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Breeds 101: Meet the Belgian Malinois

By Clare Browning

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Mali, a Belgian Malinois British Military Working Dog wearing the PDSA Dickin Medal and his handler Corporal Daniel Hatley pose for a photograph at Queen Mary's University on November 17, 2017 in London, England. Mali received the prestigious Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, after his role in military operations in Afghanistan in 2012. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Mali, a Belgian Malinois British Military Working Dog wearing the PDSA Dickin Medal and his handler Corporal Daniel Hatley pose for a photograph at Queen Mary's University on November 17, 2017 in London, England. Mali received the prestigious Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, after his role in military operations in Afghanistan in 2012. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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The Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah), is praised for confidence, athleticism, and intelligence and is today’s featured dog for the “Breeds 101” series. Mals have been working dogs from their start, beginning with herding to today often found alongside police and military personnel.

Hailing from the city of Malines in northwestern Belgium, the Belgian Malinois is closely related to a variety of different Belgian herding dogs. In many countries, the four different Belgian herding dogs are all grouped into one breed, the Belgian Sheepdog. In America, the Mal has been recognized as an individual breed since 1959. As can be guessed from their grouping into a sheep dog breed, the Mal was bred and raised for its herding ability. Early breeders wanted a dog with a strong work ethic and top performance with a versatile herding ability.

Like many dog breeds, especially their slightly smaller German Shepherd cousins, they suffered during the World Wars. Mals were hit during World War II when importation of the breed from Europe into the Americas halted. In the early 1960s, American breeders worked to regrow the numbers of Malinois that were in the states.

According to the breed standard from the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois is a “well balanced, square dog, elegant in appearance with an exceedingly proud carriage of the head and neck. The dog is strong, agile, well muscled, alert, and full of life. He stands squarely on all fours and viewed from the side, the topline, forelegs, and hind legs closely approximate a square. The whole conformation gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness.”

The Belgian Malinois is intelligent, athletic, and versatile; this allows them to be seen in a variety of working dog positions and in active homes.

The standard colors seen in Malinois are: fawn, fawn sable, mahogany, red, and red sable. The black mask is the standard marking seen on Mals. This coloration is accented by the dark ears.

Belgian Malinois stand 24-26 inches (male) or 22-24 inches (female) and weigh 60-80 pounds (male) or 40-60 pounds (female). The average lifespan for the Mal is 14-16 years.

Grooming wise, Belgian Malinois are easy keepers. Biyearly they will have big sheds, daily brushing during these can help remove the loose hair. During the rest of the year, occasional brushing will help keep the coat healthy and looking nice.

Mals are very high energy dogs that require activity to stimulate both mind and body. They are very connected to their owners and enjoy work that can be done alongside of them. The flip side is they are more reserved with strangers. A bored Mal will find a way to release energy but this can come in the form of destructive behavior; that is why it is key to be prepared ahead of time for the activity level that comes with these dogs.

Because of their strong will to please their owner, Belgian Malinois are fairly easy to train. They love to have a job and training helps give them one. This is why you will often see them as police K-9s, military working dogs, personal protection dogs and many other working positions. As herding dogs, they have a strong prey drive which can lead to chasing undesired objects if not correctly directed with training.

A great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner in addition to releasing energy can be competing in dog sports. The AKC notes that Belgian Malinois have been seen excelling in sports such as “agility, tracking, herding, obedience, and Schutzhund (protection) competitions.” Outside of the completion ring Mals can be seen as companions for hiking, running, and biking.

Popular for their multitude of uses, the Belgian Malinois ranks at 37 out of 195 on the most popular breeds list put out yearly by the American Kennel Club.

“[S]trong, agile and well-muscled animal, alert and full of life,” this quote from the American Belgian Malinois Club (ABMC) is a good descriptor of this hardy breed. The three main health issues screened for are: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, genetic eye problems. The ABMC recommends also discussing epilepsy, cancer (hemangiosarcoma) , thyroid and cardiac history, and temperament of dogs with the breeder. This can just help to give a better overall picture of health.

Next. Breeds 101: Meet the Cane Corso. dark

Honored and noted for many of their achievements as working dogs, Belgian Malinois have been appreciated by many forces. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, there is a memorial for military dogs that features a life-size bronze statue of a Belgian Malinois. And in 2011, Cairo a K-9 member of Seal Team Six, played a key role in the operation that ultimately took out Osama Bin Laden.

We hope you enjoyed learning about this magnificent breed.

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