Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois dog

Driven Belgian herder known for its athleticism, intelligence, and working ability.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 40 - 80 lbs 22 - 26 inches 14 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Belgium



Own a Belgian Malinois? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

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Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed tends to need plenty of regular physical activity.

The Belgian Malinois is one of several closely related Belgian shepherd varieties developed from the working sheepdogs found throughout Belgium during the late 19th century. In 1891, veterinarian Adolphe Reul and other enthusiasts began studying local shepherd dogs and working toward a standardized Belgian breed. The dogs shared similar working qualities but differed in coat length, texture, and colour. The short-coated fawn variety became associated with the city of Mechelen, called Malines in French, giving the Malinois its name. Belgian breeders emphasized intelligence, agility, trainability, and practical herding ability. As traditional shepherding declined, those same qualities made the Malinois useful in other demanding roles. The breed became increasingly prominent in police, military, detection, protection, and search work, as well as competitive dog sports. Different kennel organizations classify the Belgian varieties differently: some consider the Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois, and Groenendael varieties of one Belgian Shepherd breed, while others recognize them separately. The Malinois' modern reputation as an elite working dog is therefore not a reinvention of the breed but an extension of the responsiveness, stamina, and versatility originally demanded of Belgian farm and herding dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Belgian Malinois tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Belgian Malinois generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Belgian Malinois is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Belgian Malinois tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Belgian Malinois is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Belgian Malinois generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Belgian Malinois may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The Belgian Malinois is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Belgian Malinois may live in an apartment if its exercise, space, and enrichment needs are met.