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Military Belgian Malinois- Complete Breed Guide!
Military Belgian Malinois is a dog breed well-known for its abilities as a military dog, a police dog, a guard dog, and a loving family member.
They are robust, athletic, and intelligent companions who require a lot of activity and energy. Military Belgian Malinois is not for first-time dog owners or those living in small spaces such as apartments.
If you’re thinking about getting a Military Belgian Malinois and want to know if they make good family pets, keep reading. OR Do Belgian Malinois like to fight?
OR why is the Belgian Malinois used as a police dog? Or detail about the Belgian Malinois personality, temperament, history, care tips, and much more, then read this post all the way.
Military Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois (or ”Ma” for short) is a high-energy herding breed that loves to put its intelligence and intense focus to work.
The Belgian Malinois, also called the Mal, is one of four Belgian herding breeds. It is a medium-to-large dog with a solid and elegant body. It needs a lot of vigorous exercises and mental stimulation every day. Still, other than that, it doesn’t need much care.
It is a popular choice for police and military K-9 units due to its strong work ethic and intelligence. Mal’s calm, playful temperament and loyalty can make him a fantastic family companion, even if he is more commonly seen on the job than at the park.
Breed overview: Belgian Malinois
- Height – 22-24 inches
- Weight – 40-80 pounds
- Life span – 14-16 years
- Breed size – large (61-100 lbs.)
- Good with families
- gentle temperament
- Playful nature
- High intelligence
- Seasonal shedding
- High exercise needs
- Hyper energy levels
- Barks when necessary
- Low drooling
- Herding breed group
- Short coat length/texture
- Colors – brown / liver/ chocolate
- fawn
- sable patterns
- Easy to train
- Easy grooming
- Highly territorial
- High prey drive
- Cold weather tolerance
- Hot weather tolerance
- Strong loyalty tendencies
- Good hiking partner
Military Belgian Malinois Appearance
The Belgian Malinois is a large herding dog (pronounced MAL-in-wah). Mals are bred to work and have powerful muscles while maintaining an elegant look. They are tall, with shoulders up to 2 feet high, always on guard, with ears that stand up. They have kind, dark chocolate eyes and a tail that is just a little bit bushy.
The Mal’s thick, the short coat comes in shades of fawn to mahogany, and it’s normal to see a black mask and ears. People often mistake the Mal for a German shepherd at first glance. Although they look alike and are popular with police and military forces worldwide, these dogs are different breeds.
Belgian Malinois weigh in the range of 40–80 pounds, and male Mals are usually bigger than medium-sized female dogs.
There’s a reason why Belgian Malinois are so popular among working dogs. There isn’t much this dog can’t accomplish with his firm, robust body and confident demeanor.
The Mal is a dependable companion, whether working with Navy SEALS or keeping an eye on his family at home. Belgian Malinois is a very loyal and eager learner who enjoys positive reinforcement training.
Training your Mal, as with all dogs, is essential: He’s an intense dog who will do best at home with an experienced dog owner, despite being sweet, sensitive, and deeply devoted.
Mals are highly energetic with sharp minds and require daily physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their drive and high energy levels can become problematic if not rightly regulated.
Because of their sheer intensity and constant urge to work, Mals are often employed on a job than kept as a family pet. For decades, Mals made themselves an excellent choice as search and rescue, bomb and narcotics, and tracking dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is committed and alert, especially around people they love. Young age socialization with other people and animals, exposure to different sights and sounds, and positive reinforcement training are must for the dog.
Bred to herd, Mals may be too much for young children and other pets to handle. If you plan to buy a Mal into a family with existing kids or pets, a puppy will be a good choice, as Mals who are introduced at a young age tend to do better. It’s important to teach children how to interact with dogs and always supervise them when playing with any animal. If you are ready to put in the work, you’ll reap huge rewards, as Mals are the most loyal dogs you will find.
Military Belgian Malinois Lifestyle needs
Belgian Malinois were traditionally bred to herd sheep for long periods. Their stamina remains, although they are rarely used as herding dogs today. Mals require a lot of outdoor exercises and mental stimulation daily. Though they can adapt to various living situations, including apartments, a Mal will be happy at home with a large and close fenced yard to stretch his legs. Malinois enjoys being outside, but what they want is your constant company.
They form intimate bonds with owners and are happiest when they’re with their people. Their devout loyalty makes Belgian Malinois not suitable to be alone for long periods, and an alone Mal will indeed develop anxiety.
If not cared for or trained rightly, they can become sad and develop destructive behaviors.
As with all dogs, proper socializing and training your Belgian Malinois puppy is necessary to have a well-rounded pup with good manners.
Their sharp intellect and high energy levels make them an excellent pick for a committed owner looking to spend time with their dog. Belgian Malinois might be a good fit for you if you’re looking for a courageous friend to give you company on long adventures like biking, hiking, and running. If you’re looking for a beautiful dog to sit at home with you, adopting a Mal isn’t a good choice, according to the American Belgian Malinois Club. It’s essential to consider your lifestyle before committing to any dog. Before you take home a Belgian Malinois puppy, talk to a breeder or rescue group about what to expect. It will help you decide if this breed is a good fit.
Belgian Malinois Grooming
The Malinois’s short, waterproof coat is easy to take care of. Brushing the dog once in a while with a medium-bristled brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help him look his best, encourage new hair growth, and spread the oils from his skin over his coat. Malinois shed twice a year; during these periods, a daily once-over with a slicker brush will help to remove the loose hair. As with all dog breeds, a mal’s nails should be cut regularly. Nails that are too long can hurt the dog and make it hard for it to walk and run.
