Bringing a dog into your life is a choice that takes careful consideration. With so many breeds of varying size and temperament, the search to find your perfect companion can be overwhelming. If you’re an experienced dog owner with plenty of time to devote to a smart, hard-working breed, consider the Belgian Malinois.
The Belgian Malinois Temperament
A member of the Herding Group, Belgian Malinois are an intelligent, people-oriented, and highly work-driven breed. Mals are known to form strong bonds with their owners, and are happiest with plenty of mental and physical activity. They’re an extremely active breed, and require an owner that can keep up with their high energy.
Mals are fiercely loyal to their owners, but since they were bred as guardians, they can be quite protective. The breed is quite vocal. Not only will they will bark to alert their owners, but they tend to bark just for their voices to be heard.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
Belgian Malinois are sturdy, proud, and alert herders. They stand between 22 and 26 inches tall, and weigh 40 to 80 pounds. Mals are a muscular breed, but they have a more elegant build than their bulkier counterparts. A Mal’s hallmark trait is the proud carriage of the head. Their short, waterproof coats come in shades of rich fawn to a deep mahogany.
Grooming requirements are likely the most low maintenance aspect of this breed. Mals only require occasional brushing to keep their coats looking healthy, with heavier periods of shedding twice a year. During shedding seasons, daily brushing will limit the build up of hair around your home. Like with all breeds, regular nail trimming is a must.
How Much Training Do Belgian Malinois Need?
Mals are highly intelligent, making their capacity for learning new skills and commands quite high. However, their high prey drive and boundless energy levels don’t make them a good choice for first-time dog owners. Even if you’re an experienced dog owner who is comfortable teaching new commands, early socialization and puppy training courses are still a necessity for these herders.
Frequent, consistent training sessions rooted in positive reinforcement are the best fit for a Mal. The breed’s intelligence aids them in taking to new commands easily, but owners should ensure training sessions keep a Belgian Malinois’ mind and body engaged.
Keep Mals’ high prey drive in mind as you get accustomed to your new pet. They’re a breed that’s inclined to chase children, cars, or other animals. This behavior should be redirected early through at-home obedience training and puppy training courses.
Are Belgian Malinois Good for Families?
An active family prepared to commit to training a high energy, athletic dog would be the best fit for a Belgian Malinois. Mals require significant exercise on a daily basis—much more beyond just one daily walk or play session.
Mals are a very devoted breed, and are happiest when doing an activity with their owners. They make for excellent companions on runs, hikes, and other outdoor activities. Since this breed thrives off quality time with their loved ones, they should not be left alone for extended periods of time. Plenty of attention, exercise, and playtime will keep a Belgian Malinois on their best behavior. They are bred workers, after all.
Mals would fare best in families with older, responsible kids. Their prey drive tends to lead them to chase or try and herd young children. Due to the breed’s protective instincts, supervision around children is a must.
How Social Are Belgian Malinois?
Mals are big lovers with their families, but are weary of strangers and tend to get territorial towards other animals. Early, extensive socialization will help limit aggressive tendencies towards new people. A properly trained, well-adjusted Mal will be reserved, polite adults.