Quick Stats for the Belgian Malinois Dog
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 24 – 26 inches (61 – 66 cm) ; bitches: 22 – 24 inches (56 – 61 cm)
- Weight: 55 – 65 pounds (25 – 29 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- AKC Group: Herding Group – AKC recognized in 1959
- Shedding: constant shedder; light shedder; heavy shedder twice per year
- Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); moderately active indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)
Personality of the Belgian Malinois Dog
The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent and high-energy member of the Herding Group. They are loyal and playful with their family and are great around children. They can get along with other dogs and other pets if properly socialized.
They must be trained and have a strong leader as their owner. This is because they were bred to be a guard dog and can have a very dominant personality.
The Malinois is reserved around strangers, and always on alert, ready to protect and guard their family and their domain.
History of the Belgian Malinois Dog
As you may guess, this dog breed originated in Belgium. Their history goes as far back as the 1800s. The original Belgian sheep herding dogs were called the Chiens de Berger Belge. These dogs were used for various jobs, such as service dogs and guardians of livestock. They were bred to be mainly working dogs.
During this time, there were several other varieties of Belgian working dogs, which makes it difficult to say that any of the breeds we know today were a part of those breeds. However, it is believed that in 1891, a particular short-coated variety was developed in a region around Malines. These dogs became what we know today as the Belgian Malinois.
This dog breed is still very popular in its native Belgium, but not quite so popular in the United States. After World War II their numbers dwindled in America. However, since then, the Belgian Malinois has become one of the most prominent police service dogs in the world.
They share a common foundation with the Belgian Sheepdog and the Belgian Tervuren.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1959.
The Belgian Malinois Dog Care and Grooming
The Belgian Malinois can tolerate both cool and warm temperatures. Access to a fenced in area to allow them to play freely is recommended. They can live outdoors, but do prefer an indoor life with their family.
These dogs require plenty of exercise and are best suited for families and owners that life an active lifestyle. They are not dogs that you can just keep locked up inside. Belgian Malinois dogs need time to play outdoors. Play games that require a great deal of physical activity and mental stimulation to allow them to expend their energy. You can also provide them with sufficient exercise by allowing them to sprint, or taking them on a fast-paced jog.
These dogs will really enjoy any herding activities if given the chance.
As far as grooming is concerned, a light weekly brushing of their smooth, short-haired coat should be sufficient to remove any dead hairs. Brush them with a firm bristle dog grooming brush. Give them a bath only when necessary.
These dogs are considered light shedders, but they shed constantly. Twice per year they shed heavily.
Health Problems of the Belgian Malinois Dog
The average life expectancy of the Belgian Malinois is about ten to twelve years.
There are no major health concerns for this breed.
Minor health issues include:
- elbow dysplasia
- CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:
- cataracts
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- hemangiosarcoma
- pannus
Veterinarians recommend having the Belgian Malinois Dog tested specifically for hip, elbow, and eye problems.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
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[...] breed shares its history with the Belgian Malinois and the Belgian Tervuren. It is believed that all three dog shared a common ancestral breed in the [...]