Belgian Malinois - Top 10 Facts

Belgian Malinois dog breed were originally bred to be herding dogs. Today, they also work as police and military dogs, protection dogs, and loving family members.

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In this video, we are counting down the top 10 facts about the Belgian Malinois that you might not know.

A Quick Overview:
Group: Herding Dogs
Weight: 40 to 80 pounds
Height: 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

In the hands of an experienced dog person, they are intense, intelligent, and athletic companions. However, with their high energy and exercise needs, they may not fair as well in apartments or small living spaces. This breed is not likely to suit a first-time dog owner.

Originally developed in Malines, Belgium, Malinois have a great deal of stamina and truly enjoy working. They are intelligent and very active dogs that excel at many tasks. In addition to herding, they also do well with police work, search and rescue, and in performance events, such as agility.

People who are not familiar with the Malinois often confuse them with the German Shepherd Dog (GSD), but there are significant differences in the body structure and temperament of the two breeds. Malinois are smaller dogs with lighter bones. They stand with their weight well on their toes, which gives them a square body profile, while today's GSD has a long, sloping back and carries their weight flatter on their feet.

Malinois are fawn-colored, red, or brown, and the tips of their hair are black, while the GSD is usually tan with a black saddle. Additionally, the Malinois has a more refined, chiseled head that the GSD and smaller, more triangular ears.

Many think that the Malinois is more alert and quicker to respond than the GSD. They're also very sensitive dogs that don't respond well to harsh training methods. Some Malinois are friendly and assertive, but others are reserved and aloof with strangers. They should never have a fearful or aggressive temperament.

Malinois are quick learners and eager to do whatever their people ask of them. They excel are obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, herding, showing, Schutzhund and other protection sports, search and rescue, and police work. Trainers describe them as having a high "play drive," which means that they love to play, and about anything you ask them to do is play to them.

But the Malinois' owner should never forget that this is a breed developed to protect and herd. Poorly socialized dogs may be aggressive out of fear or shyness. Additionally, although well-socialized Malinois are good with children, especially if they are raised with them, they may have a tendency to nip at their heels and try to herd them when playing.

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👉 Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:42 1. Their History and Origin
1:18 2. Belgian Malinois is often misunderstood as German Shepherd
1:41 3. Their Appearance and Size
2:24 4. They are excellent search and rescue dogs
2:44 5. These dogs were bred for herding
3:05 6. Their Personality
3:44 7. They have great health
4:09 8. A Belgian Malinois caught Bin Laden
4:36 9. Belgian Malinois can skydive
4:58 10. Belgian Malinois work with navy seals
5:30 Outro

[kaarmour]

This was VERY helpful information. Two years ago I adopted a rescue dog from the pound that I thought was a German Shepherd, but turns out is a Malinois. She had been bred and literally dumped in a field. Her teats hung like flattened triangular flags that dropped across her belly. The vet said her puppies had been take from her way too soon, and this would affect her behavior. When I adopted her, what was left of her fur felt like skinny, sharp pine needles. She was completely emaciated and has since put on 40 pounds. You have helped me to understand so much about her various behaviors. She is loving, but very protective. Once someone is on the 'good' list, she'll relax. Otherwise, she puts herself between me and whatever she perceives as concerning. And then curls up with the kittens at the end of the day. I love this dog. It was just chance that I was the one who got to bring her home. Thank you!

[johnskulavik]

We have a Belgian Malinois named NASH. Very active and very athletic... his biggest bonus is he loves people. He loves his home and family. Very smart... you don't fool him twice. He's a large dog but a very clean dog. Never pooped or peed in our home even at 8 weeks old. I'd say that's amazing.

[tontomaggie]

I learned that my Bel Mal understood everything I explained to him. When I would explain something in great detail...about a situation ...it was incredible what he understood. I became very ill and I could not let him sleep in my bed any longer. I would tell him to get out and he would get right back in...and we would have this battle lol...So one day when I came home from the doctors I laid down on the floor face to face with him and explained to him about my illness and how I had to have my bed clean...and so on for nearly a 1/2 hour...he never got in the bed to sleep with me again. He did jump up to pounce on my chest when I stopped breathing one night. So what I learned from this experience is they do understand so much more then we will ever know. Take the time to calmly explain if your Bel Mal is not obeying.

[aceballer]

"A Belgian malinois caught Bin Laden"
All other dogs : You win. You are the best boy.

