Belgian Malinois Everything You Need to Know

All About the Belgian Malinois. This video covers Everything You Need to Know about the Belgian Malinois.

The Belgian Malinois is quickly becoming one of the most popular dogs. They've been featured in movies and news, the Malinois is considered the superman of dogs.

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I’m not gonna tell you NOT to get one, but forewarn you of the dog that the Belgian Malinois is.

Although often mistaken for a German Shepherd, Malinois are a very different breed. Pronounced MALIN WAH, not mali-NOISE they are one of the 4 varieties of Belgian Sheep dogs: Groenendael, Tervuren, Lakenois, and the Malinois.

They are classified as Herding Dogs in the AKC.

IN the US these 4 dogs are considered 4 different breeds, but they are generally considered one breed, the Belgian sheep dog / with 4 different varieties.

Malinois were developed in the late 1800 around Malines Belgium and are named after that city. Their popularity quickly spread as not only agile herders, but great obedience and later great protection dogs.

The difference between Malinois & German Shepherds:

They're lighter boned, smaller in stature, have a square body as opposed to a rectangular /angulated body of a German shepherd. They range in color from fawn to dark mahogany with the trademarked black mask.

They are higher in drive, can even be high strung, they more eager to learn and may tend to aggression if not properly trained and socialized. They are happy to train and play and require a handler who can entertain them and not wear out.

Malinois are great dogs for savvy dog handlers – NOT SO MUCH for the novice.

If you want a Malinois you should be ready to train and exercise your dog regularly and that means EVERY DAY! That training must encompass both Physical and mental exercise!

They are generally not recommended for the first-time dog owner, apartment living or in homes with many other dogs or cats. They have a very high prey drive which can often times get them into trouble with small animals and small children.

Malinois are a square bodied breed with Males measuring between 24-26” tall and weighing 60-80 lbs

Malinois are short haired with a coat that is very hardy with a dense undercoat. The fur should be very short on the head, ears and lower legs, but somewhat longer around the neck where it forms a collarette as well as on the tail and backs of the thighs.

There is a difference between show line Malinois and working line mals, but not as grand as the difference with other breeds such as the German Shepherd. In fact, show line Malinois can do quite well in a working environment. Show line Mals may be better suited for less active homes, but make no mistake about it, they still need a job to do.

Working line Malinois are most often the ones you see in police work, military work and even dog sports such as IPO and ring sports. They may also do sports such as obedience, agility, dock diving and more, but many of these sports are also very well suited for show line dogs.

The ideal is a Malinois that is bred for both, like Goofy – a beautiful physical specimen that has a solid temperament. These dogs can do well at bite work and conformation and be great dogs to live with- without the crazy intensity of a working line high drive military dog.

Malinois are intensely loyal and form strong bonds with their families.

Malinois do best with good healthy food, good training and regular exercise as well as mental stimulation. They don’t do well kenneled or left alone for extended periods of time. They want to be with their people and they want to be doing something!

Training a Malinois takes patience and precision. They will learn whatever you teach them. The use of rewards is extremely beneficial for Mals and they LOVE tennis balls. In fact, tennis ball obsession is a joke among Malinois owners.

If you want a Belgian Malinois, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Do your research, take your time and strongly consider what you are getting yourself into. Malinois are a lot of work… and a lot of fun!

#malinois #belgianmalinois #malinoisfacts

[RobertCabralDogs]

Check out my online dog training lessons to learn how to best train your Belgian Malinois

[maldad]

Got my first Mal almost 30 years ago, didn't realize exactly what I was getting into. Lifetime dog owner, and no dog is more capable of having a powerful impact on your life than a Mal, biggest joy ever.

[DunnDidit]

I recently got an 8 month old Malinois at our local shelter. The dog was turned over because trainers convinced the owners that they could not give this dog what she needed. The local trainers noticed the dog was becoming too pent up, anxious and prone to nip. They told the owners if you do not give this dog up she may develop psychological issues and turn on you. I found her at the shelter and for my lifestyle we are perfect together. We spend hours a day exercising and training. 3 months later this is a different dog. No nipping, no aggression, but I spend all day with her and many hours of that exercising and training. I just found your channel and will be all in on learning all I can. Thank you so much.

[jenniferw]

My first Malinois was a puppy we found in a shelter. We had no idea she was a Malinois, but a breeder/trainer saw her with my dad and told him. Now's it obvious. My second Malinois has a great sense of humor. She's a beast, too. Such a sweetheart and great with kids. She's 13 & 1/2. She doesn't like tennis balls, just bones and remote controls. The only thing she has killed has been coffee in the cup holder and groceries in the back of my suburban... Oh and the remote controls.

