Mals 101

Herding group

The Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian herding dogs that can be identified by their coats, of which the Malinois has the shortest. The Mal, however, is by far the most challenging of these breeds to own. They excel as military and police dogs, but are likely too much dog for those inexperienced with high-drive dogs or unable to provide them with enough training and exercise. They are intelligent, easy to train and utterly fearless.

What we love about Mals

If you're up to the challenge of having one, they'll never let you down

Energy level
Bark level
  • Talkative
Size
22 to 26 inches tall
Lifespan
14 to 16 years
Weight
40 to 80 lbs

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Mal

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Trauma

Skin allergies

Foreign body ingestion †

Senior Mal

9+ years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Arthritis

Intervertebral disc disease

Trauma

Mal puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Gastroenteritis

Trauma

Conjunctivitis

Young adult Mal

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Trauma

Foreign body ingestion

Mature adult Mal

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Trauma

Skin allergies

Foreign body ingestion †

Senior Mal

9+ years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Arthritis

Intervertebral disc disease

Trauma

Mal puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Gastroenteritis

Trauma

Conjunctivitis

Young adult Mal

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Trauma

Foreign body ingestion

Belgian Malinois image

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Belgian Malinois image

A Belgian Malinois named Cairo was the only non-human member of the U.S. Navy Seal team on the mission that raided the complex of Osama bin Laden.

Belgian Malinois coat care and colors

The Malinois has a short, dense coat that is relatively easy to care for; just regular brushing to reduce shedding and nail trims as needed.

Mal exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

There is no limit to the amount of exercise a fit Belgian Malinois would prefer, and keeping them busy is a full-time job. For those who can handle their intensity, they make ideal running partners.

Class star

Trainability

While Belgian Malinois learn quickly, they always want to learn (and do) more. The happiest Mals are those involved in high-intensity sports, such as protection work or canine agility.

Mal fun facts

Top girl names for Mals

100%

of Mals are female

0%

of Mals are male

Top boy names for Mals

Nationwide loves Belgian Malinoiss of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

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