Is a Belgian Malinois Right for You?
Belgian Malinois are known for excelling in various roles, including police and military work, search and rescue missions, and as service dogs. They have a strong work ethic, high intelligence, and exceptional trainability, making them ideal for tasks that require focus, agility, and loyalty.

The Earliest Development of the Belgian Malinois
can be traced back to the herding dogs of Flanders, Belgium in the 1800s. These ancestral dogs, known as the Flemish Herder, were believed to be a cross between an old-fashioned coarse-haired Pointer and a short-haired or wire-haired Fox Terrier. This combination resulted in a breed that possessed the intelligence, agility, and herding instincts necessary for working on farms and fields. Over time, these dogs became highly valued for their exceptional work ethic and versatility.
Further Breed Development Occurred in the
late 1890s with the specific goal of creating a breed that would excel as police guard and patrol dogs. During this time, many of the canines utilized for these purposes were Bloodhounds and Mastiffs. However, there was a growing need for a smaller, more agile breed that possessed both intelligence and stamina. As a result, careful breeding efforts were undertaken to produce the Belgian Malinois. This breed quickly gained recognition for its exceptional working abilities, including its keen intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and impressive endurance.
The Belgian Malinois (as we know them today)
are widely thought to be a mixture of German Shepherd and Belgian Sheepdog. The breed was standardized in 1910 and recognized by the Société Royale Saint-Hubert in 1912. It was later recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1913 with a breed standard originally written in French. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959.
The Belgian Malinois if One of the 4
varieties of the Belgian Shepherd dog. While in some countries all of them are considered one breed, since 1959, the AKC considers them as separate breeds. Each of them was named after the Belgian village of their origins:
1. Malinois
2. Groenendael
3. Tervuren
4. Laekenois

The Malinois is a Medium Sized Breed
weighing up to 80 pounds and reaching a height of up to 26 inches. According to breed standard, their coat color can range from deep fawn to mahogany with black hair tips. The mask and ears are black. Their toe tips may be white and they may have a small white spot on the breastbone.
Belgian Malinois Generally Make Good Family
as long as they receive ample exercise and mental stimulation, and are guided by an owner who understands the importance of assuming the alpha role. These dogs are natural watchdogs and tend to be suspicious of strangers, which makes them excellent protectors of their families. However, early socialization is crucial to ensure that they can distinguish between genuine threats and harmless situations. While Belgian Malinois can be wonderful companions, they may present challenges for novice dog owners due to their high energy levels and strong-willed nature, which can lead to behavior problems if not properly addressed.
In the Landmark Book
entitled “The Intelligence of Dogs” written by Professor Stanley Coren, the Belgian Malinois was ranked 22nd out of 130 dog breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially, this means they will learn and obey new commands after 5-15 repetitions. In contrast, the brightest dogs will lean the same command in fewer than 5 repetitions and the least intelligent will require 80-100 repetitions.
Growing Up Belgian Malinois
Get Your Video Here
In this Same Research
the Belgian Malinois also ranks very high (7th out of 124 breeds) in aggression towards strangers. This means the dog is likely to growl, bear teeth or, in extreme cases, snap or lunge at unfamiliar people entering their personal space or territory.
Humor

The Belgian Malinois is Considered an Easy Dog
to train. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make them willing students. They can be stubborn and willful at times, but with consistent training and reinforcement-they learn fast! Once the Malinois has learned something, he never forgets it.
Check Your Belgian Malinois Facts and Take a Fun Malinois Quiz!
Quick Facts About Belgian Malinois Infographic

Facts About Belgian Malinois-Final Thoughts
Belgian Malinois are an incredibly versatile and intelligent breed that excel in a variety of roles. From their impressive performance as rescue dogs and military operations to their reputation as excellent guard dogs and police dogs, these animals have proven themselves time and time again. Their physical activity requirements make them a good fit for active families, while their strong bonds with their owners make them loyal and loving family members. With proper training and positive reinforcement, Belgian Malinois can be obedient and well-behaved companions. However, they may be a hand-full for first time dog owners. It is important to remember that they have a natural instinct to protect, so caution should be exercised around children and small animals.