Belgian Malinois Breed Information Puppies and Breeders Australia

Intelligent, versatile and with plenty of energy, the Belgian Malinois is a large dog with an amazing array of talents. He excels at work and, as long as he’s properly trained and socialised, can also make a great family pet.

The Belgian Malinois is one of the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog and is named after the Belgian city of Malines. It is a very popular dog in its home country where it has been used over many years for various tasks including tracking, search and rescue, herding sheep and cattle, pulling sleds, and even narcotics and bomb detection.

The Belgian Malinois is somewhat similar in appearance to the German Shepherd dog, but he does definitely have his own traits. He is a proud dog who is muscular and very solid, but also agile. The Malinois had a deep chest and a long body (generally as long as its tail). He has small, dark brown, almond-shaped eyes, triangular pointed ears, a black nose and a tapered muzzle. The Malinois is a short-haired dog, and coat colour ranges from fawn to red to mahogany with black tips. It is occasionally found with white patches on the chest and feet.

Male dogs range in height from 61 cm to 66 cm and females from 55 cm to 61 cm. Males generally weight 27 to 34 kg and females, from 18 to 24 kg. Belgian Malinois tend to live from 10 to 12 years.

The short coat sheds twice a year so a little grooming is needed, though nothing excessive. The Malinois is a very active dog so will require regular exercise. If you have been looking for a jogging companion, you’ve just found your perfect mate! There are no particular ailments specific to this breed, but as with any pet, regular check-ups are advised, especially as they age, and worming and vaccinations should be kept up to date.

Belgian Malinois puppies can be a little nippy, and older dogs may occasionally be aggressive with other dogs. If they are properly trained from a young age (by an experienced owner or trainer) then this shouldn’t be a problem. Belgian Malinois dogs take to training easily, and once trained, do tend to be super obedient. The breed can also be taught more than a few nifty tricks.

Malinois are big softies at heart, and love to live inside with their family. They are definitely not a kennel dog. They are very affectionate, are devoted to their owners and have even been known to become possessive. They will be good with older children who will be more considerate and gentle with their pet. A house with a yard is preferable as a home, but they could also live in an apartment if they were given plenty of walks, or jogs. They are an average barker, so noise is rarely a problem. Above all, they need to be part of the family, and given lots of love, attention, and regular exercise.