Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois
Herding
A German Shepherd sits attentively beside a handler in a show ring, with spectators and judges seated at a table in the background.

Meet the Belgian Malinois

The Malinois originated as a herder in the region near Malines, Belgium from whence the name is derived. The breed is legendary for its stamina and work ethic, allowing it to excel at whatever job it is given, whether herding, police and detection work, search and rescue, or competition in performance events. As the demand for national vigilance has increased, the Malinois has emerged as a standout in our homeland security efforts. Malinois are intelligent, extraordinarily active dogs. You should research carefully before you own one to ensure it is the right dog for you and your lifestyle.

Breed Group:

Herding

Breed Personality:

Smart, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly

Breed Specifics

Max Life Expectancy
(years): 16
Max Height
(inches): 26
Max Weight
(lbs): 80

Main Breed Characteristics

Good with Children (3/5)
Good with Other Dogs (3/5)
Shedding (3/5)
Grooming Needs (2/5)
Coat Length (1/5)
Good with Strangers (3/5)
Playfulness (3/5)
Protectiveness (4/5)
Trainability (5/5)
Energy Level (4/5)
Barking Level (3/5)

Breed Variations

USEFUL LINKS
RELEVANT INFORMATION

Official Breed Club

Visit the official breed club website to access trusted resources, connect with experts, and stay informed about breed standards.

All About Dog Shows

Discover how dog shows work, what judges look for, and how to get involved—whether you’re a spectator or an aspiring participant.

Check Out Our Video Gallery

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