[eyva]

Thank you....
My sister in law passed away last November and no one wanted take care of her 2 year old female Belgian Malinois. Since I am the only one available to take in a new dog, I decided to adopt Millie.
Its crazy because we never met and on the first day she was already very sweet to me. Only to me... I got her first week of May so I am still learning how to take care of her. One thing I did notice that she does love tennis balls and lots of cuddles..

[bzyblack]

There should be a ‘breed driving licence’ for people to check out and not just get a dog based on looks or badassness! Thanks for being there for us dog owners.

[atxbarbie]

I did my homework before getting my Mali and he’s the best dog I’ve ever owned. But I was prepared.

[alicia]

I can attest to having to keep my dog entertained. She is incredible. Her vocabulary is off the charts.

[stevebuck]

I got my Mal when he was already over a year old and owned by a family that did not know how to train a "high end breed". It took a lot of work that I was really not prepared for because I spent most of my life raising Rott's, Shepards and wolf hybrids. These dogs are on a whole new level. They are almost like raising a child just in the way they think. If you want one of these dogs be prepared for having a companion that needs you in his/her life daily and will look to you for training and love.

[johniac]

I am a GSD guy, but boy do I ever love a nice clear headed Mali!

[nightynine]

2:53that is so true not alot of people take that advice seriously..but it is so true and then they pay the price and dog ends up in a shelter. Cause puppies are cute but then they grow up.

[deerod]

My boy is 2 and he’s the best dog loving dog ever ! Beautiful personality, protective and emotional in the right way 💕

[NickolayEl]

I've had a few dogs before, even a lab/sth else cross who was extremely intelligent but as a kid I wasn't able to give him the training he deserved. I got my mali last year as the first dog I was actually committed to train. I live in a mountain area town so we have a lot of outdoor options for active dogs. He's almost 1, 5 years old now and he changed my life completely. I never missed a morning 5-6 kilometres since he turned about 8 months and a long backyard play in the afternoon. Everywhere I go he comes with me and he's very well behaved even in outdoor restaurants or forest barbecue with food present just beside him. He loves coming up the mountain and wild camping with me. There hardly seems to be a limit on his mileage. I was amazed at how fast does this breed learn. A lot of his training was done following the advises and exercises of Robert's channel. Thank you for your guidance, keep on helping us live happily with our dogs!

[baldingsan]

Amazing bread. I have a 4 year old female and she’s the best dog I’ve ever had. They’re for the dog enthusiast though, someone who likes to work and train them, not for a casual owner who takes his dog three times a day for a 10 minute walk and then forgets about its existence. The ball obsession is truth. Mine is extremely calm at home, but when I take out the ball, damn, that’s something.

[tomlyon]

I'm glad you made one of these, most are click bait and the facts aren't even facts

[KnigelD]

My new malinois is now my new full-time job...
she can use up to 40 hours a week of my time...
But worth it....
Thanks Robert 👍

[jenjen.rutherford]

I like how upfront you are about what is required to have one of these lovely dogs.

[natillieelder]

We rescued a lab mix brother/sister at 3mo, never been separated... a friend showed us this breed at 5 mo and come to find out they look and act more like malinois mix. They're projected to be 100lbs. It explains why the PetSmart classes weren't working. We are first time dog owners and it's pretty overwhelming. Nothing we've tried works, they are the smartest and most stubborn dogs I've ever met. Dont get me wrong we got them for life, not to give up. A friend recommended your channel and we are SO relieved. Its been hard to find anything on how to train them. I can't wait to try all of your techniques and suggestions and to understand my pups better!

[KidSaturdays]

As a Mali owner I thoroughly endorse this video, great information as usual Robert, unlike the hysteria some trainers kick up when they're summing up this breed! Top work my friend.

[richardwaid]

Mine turned 3 in March and finally showed some signs of calming down. Even with the backdrop of living on a farm he’s been a challenge to keep busy enough. I’ve always had Rottweilers or German Sheppards ( 50 yrs of having a dog or dogs ) and this. Is my first Malinois (Zeke). Our dogs have always accompanied us horse back riding, hunting and pretty Much everywhere we go that’s suitable for them. I have to say, for pure intelligence, athleticism, ease of training and most amazing his level of intuition, there is no comparison between Zeke and any other dog I’ve owned. He’s also the most loving dog I’ve ever had. His dedication to protection of family members was automatic especially for my wife and two young grandchildren. He is extra large 92lbs probably due to all the venison he’s had since he was 10weeks + suitable people food and kibbles for filler. What a comfort it is to know when my wife’s alone with the grandchildren you better not enter uninvited threaten them or you’re in for a very bad day!