Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) was first bred in, and named after, the city of Malines in the northwestern region of Belgium. Developed by farmers, the Malinois descended from local shepherd dogs to be a versatile all-rounder who could heard small flocks, guard the farm and even pull carts.

The Malinois is one of four closely related varieties of Belgian herding dogs named for the region of Brussels where it was developed, differing mainly with respect to their coats. In Belgium, Canada, and all European countries, the Malinois is classified together with the Tervuren, Laekenois, and Belgian Shepherd (aka Groenendael) as a single breed collectively known as the Belgian Sheepdog. In America, the Malinois has been registered as a separate breed since 1959.

Malinois have long been regarded as an exceptional livestock herder in their native Belgium. They are still prized as herders of all kinds of stock, but their versatility and high work-drive have opened careers in many other occupations and activities. They are highly sought after as police and military K-9s world-wide. Malinois were first imported into Australia in 1987, and they are being utilised by our armed forces and police, as is the practice overseas.

Athletic, and muscular, Malinois are a very high-energy breed that need a lot of exercise and stimulation. Highly intelligent and exceedingly devoted, the Malinois need to be actively engaged with its owner, both mentally and physically. Activity, and plenty of it, preferably side by side with their owners, is paramount to the breed’s happiness. Daily walks will not satisfy them but they make good companions for families that spend a lot of time jogging, hiking, running, biking, and exploring nature and the outdoors, and are willing to include their dog in all such activities.

They excel at agility, tracking, herding, obedience, search and rescue, and Schutzhund (protection) competitions and usually enjoy playing retrieving games. A fenced yard is necessary to provide a safe area for exercise and play, but this is not a dog who can be left in the backyard to “entertain” itself. When Belgian Malinois don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviours to keep themselves occupied.

Belgian Malinois are incredibly intelligent, fast and engaged learners who are easy to train, making training not only fun, but critical for their mental well-being. Like most herding breeds, they have a high prey drive and are strongly interested in moving objects, which can lead to chasing children, vehicles, or other animals and so should be directed into acceptable activities through training. Early socialisation and obedience training are essential, and it’s recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who is familiar with the breed.

The short, waterproof coat of the Malinois is quite easy to look after. Occasional brushing will keep them looking their best, and will promote new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat.

Malinois shed seasonally twice a year; this “blowout” of their undercoat typically lasts two to three weeks and helps better prepare their body for the coming season (winter or summer). During these periods, a daily once-over with a slicker brush will help to remove the loose hair.

Baths should be performed as needed but typically not more than once per month to avoid drying out their skin.