Belgian Malinois Health
The Belgian Malinois is generally considered a healthy breed. Like all breeds, Mals are prone to specific health problems. You can decrease the risk by purchasing the puppy from a reputable breeder and checking the health certificate.
Here are some common health issues that are present in the Belgian Malinois, such:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Anesthesia Sensitivity
The National Breed Club recommends these tests in Belgian Malinois breeding stock to ensure healthy puppies.
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
Belgian Malinois Training
Like most breeds of herding dogs, Malinois has a strong desire to hunt and is very interested in things that move. This can make a dog chase after people, cars, or other animals. Instead, it should be taught to do good things. Socialization and learning to follow the rules must begin early.
Belgian Malinois Nutrition
The Belgian Malinois should thrive on high-quality dog food, whether purchased or prepared at home, under the supervision and consent of your veterinarian. Any diet for a dog should be suitable for his or her age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs tend to gain too much weight, so watch how many calories your dog eats and how much it weighs.
Treats can be beneficial when training a dog, but giving too many of them can make it fat. Find out which foods your dog can eat and which he can’t. Talk to your vet if you are worried about how much your dog weighs or what it eats. Fresh and clean water should be given to drink.
Military Belgian Malinois Exercise
The Malinois, who is very clever, athletic, muscular, and highly dedicated, requires mental and physical engagement with his owner. It can’t be left alone in the backyard, and daily walks are insufficient. Plenty of exercise, preferably alongside his owner, is crucial for the breed’s pleasure. Denying a Malinois action and human contact is like depriving him of his whole reason for being. Malinois are excellent running, hiking, and bicycling partners, as well as competitors in agility, tracking, herding, obedience, and Schutzhund (protection).
Belgian Malinois – Interesting facts :
- The Military Belgian Malinois (pronounced “mal-in-w”) was developed in Malines, Belgium, and was named for its birthplace.
- The Military Belgian Malinois is one of the world’s fastest breeds, capable of speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
- In the Jan 1908 issue of the AKC Gazette, there was a small notice that the New York City police force had added five Belgian Sheepdogs. The breed was pretty new to the U.S., which was the first time the AKC had ever talked about them. The Belgian Malinois is now one of the most popular dog breeds that police departments choose.
- Out of four breeds of Belgian sheepdogs, Military Belgian Malinois was a breed that was developed in different sections of the country and was all raised for herding. The Mals’ resume has gone much beyond herding over the last century. They have proven to be highly adaptable.
- Mals are critical U.S. military assets. Most Navy SEAL dogs are Mals, including Cairo, who helped capture Osama bin Laden in 2011. Cairo gets body armor and night-vision goggles.
- During World War I, Belgian Malinois served as Red Cross messengers and assistants. This was the start of their military careers. Some stories say that they also pulled ambulance carts and carts with guns on them.
- Belgian Malinois are often used in the military instead of German Shepherd Dogs because Malinois are better at skydiving. Malinois are lighter than German Shepherds, which makes it easier for military parachutists to do tandem jumps with their dogs strapped to them. Mals can be taught to jump on their own.
- When Eva Mendes needed a restraining order against a stalker in 2011, she relied on her Belgian Malinois, Hugo, to keep her feeling protected and secure. Malinois are incredibly protective and make excellent guard dogs.
Final words:
The Military Belgian Malinois is one of the most devoted and diligent breeds available. They are frequently confused with German Shepherd Dogs, which are larger and heavier boned than Malinois. Malinois also has a distinct work ethic and excels at a wide range of jobs.
For a great experience in the future, learn more about the dog’s personality, temperament, and needs before adopting it.
FAQs
Does Military Belgian Malinois form good family pets?
If you have decided to adopt a Belgian Malinois for your family, there are a few things to consider. The Belgian Malinois is a breed that always needs an owner who can provide mental stimulation and physical exercise daily.
If you can meet your dog’s physical needs, the Belgian Malinois can be an excellent addition to our family. They can be a dependable, intelligent companion for you and your family. However, if they are neglected, the Belgian Malinois can become violent and destructive.
Is Belgian Malinois aggressive?
A Belgian Malinois can be shy or friendly, but they are never fearful, shy, or mean. People say that the Belgian Malinois is a good watchdog and can protect when needed.
If you trained Belgian Malinois when they were young, they might be easy to get along with. If you didn’t teach them how to get along with other people, they might be aggressive.
Why are Military Belgian Malinois used as police dogs?
Belgian Malinois is becoming a popular choice for police and military dogs. It is due to its immersion in work and its intense focus. Additionally, the Belgian Malinois is small and more active than German Shepherd Dogs, and it is known to have fewer health problems.
what is the difference between Belgian Malinois vs. German shepherd
Belgian Shepherd Malinois and German shepherd are confused with each other due to their similar appearance and fur coat. They differ in lifestyle, behavior, and physical characteristics.
Belgian Malinois is smaller and more aggressive compared to GSD. German shepherds are challenging to train, but Belgian Malinois are easy to train and handle.
Military Belgian Malinois Price
Due to the superior lineage, the Belgian Malinois is very expensive. The cost of the puppy ranges from $ 1000 to $ 2500. If you are looking for a trained adult dog, the price will increase significantly. The average price of a trained guard dog is around $ 20,000.
