The Malinois is a short-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd. In this profile, you’ll find information about the history, temperament, care, and maintenance of these active service dogs.

History of the Belgian Malinois

The roots of the breed lie in the “Noord-Brabant” region of Belgium. The dogs served as guard and herding dogs as early as the 18th century but were versatile in their applications. They were also popular as draft dogs in pairs. With the separation of the Netherlands from Belgium, the Belgian and Dutch Shepherds evolved into their own breeds. The short-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd first appeared near the city of Malines in 1899, earning it the name “Malinois.”

In 1901, the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd were officially recognized. The Belgian Shepherd also includes the rough-haired Laekenois, the long-haired Tervueren, and the solid black Groenendael. However, the Malinois has since become the most well-known Belgian Shepherd and the most popular service dog. It is classified in FCI Group 1 “Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs” in Section 1 “Sheepdogs.”

Temperament and Character

The robust working dog is extremely intelligent and capable. It’s no wonder that Malinois are excellent service dogs. They are driven guard dogs but never become aggressive without reason. The character of these proud dogs is solid, and they fear nothing. They are brimming with energy and always ready to work. Their strong drive should not be mistaken for nervousness.

A typical representative of the breed is lively and spirited yet friendly and sensitive towards people. They form strong bonds with their families and are considered loyal and affectionate. With early socialization, Malinois can get along with other pets.

Affection Level	Medium
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Appearance of the Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a harmoniously built and elegant shepherd dog. Although laypeople may confuse it with the German Shepherd, it is noticeably squarer and lighter in build. It holds its head proudly with large erect ears, giving the impression of being larger. The medium-length tail hangs down at rest. Its well-textured coat is short and close-fitting with a dense undercoat. The fur around the neck is plush, forming a collar. The color ranges from fawn to mahogany, with the standard requiring a black mask and black shading.

Training the Puppy

Since the Belgian Shepherd only mentally matures at three years old, you should start training slowly. Be consistent but not too strict with the sensitive puppy. Only with a gentle and positive approach to training will both dog and human be happy together. It’s important to teach the active dog from the beginning that there are also times for rest.

Over-exercising will result in an overly nervous bundle of energy that is difficult to control. Successful socialization also requires contact with other dogs. Therefore, attend a puppy school or dog meet-up with your Malinois, where it can interact with other dogs.

Activities with the Belgian Malinois

The active shepherd dog requires meaningful and engaging activities. Therefore, it is ideally suited as a search and rescue or service dog. Police and military especially appreciate the obedient and hardworking nature of these dogs. For those who do not wish to train them for service, the shepherd dog can also be utilized in dog sports competitions.

Particularly in disciplines such as cross-country or obstacle courses, these dogs thrive. Additionally, they make excellent companions for activities such as jogging, hiking, or cycling. Many representatives of the breed also enjoy swimming. Therefore, visiting a dog-friendly lake in the summer is a great idea.

Health and Care

The short-haired Malinois has a very low-maintenance and robust coat. Therefore, brushing them once a week is sufficient to keep it shiny and healthy. During shedding season, you should brush them more often for the sake of the dog. Thanks to their solid health, cold and rain pose no threat to these shepherd dogs. Responsible breeders also strive to avoid hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia. With good care and healthy dog food, these dogs often live to be over 14 years old.

Is the Belgian Malinois right for me?

The Mali is a hardworking dog that is not suitable for everyone. These active dogs crave demanding activities and quickly become bored. Ideal for them are active people who live in a rural environment. You should have no problem going outside every day and in all weather conditions. It would also be great to have athletic ambitions that involve your dog.

In summary, you should be prepared to adjust your life to accommodate the dog and provide them with the best possible stimulation. Keeping them in a kennel is absolutely not recommended.

If you decide on a Malinois, it’s important to find a reputable breeder. Some dogs from working lines tend to be nervous and fearful. Therefore, pay attention to the behavior of the parents and inquire directly with the breeder. A reputable breeder is affiliated with a AKC registered club. You won’t find a purebred and healthy puppy for less than $1000 there.

Unfortunately, many overwhelmed owners surrender their Malinois to shelters. Therefore, there are often loving adult purebred dogs or mixes looking for a new home. So, if you’re interested and have enough experience with dogs, look around here.

Interesting and Informative

The Malinois remains a popular service dog in the military and police to this day. During World War I, they served primarily as messenger dogs and assisted the Red Cross. They are also said to have pulled medical transports. Today, there is hardly a military unit that does not count a few representatives of the breed among their team.

One particularly heroic representative of the breed is the dog Cairo. He assisted the US military in locating Osama bin Laden. As a Navy SEAL dog, he received his own armor and a special night vision device for this.

Less famous for his deeds is the social media dog Riley from San Diego, who delights nearly 15,000 followers on his Instagram profile @rileythemal. You can follow the dog on his daily walks, outings, and vacations.

Do you have a Malinois or are you thinking of getting one? Tell us in the comments what you think makes them so special!