The Belgian Malinois dog breed is a super athlete, excelling as working dogs used for herding, and in the military and police force. These highly intelligent pups make excellent guard dogs and are very dedicated and protective of their families. Belgian Malinois – or Mals – enjoy staying busy and are great running partners, and do well in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and search and rescue. Mals are high-energy, hardy dogs that enjoy staying busy and being with their humans. 

Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Rundown

• Height: 24 to 26 inches (males), 22 to 24 inches (females) 

• Weight: 60 to 80 lbs. (males), 40 to 60 lbs. (females) 

• Lifespan: 14 to 16 years

• Origin: Belgium

• Personality: The Belgian Malinois dog breed is a very intelligent working dog with endless energy. These athletic pups love to stay active and be close to their humans. Mals are smart, confident, loyal, protective, and eager to please. They are often used for police and military work and excel in many dog sports due to their active, trainable personalities.

Belgian Malinois Appearance

The Belgian Malinois dog breed is a strong, lean, medium-sized dog with an alert expression. Mals have small, triangular ears, medium brown eyes, and a solid, athletic look without being bulky. 

Malinois are agile and hardy and they have a short, dense double coat that offers protection against cold weather. Their fur is a tan color that can range from fawn to mahogany with some black-tipped fur with an overlay effect. Malinois have black fur-tinged masks on their faces and ears. They may have some small white patches on their toes and breastbone. The Belgian Malinois’ fur is longer along the tail, neck, and back of the thighs. 

The Belgian Malinois can be confused with the related breeds of the Belgian Sheepdog (which has longer, black fur) and Dutch Shepherd (which has a brindle coat) as they are all shepherding working dogs from the same part of the world. 

Belgian Malinois History

The Belgian Malinois dog breed was developed in the Malines region of Belgium in the 1800s. They were descendants of common sheep herding dogs used by farmers in Belgium for centuries. The Malinois and related Belgian shepherds were bred purely for working ability, including drive, intelligence, and trainability, for many years. 

The Malinois is one of four types of Belgian shepherds that were developed for herding sheep in Belgium, with each having a different fur type. Mals have short fur with a tan undercoat with some black overlay, while the Belgian Tervuren has long sable fur, the Belgian Sheepdog has long black fur, and the Belgian Laekenois has rough yellowish-brown fur.

Due to their high intelligence, strength, and working ability, Malinois have been used by military forces for decades, and Mals served in both World Wars. The Belgian Malinois began working for the military during World War I when they served as messengers and assistants to the Red Cross. These hard-working dogs have also been used for scent work, as assistance dogs, companion dogs, guide dogs, police dogs, guard dogs, and in search and rescue work. 

Two Malinois were imported into the U.S. and registered into the AKC stud book in 1911 as German Shepherds with the affix Belgian attached to their names; Belgian Blackie (AKC # 148516) and Belgian Mouche (AKC 148517). The Belgian Malinois was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959. 

Belgian Malinois Personality

The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent, quick thinker with an active mind. These working dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. Obedience training is a must, with consistent and firm – but not harsh – training. The Malinois is naturally protective and very in tune with their owner and does well in homes with active, hands-on owners. Mals learn quickly and often excel at obedience, agility, herding, scent work, protection training, and search and rescue. 

If you lead an active lifestyle and have time to dedicate to dog sports, the Malinois is a great choice. These athletic pups do not do well with being left alone for long periods and need plenty of interaction with their humans. Mals enjoy having jobs to do and staying busy and socialization is important to help them have smooth interactions with people and other dogs. 

Training Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a smart, active dog that needs socialization and training to live a happy, well-adjusted life. Mals learn quickly and are eager to please. These energetic, athletic dogs often do well in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. The Malinois needs an outlet for their high energy levels so some basic training is a requirement. Also, exposing your Mal to different people, places, and dogs in a positive way will help them adjust to different environments. 

Left to their own devices without enough mental and physical stimulation, Malinois can develop behavioral issues such as digging, chewing, and aggression. If you lead an active lifestyle and can provide regular activities and training for your pup, your Malinois will flourish. 

Famous Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a legendary working dog, with many famous members of the breed serving in military operations. Here are a few:

• Cairo is a Belgian Malinois member of U.S. Navy Seal Team Six and a key player in the capture of Osama bin Laden.

• Belgian Malinois dogs Britta, Lana, and Zuza starred in the 2022 movie “Dog” about a misfit military dog, Lulu, and Army Ranger Channing Tatum.

• Kuga is a Malinois who received an award after capturing a terrorist despite being shot in the war in Afghanistan.

• Kuno is a military malinois who saved British soldiers in Afghanistan, despite having been shot.

• K9 Killer is a decorated Malinois, who received a gold medal for helping to capture 115 poachers in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

Celebrities with Belgian Malinois Dogs

The Malinois has captured the hearts of famous people and celebrities, winning them over with loyalty and courage. Here are some famous Malinois owners:

• Actress Eva Mendes has a Belgian Malinois Hugo who kept her safe when she had to get a restraining order against a stalker in 2011. 

• U.S. President Herbert Hoover owned a Belgian malinois named King Tut.

• Actor and film producer Coco Martin has a Belgian Malinois named Soldier II. 

Belgian Malinois Health

The Belgian Malinois dog breed is generally healthy, which is one of the reasons they have become so widely used in police and military work. They tend to have fewer health problems than German Shepherds and a longer life expectancy. Some health problems that Mals may experience include: 

• Hip dysplasia, which causes restricted movement and pain in the hip

• Elbow dysplasia, which is more common in large dogs

• Progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease

• Cataracts

• Hemangiosarcoma, a form of cancer

Where to Get a Belgian Malinois

If you’ve fallen in love with the mighty Malinois, there are many Malinois groups and rescues where you can find the perfect match for you. Here are some resources to help you find your Belgian Malinois:

• American Belgian Malinois Rescue is a national rescue group that has adoptable Belgian Malinois around the U.S. 

• American Belgian Malinois Club is the official American Kennel Club parent club for the Belgian Malinois. The club offers health information and resources for Malinois owners as well as a directory of Malinois rescues and breeders. 

• Malinois Rescue League is an international rescue group dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming Malinois in need. 

• Petfinder is a great resource for finding adoptable rescue pups near you, and you can filter your search to see Belgian Malinois in your area. 

If you want a high-energy working dog, the Belgian Malinois dog breed may be a perfect choice. If you’re planning to adopt a Malinois into your home, check out our 10 Tips to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog to start your new pup off on the right paw.