Belgian Malinois Breed Description
Herding Group
The standard for the Belgian Malinois frequently uses the word “square” to describe the breed, as the dog’s body is about as long as it is tall. The elegant Malinois is a muscular dog but not heavy, solid but very agile, with a proud carriage. The topline is level with a slight slope at the withers. The chest is neither broad nor narrow, but is deep, reaching to the elbow. The hindquarters are muscular, without looking heavy.
Recognized Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, ANKC, APRI, ACR
Country of Origin: Belgian
Life Range: 12 to 14 years
Height Range: 22” to 26”
Weight Range: 55 to 65 lbs.
Colors: Fawn to red to mahogany, to black with black tips, mask, and ears
Trainability: This breed is very smart and obedient. They are serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. This breed needs extensive socialization form an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master. If you are harsh they will become uncooperative.
With Children: This breed does well with children if properly socialized.
Other Pets: Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and other pets, they should not present any problems.
Climate: This breed prefers cool climates, but adapts well to others.
Indoor / Outdoor: The Belgian Malinois will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. It can live outdoors but would much rather be with his people.
Exercise Required: This is a working dog that is accustomed to an active outdoor life. As such it needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash as much as possible in a safe area.
Grooming Required: The smooth, short-haired coat of the Malinois is easy to groom. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only if it is absolutely necessary, as bathing removes waterproofing of the coat.