[cheekymonkey]

"excellent at search and rescue" . . . pretty good at search and destroy too.

[mv-photo]

I recently described Malinois to my boyfriend as “German Shepherds on cocaine” 🤣

[walterverbeeck]

I'm from Belgium, and we had a dog that was a mix between an Belgian Malinois and a Groenendael. I was 6 years of age, when dad came home, and told us there's is a black bird in the car and he couldn't catch it. So i, with my 2 sisters, went on for a bird hunt in te car and found the most adorable puppy in the world. He knew me as kid, as teenager and as an adult, He knew me and my 2 sisters, as puppy and the other sisters and brother from birth and he past away age 16. He also liked cats, who some of them got kittens and he always took care at them like if he was the father to lick them and putting them back in to the nest if they crawled around. Never ever he bit one of us 7 kids. For me he was more than my friend, he was my brother, and after all those years i still miss him dearly. Rather than burying him, i let the vet took him to the first pet crematorium (Pet crematorium was new at the time) in Belgium and cremated him so, he's is still with me @ home with his dog collar around the urn.

[remeedi]

My Belgian Malinois, when he was a pup, he was so, so tiny. They called him the "pet" of the litter, because he had the best temperament of all the pups even though both his parents are bite-work dogs. Then he grew up...he is larger than a German Sheperd and is pure bred Malinois. He still has the most amazing temperment and is so calm. He's got this beautiful gingerish fawn coat, and these deep auburn-brown eyes. I love my boy...

[adzgaming]

legend says sometimes when noone is looking they are calm.

[Colt-ThreeZigZags]

Got one named Gunner. 14 weeks old and teaching him to army crawl already. He’s highly protective and loyal

[patmcevilly-woods]

They are also incredibly loyal and can be very kind and gentle. The MOST intelligent dogs that I have ever known, my pair (brother and sister) are now 10 years old, full of energy and still love to learn new stuff - I feel so lucky and honoured to have shared this part of my life with these two very special creatures!

[Razormiller]

I literally just rescued one of these dogs and her four emaciated tiny puppies from the side of the road. She was very loyal to her pups but both she and them were suffering from severe malnutrition and covered in mange. She wasnt in any way aggressive. I think she knew we was helping her. Even in her uncared for state she was a very elegant looking dog. I cant believe anyone would let any dogs get into such a bad condition and then callously dump them on the side of the road at night with the puppies running out in front of oncoming cars. Had myself and some other drivers not stopped then theyd 100% all been dead by the morning.

[soraiabranco]

I lost my female malinois to mastocitoma 15 days ago. She was my 6th dog, but defenetly the most inteligent, bonded and loyal dog ever. Her extreme dedication, wit, higher inteligence, strong but loyal personality and love conquered my heart as few people were able to.

[xskihgf]

I have one named Kuji, she’s 1 years old, been to training sessions, and she works as a security dog at night, for us she’s very protective and needs loads of walk, but we have absolute no problems with her, perfect family dog for us

[wesadams]

I love mine. She is wicked fast and never runs out of energy I swear!

[Nicole-hhci]

I wish people would reconsider when they say Malinois can’t live in homes with children. This is absolutely untrue, they can be amazing family dogs if trained and socialized properly. Making generalizations like this does a HUGE disservice to this amazing breed.

[DEBBO]

If this was John wicks 1st dog there would be no part 2-3-4

[Alec_____]

some time ago I moved away from my father's home because he was abusive, but I miss my belgian malinois dog like crazy. He's such a smart, sweet, protective dog. Once in a while I remember him and I cry, for real. He's the only family member I miss from that household. These dogs are amazing.

[mariocesare]

Excellent overview of the breed. Especially the focus on them being working dogs rather than pets.

If kept as pets....and Malinois also make good pets, they will need a lot of daily vigorous excercise. This breed lives to work. They need a purpose and thrive on reward. The owner needs to commit fully.

Mine ( Saba) was trained as a trailing/ tracking dog. She was primarily used to track down rhino poachers.

Her first successful trail from scent clue to arrest of a poacher was accomplished when she was only 16 months old!
A post of this achievement was briefly posted on my FB page on Christmas day 2014. Needless to say, it elicited 1.3million views...That was the beginning of an effective measure to help save rhino.
....Yeah, I'm super proud of her. Particularly the ground breaking recognition her ability promoted. This is now evident from the extensive use of dogs in this field.

[josephroney]

Highly intelligent, long memories, great personalities, and escape artists.
I love mine.