dogs like the Belgian Malinois.
- Choose a redirection that works. In general, Mals are responsive to rewards and will do anything to gain the approval of their favourite human. But, with a powerful, high energy dog like this one, redirection is sometimes necessary for their safety and the safety of those around them. The key here is never to punish a Belgian Malinois harshly or physically, which may worsen their nervousness or aggression. Instead, find a redirection method, such as a specific command, whistle, or quick tug of the leash, that will help you regain control and focus.
- Work specifically on biting behaviour. All puppies go through a biting phase. With the Belgian Malinois, though, this time period is slightly more intense. As persistent as those little chompers are, it’s important to establish a no-tolerance rule when it comes to biting. Short time-outs when they start nibbling may be effective in phasing out their biting habit.
- Set firm boundaries. Consistency and clear boundaries are essential for training a smart dog like the Belgian Malinois. These doggos are strict rule-followers and will benefit from a predictable structure without exceptions or gray areas. If you don’t want your Mal to sleep in your bed, for instance, that means no cuddle time in your bed, even if it’s cold and your doggo looks cute.
- Make it fun. Remember that this dog loves training, and if you can match their enthusiasm, you’ll both have a blast! Learn fun, creative tricks, test out your dog’s ability to train in new places, and keep a good attitude no matter what.
Exercise Needs & Living Conditions ⌂
You already know what we’re going to say here, right? These dogs need a lot of exercise. In this area, they’re more Border Collie than German Shepherd, requiring up to 90 minutes – 2 hours of daily exercise to be happy.
How are you supposed to exercise a dog this energetic? Here are a few ideas:
- Get them in the water. Swimming is excellent exercise for powerful dogs like the Belgian Malinois. As adventurous as they are, they typically take well to water, especially if they’re chasing after a toy. Dock diving is a great option for this dog. In fact, their willingness to jump from high places into the water makes them a favourite for the U.S. Navy SEALS, who have trained them to jump out of helicopters into the sea!
- Run them. Mals make wonderful running partners and can easily keep up with a bike ride or rollerblading session. This kind of focused exercise is ideal for such a hard-working dog.
- Try agility training. Watch out, Border Collies, because Belgian Malinois might just take the crown for top competitor, here. Fast, agile, and highly motivated, agility courses are a brilliant way to exercise a Mal.
- If properly socialised, take them to the dog park. If your Mal is friendly with other dogs, a trip to the dog park is great exercise. Don’t forget to bring a ball or their favourite toy! Even with around other dogs, they’d probably rather play fetch with their favourite human.
- Don’t knock a daily walk. No matter how much daily exercise your Belgian Malinois gets, walking is an important activity for your dog. The low impact movement is excellent for recovery, and getting some fresh air will awaken their senses and provide mental stimulation. Scheduling in both high energy activities and daily walks can be tough, so be sure to find a Dog Walker to help!
Proper nutrition is key for a dog with this much daily activity. Make sure that they get a high quality, nutritious diet for dogs that will provide them with the fuel they need.
In terms of living conditions, you can assume that a small apartment probably won’t cut it. They would prefer a larger home with a fenced backyard that doesn’t get so much traffic that their guarding instincts will be overwhelmed. Certainly, a busy apartment complex will be a challenge for a high-strung pup like this.
While their grooming requirements are quite low, you can expect a moderate amount of shedding in your home with this dog.
Belgian Malinois Health +
When it comes to genetic health concerns, the Belgian Malinois is in pretty good shape! They aren’t at high risk for many genetic predispositions, although Owners should be aware of:
- Bloat. Energetic dogs with barrel chests are prone to bloat. You can help to lower the risk by feeding smaller meals throughout the day, and avoiding exercise immediately after they’ve eaten.
- Obesity. These dogs were built to work long hours, which isn’t always possible when they’re living the family pet life. Keep them active and on a healthy diet plan so that they don’t gain unhealthy weight.
- Hip Dysplasia. If possible, make sure that your Mal comes from a breeding pair that has been screened for hip dysplasia.
This dog is quite nimble on their feet, but accidents do happen. Feel better about your dog’s adventurous spirit by signing up for a reliable pet insurance plan.
Fun Fact ♥
Around the world, the Belgian Malinois is quickly becoming the dog breed of choice for law enforcement and militaries. However, you might be surprised to find out just how fierce the competition is.
For the U.S. Special Forces, for instance, only about 1% of dogs who go through the training process make it to the field. By the end of their doggy bootcamps, they’re able to sniff out explosives with 80% accuracy, jump out of helicopters, and act as security guards on military bases and government buildings.
Wondering what happens to the doggos who don’t make the cut? Many are still eligible for other types of professional settings. If not, they’ll happily transition into a proper family setting.
Final Thoughts on the Belgian Malinois
The truth is, if you ask Mal Owners for advice on how to adopt a Belgian Malinois, they might tell you plainly: “Don’t.” That’s not because these dogs are bad, aggressive, or impossible to handle. Rather, it’s that Owners of this breed recognise the commitment and dedication needed to give this dog a safe, healthy, and happy home.
Simply put, this isn’t the right dog for everyone. As such, potential Owners should be ready to provide more training, exercise, attention, and socialisation than most dogs need.
Why, then, would anyone want to be a Mal Owner? Because these dogs are downright amazing. Loyal, smart, adventurous, and protective, they are true canine companions. If you’re able to give this pup the right environment, a Belgian Malinois will change your life for the better.
