Malinois

Character and behavior of a Malinois

The Malinois is a real workaholic. It is not suited to being a couch potato—rather, it wants to be challenged physically and mentally and to please its handler at all times. Originally bred as a herding and driving dog, it has now established itself as a versatile working dog and is widely used by the police, military, and in numerous specialized training areas.

Training and raising a Malinois

The Malinois learns extremely quickly and usually understands tasks in no time at all. It is not a dog for beginners, as it can quickly develop problematic behavior in inexperienced or the wrong hands. Daily mental and physical exercise is essential for them. They are enthusiastic about almost any activity, be it agility, obedience, mantrailing, bikejoring, canicross, or many other sports. They are and remain all-rounders.

Is the Malinois a family dog?

The Malinois can be a family dog, but only under certain conditions. It needs a very active, experienced family that can provide it with sufficient physical and mental stimulation. With clear leadership, consistent training, and respectful treatment within the family, it will be loyal, attentive, and closely bonded to its humans.

Do Malinois get along with other dogs?

Malinois should be accustomed to different people, dogs, and other animals at an early age. With consistent and positive socialization, they usually develop into very social dogs that are confident in their environment.

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How big and heavy does a Malinois get?

Shoulder height:

• Females: 56 - 62 cm
• Males: 60–66 cm

Weight:

• Females: 44–60 lb
• Males: 25–35 kg

Weight and size can vary greatly among Malinois. There are both smaller, very athletic types and larger, powerfully built, muscular, and correspondingly heavier representatives of the breed.

Affection for people

The Malinois is an extremely loyal dog and usually forms a very close bond with its handler. It is often reserved and cautious toward strangers, but remains alert and controlled.

Malinois coat care and hygiene?

The Malinois has a short, dense coat that is very easy to care for. Grooming requirements are minimal; regular brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient.

What is the life expectancy of a Malinois?

The life expectancy of a healthy Malinois is around 10 to 15 years. Species-appropriate care, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups contribute significantly to the Malinois reaching a ripe old age.

What are common health problems in Malinois dogs?

The Malinois is generally considered to be a robust and capable dog. Nevertheless, there are certain health conditions that can occur frequently.

These include, in particular, joint diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and spondylosis. Neurological diseases such as epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, and degenerative myelopathy (DM) also occur. As with many sheepdog breeds, there is also an increased risk of stomach torsion.

In addition, some Malinois may be prone to digestive tract disorders, including pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are also known to occur.

Reputable breeders have their breeding dogs tested for certain hereditary diseases. This reduces the risk of genetically caused diseases spreading further.

How much does a Malinois cost?

The purchase price for a Malinois can vary greatly in Switzerland. Factors that influence the price include the dog's pedigree and whether it comes from a well-known working or performance line, as these dogs are often bred for police, protection, or dog sports purposes. Prices in this area are usually higher as a result. As a rule, a Malinois puppy costs between CHF 1,500 and CHF 3,000. In addition to the purchase price, ongoing expenses should also be taken into account. These include costs for food, insurance, veterinary care, accessories, and species-appropriate activities and exercise for the Malinois.

Malinois dog insurance

Dog insurance can be a good idea for a Malinois, as it helps cover high veterinary costs in the event of illness or accident and can also include benefits for breed-specific health problems. At Calingo, the average annual premium for dog insurance for a Malinois is around CHF 800.

Here you can find out more about Malinois dog insurance.