The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized herding dog breed. They are confident, smart, and world-class workers. Their body is strong and elegant that gives them the look of alert herders.
Mals are people-oriented dogs, so they need your company and plenty of exercise. If you can’t meet these needs of the Belgian Malinois, this breed is not for.
In this Malinios Belgian dog Owner’s Guide, you will learn about its history, personality, temperament, health issues, and care tips.
History
Malinois Belgian dog is originally from Belgium. They are also known as Chien de Berger Belge and Belgian Sheepdog. Based on the color and type of coat, this breed was bred in four varieties, but it is still known as a single breed.
There are four varieties; the Laekenois rough-haired fawn, the Tervuren long-haired fawn, the long-haired black Groenendael, and the Malinois short-haired fawn. These four varieties are considered a separate breed by the American Kennel Club in the United States of America.
This breed was derived from the common type of Shepard dogs that you can find throughout Western Europe. These Shepard dogs are modern breeds that include the Dutch Shepard, Bouvier des Ardennes, and German Shepard.
Personality
This protective and confident breed works very well in any situation. They look reserved for people they don’t know, but they also show their love and affection to their family members. They have excellent watchdog skills. They use their strength to protect their property and their people. Aggression and shyness are not appropriate in the Belgian Malinois.
Like all other dogs, the Belgian Malinois also requires early socialization. If your Malinois is exposed to different sounds, people, and sights at a young age, then your little companion will definitely grow up to be a well-rounded dog.
To polish their social skills, you can enroll them in a puppy kindergarten class. Socialize your pet by taking him to crowded parks, shopping malls, and stores that allow dogs. Inviting visitors regularly and meeting your neighbors with your dog will help polish your Belgian Malinois’ social skills.
The temperament of the Belgian Malinois dog
Belgian Malinois dogs have the temperament of workers, highly trainable and vigilant. As they are highly intelligent, sensitive, and alert, they also proved to be the protective pet of family and property due to their strong protective instinct. Their temperament makes them well suited to serve in the security services.
Health Problems
This healthy breed is also prone to certain health conditions. It does not mean that they will get all of these diseases, but awareness about them will be fruitful:
Hip dysplasia: In hip dysplasia, the thigh bone does not fit perfectly into the hip joint. In this inherited condition, the dog shows lameness and pain in the hind legs or both. The University of Pennsylvania Hip Enhancement Program (PennHIP) or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommended performing the X-ray examination to detect hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop in them. This condition can also be caused by environmental factors such as injuries from falls or jumps or a high-calorie diet for rapid growth.
Progressive retinal atrophy: In this condition, the photoreceptors in the back of the eyes are lost. This results in blindness. This is a degenerative eye disorder, but dogs with this condition can live happy lives because they compensate for their blindness with their other senses.
Elbow dysplasia – In large breeds, this inherited condition is common. The cause of this condition is said to be the different growth rates of the bones that make up the dog’s elbow. This painful condition leads to lameness. Veterinarians recommend medications to reduce pain and suggest surgery for a complete cure.
Sensitivity to anesthesia: Mals are very sensitive to anesthesia. Due to its muscle-to-fat ratio, its death rate is higher when anesthesia is applied. Before any surgery or even tooth cleaning, make sure your vet is well aware of this sensitivity.
Care tips
If given adequate and regular exercise, they can do well in small houses, apartments, or rooms. They like a cool environment but can also adapt to hot weather. You have to include them as part of your family.
Due to their high energy level, they will not be satisfied with leisurely walking and require 20 minutes of exercise or play 3-4 times a day. If you hike and go for a run, your Belgian Malinois will be by your side because it was actually built for action.
Due to their highly trainable and sensitive nature, you must be calm, firm, and consistent with them. In their case, physical force and anger are counterproductive.
Are Belgian Malinois family pets good?
Absolutely yes! If they are chosen for the right family, they will prove to be fantastic family dogs. This breed is ideal for the active family looking for a dog that can join in with enthusiasm.
Is the Belgian Malinois aggressive?
If the Belgian Malinois is raised with children and is socialized at a young age, then they will be very tolerant, and you will never see them shy, fearful, or aggressive. Although they can be outgoing and aloof, they can begin to nip and chase people’s heels as they were bred to herd.
Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd (size, for protection, which is better? Is the Belgian Malinois more intelligent than German Shepherds?)
Compared to GSDs, the Belgian Malinois is the smaller breed. The Belgian Malinois exhibits more aggression than the German Shepherd. Both breeds are considered intelligent breeds. Both can fulfill the duty of protection. You have to know that the Belgian Malinois is much faster and more energetic than the GSD.
Is it difficult to train the Belgian Malinois?
By comparing them to other breeds, you will know that they are easy to train. If you want to achieve something from your Belgian Malinois, consider the intelligence level of your Malinois. The best thing is that they have an intrinsic motivation that makes them easy to train.
Are Belgian Malinois females better?
The researchers found that female dogs can be easily trained and can easily notice subtle differences. But researchers hesitate to draw a final conclusion regarding canine intelligence.
Can the Belgian Malinois be left alone?
You can leave your Belgian Shepherd Malinois alone for 2 hours, but no longer because it can lead to separation anxiety and will also make your dog aggressive.
Belgian Malinois price in Australia
The average price of a Belgian Malinois puppy is about 1000 AUD, but to have this breed, you should expect it to cost between 595 and 2000 AUD. The Belgian Malinois puppy will cost 4125 AUD in their first year, and after the first year, the monthly expense will be around 141 AUD (1695 AUD / year). You should consider the lifetime expense of your Belgian Malinois around 27,855 AUD.
Is a Belgian Malinois a dangerous dog? (Do the police use them?)
The Belgian Malinois is a very energetic and intelligent breed. Although they are proven to be excellent guard and police dogs, they can become aggressive towards other animals and children. Assault can carry any danger, so it must be handled with due care.
In history, they are also used as companion dogs, police dogs, assistance dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guard dogs. They have also been used in both world wars by military force for different roles and still serve in the police and military forces.
Conclusion
The Belgian Malinois is a wonderful herding dog but can also be kept at home with families. They need early socialization and proper training. You should also provide them with enough time and exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
