Belgian Malinois: Protector and Companion

You might have seen Channing Tatum’s new movie Dog, which features a Belgian Malinois named Lulu who accompanies her army soldier owner on a trip down the coast. These gorgeous dogs have become more popular over recent years.

Sometimes called Belgian Shepherds, they’re known for their intelligence and loyalty. One recently even saved a young girl from a hyena in South Africa.

Fans of the breed, both new and old, will learn below about where they came from, why these dogs aren’t necessarily suitable for every home, and why the military often prefers them over other dogs.

History of the breed

Where did the Belgian Malinois originate from? You probably won’t be surprised to hear they were originally bred in Belgium. More specifically, the breed came from the city of Maline, which they’re named after. That’s just across the border from their German Shepherd cousins. And although they look similar, these two herding dogs actually aren’t related.

However, the Malinois is related to three other dog breeds.

In the late 1800’s, a Veterinary Professor in Belgium recorded standards for the various types of Belgian sheepdogs. Because they were all similar in type (with coat colour and texture being the main difference), this Professor divided them into four varieties or breeds. Namely, Malinois, Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois. These four breeds make up the umbrella term ‘Belgian Shepherd’.

The Belgian Malinois arrived in the USA as early as the beginning of 1900, being used as military dogs. The American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1959 and the Australian National Kennel Council in 1994.

What they’re used for now

With the Belgian Malinois, breeders were intent on creating a dog who had a good work ethic, was driven to protect people, and who would herd successfully.

Nowadays, you’ll notice that the Belgian Malinois is a top choice of breed for police and military dogs. They’re also very popular as search and rescue dogs. In the USA, the Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds.

And it might sound totally insane, but one of the main reasons they’re chosen over German Shepherds for military operations is because…they’re better skydivers. Truly! They can even be trained to jump by themselves, which is safer than tandem jumps if they’re landing in water.

Physical traits of the Belgian Malinois

What does your average Belgian Malinois dog look like?

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Size: Medium to large
• Weight: 20-35kg
• Eyes: Brown
• Coat: Short, flat, straight double coat
• Colour: Fawn with black tips
• Distinctive features: Upright ears and a very obvious black muzzle and lower eye area that look like a mask

Though they somewhat resemble German Shepherds, Mals are typically lighter in build, smaller in size, and have a more refined head.

Belgian Malinois personality and training

Given the types of jobs they do, it goes without saying that Belgian Malinois dogs are super intelligent and highly trainable. Just like the Border Collie! They’re like BCs in another way too – they’re quite high-energy, naturally want to herd things. So, they’re not always suited to someone who’s just looking for an easygoing companion instead of a working dog.

They’re innately loyal dogs with strong guarding instincts, like the Rottweiler. Because they bond so closely to their family, they’re naturally protective of them. That’s why early socialisation and proper training are key to raising a happy and well-adjusted Mal. Without proper training and handling, they can become aggressive and overly protective.

Mals may be a little bit too boisterous for small children or other pets – they’re bred to herd and protect. If you do have kids or pets, it’s important to tackle kids and dogs dynamic by teaching them to interact properly, and making sure you supervise them properly for any signs of dog on dog aggression too.

And if you’re planning on adding a Belgian Malinois to a household which already has cats then read up on why dogs chase cats and how to help them chill.

Care and health considerations

A lot of purebred dogs are more prone to specific illnesses and conditions. Read more about this in our article ‘Do mixed breeds have fewer health issues?‘

Like many other Shepherds, Belgian Malinois are prone to hip dysplasia. You should also be aware of the signs of elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and cancer. The breed is prone to eye problems too, such as progressive retinal atrophy.

Of course, your dog might go their whole life without developing any of these conditions. But because the incidence of them is higher in this breed than average, it’s worthwhile doing your research so you can monitor them.

If you’re not into plucking, bathing, brushing, and overall grooming as a dog parent, the Belgian Malinois could be a good fit for you. They’re pretty low maintenance in terms of grooming, thanks to their short, waterproof coat. They’ll need a quick brush once a week or two. And you’ll only need to bath them if they get smelly or dirty.

They need plenty of exercise and stimulation (find out more about dog exercise requirements by breed). So, they aren’t typically suited to situations where they have to sleep outside, spend a lot of time alone, or they don’t have space to expend their excess energy. That said, they’re incredibly affectionate and make wonderful companions for experienced dog owners.

Pet insurance for your Malinois

Hopefully, your Belgian Malinois serves as a loyal companion and protector without ever needing surgery or hospitalisation. Or indeed, anything other than routine care. But if your dog gets a bit too energetic and hurts themselves or they become ill, dog insurance can offer financial protection.

Having a pet insurance plan allows you to plan for unforeseen vet bills and make sure your baby (purebred or not) gets the medical care they deserve. And if you get it out early, dog insurance can even cover pre-existing conditions.