Belgian Malinois
Malinois
Belgian Malinois: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Belgian Malinois: a good fit for you
Belgian Malinois: could work, with compromises
Belgian Malinois: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Belgian Malinois is the short-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd, originally a sheepdog and today a working dog for guarding, defence and tracking, an all-purpose service dog and a family dog.[1] It takes its name from the city of Malines, around which it was bred, and is now highly sought after as a police and military dog.[2] Its standard asks for a watchful, active dog bursting with energy, lively and alert, confident, calm and fearless.[1]
- Size
- Medium–large
- Weight
- 20–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
Belgian Malinois: origin and history
The Malinois shares the history of the Belgian Shepherd: at the end of the 1800s Belgium had a great many herding dogs of varied type, with very different coats.[1] To bring order to this, dog fanciers sought guidance from Professor A. Reul of the Cureghem Veterinary Medical School, regarded as the real founder of the breed.[1] The breed was officially born between 1891 and 1897: the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was founded in Brussels on 29 September 1891, and a first detailed standard followed by 3 April 1892.[1]
The first Belgian Shepherds were entered in the Royal Saint-Hubert Society studbook (LOSH) only in 1901, and by 1910 the type and temperament were established.[1] Coat became the criterion for distinguishing the four varieties: Groenendael, Tervueren, Malinois and Laekenois.[1] The Belgian Shepherd is classified in FCI Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, except Swiss Cattledogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs), with working trial.[1]
Fact sheet
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needsvery high
- Trainabilityvery high
- Grooming needsvery low
- Sheddingmoderate
- Barkingmoderate
- Good with kidslow
- Good with other dogslow
- Good with catslow
- Apartment-friendlyvery low
- Copes with being alonevery low
- Watchdog instinctvery high
- Good for first-time ownersvery low
- Affectionmoderate
Belgian Malinois: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Not as a first dog. It rates 1 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (5 out of 5 for trainability). The biggest hurdle is the need for more than 2 hours of exercise a day. The guarding instinct needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling. If it would be your first dog, plan for a puppy class and a trainer who knows the breed.
How long can it be left alone?
1 to 2 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (1 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
More than 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Walks alone are not enough: these dogs also need work for the head, such as search games, fetch or a dog sport like agility.
How long does it live?
12–14 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy.
How big does it get?
56–66 cm at the withers and 20–30 kg. Size class: medium–large.
Is it a good family dog?
Better in a home with older children or adults only. It rates 2 out of 5 with children. The dog protects its family, so visitors and your children's friends need a calm introduction. With other dogs it rates 2 out of 5, with cats 2 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Moderately: 3 out of 5 for shedding. Grooming is quick: a brush once a week is enough.
Male or female?
60–66 cm at the withers for males and 56–62 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Weight: about 25–30 kg for males and about 20–25 kg for females. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Belgian Malinois or Dobermann?
Biggest difference: good with kids (low vs. high).
| Belgian Malinois | Dobermann | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium–large | Large |
| Weight | 20–30 kg | 32–45 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years | 10–13 years |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Good with kids | Low | High |
| Shedding | Moderate | Low |
| Good with other dogs | Low | Moderate |
| Apartment-friendly | Very low | Low |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
- want an easy-care coat
- want a watchful dog
- want to do dog sports such as agility or obedience
Belgian Malinois: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Needs more than 2 hours of exercise a day
- Every day, in any weather, for 12–14 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
- Struggles when left alone
- 1 to 2 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- Not a first dog
- 1 out of 5 for first-time owners. The breed needs consistent training from someone who has handled dogs before.
- Strong guarding instinct
- 5 out of 5 as a watchdog. The dog is wary of strangers and needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling.
- Needs space
- 1 out of 5 for apartment living. The dog does best in a house with a garden or with fields on the doorstep.
- Not ideal with young children
- 2 out of 5 with children. The dog has little patience with grabbing and noise.
- Chases cats
- 2 out of 5 with cats. Living with a cat works best if they grow up together, and even then not always.
- Can be difficult with other dogs
- 2 out of 5 with other dogs. Early and ongoing socialisation matters.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
Belgian Malinois: puppy price and monthly costs
$2,000 – $3,500 for a puppy from a breeder in the US (PetMD, 2025). $116 a month in running costs in the US (ASPCA, 2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | no data | from £83 [3] |
| United States | $2,000 – $3,500 [4] | $116 [5] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [6] |
| Australia | no data | A$210 [7] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [8] |
- One-off costs at the start: $1,030 for neutering, first vet care, microchip, basic equipment and a training class (ASPCA, 2021).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia [14]
- A malformed hip joint. Both parents should be X-ray screened.
- Elbow dysplasia [15]
- A malformed elbow joint that can cause lameness.
- Epilepsy [16]
- Can be inherited and is often well controlled with medication.
Health tests for the parent dogs
3 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), and eye exam.
- No health test is required for breeding in Canada (Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Canada); the table shows what is recommended.
- Required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), and eye exam.
| Test | United Kingdom [17] | United States [15] | Canada [18] | New Zealand [19] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Required |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Required |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Required |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: ● means a litter is only registered if the parents have the test.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), and eye exam. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [20] [21] [22] [19]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [23] [24] [25]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [26] [27] [28] [29]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 15: Belgian Malinois (2001)
- American Kennel Club (AKC): Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Information
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- PetMD: Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Health and Care (2025)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- PLoS One 15(7):e0235847 (Baldinger A et al.): Prevalence of canine hip dysplasia in 10 breeds in France, a retrospective study of the 1997-2017 radiographic screening period (2020)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): CHIC Program Requirements and testing statistics: Belgian Malinois
- Journal of Small Animal Practice 50(12):655-61 (Berendt M, Gulløv CH, Fredholm M): Focal epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd: evidence for simple Mendelian inheritance (2009)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Royal Kennel Club Health Standard: A complete guide to health testing for responsible breeding (2026)
- Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Canada: BSDCC 2026 Membership Form (2026)
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.