Belgian Malinois, a herding or sheepdog which belongs to Belgium is a medium-sized energetic, active, and sporty dog. Due to its athletic behavior, it is considered a good working dog.
If you are a pet owner who can give a plenty of time to your dog to play with, exercise, and trainings, Belgian Malinois is a good option.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the characteristics, history, diet and nutrition, health conditions, and care of Belgian Malinois.
Physical Traits of Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is a muscular, elegant, hard-working, and confident dog which is a member of herding dog’s group. When fully grown, the female Belgian Malinois weighs about 40 to 60 pounds and is 22 to 24 inches tall. While the male Belgian Malinois weighs about 60 to 80 pounds and is 24 to 26 inches tall, when fully grown and developed. It has smooth double-layered coat with short hair. Its coat color can be different like red, red sable, fawn, fawn sable, mahogany and also have a black-colored mask.
Characteristics of the Belgian Malinois
As the name indicates, Belgian Malinois was first originated from Belgium and was bred in the Belgium city, Malines. It was bred for the purpose of herding dog. But later, its high energy levels and trainability make it suitable for other heavy duties like police dog, guard dog, rescue dog, and drug detecting dogs.
Belgian Malinois’s high energy level requires more physical activity as well as mental encouragement on daily basis. It likes the company of pet owners which are more experienced, thrilled, and devoted to share a healthy and energetic lifestyle with their dogs. It is also a friendly, social, and loyal dog which makes strong bond with its owners but its friendliness is less as compared to other dogs. It will get bored and offended if it is ignored and under-employed. If you want to keep your pet dog happy and satisfied, train it regularly and go for walk and exercises daily.
Its characteristics are somehow similar to German Shepherd but they both differ in physical characteristics like Belgian Malinois has short-haired coat and is leaner than German shepherd.
History of Belgian Malinois
Among the four Belgian Shepherd breeds that first appeared in 1800s, Belgian Malinois is a popular one due to its herding dog abilities. While, other three Belgian shepherds are Laekenois, Tervuren, and Groenendael. The Belgian Malinois got its name from the city of Belgium in which it was first produced that is Mechelen or Malines.
In early 1900s, it was brought to United States but after World War 2, it nearly became extinct. Later on, in 1959 Belgian Malinois was recognized by American Kennel Club and then gained more popularity in 1960s. After that it was more commonly used as a working dog for various responsible purposes like military, rescue, and research dogs. It was also used for some secret services and was also a member of Navy SEAL teams among which one team also killed Osama Bin Laden.
Diet and Nutrition of Belgian Malinois
As the belgian malinois are highly active and energetic, their caloric, protein, and water requirements are more than other breeds. Provide them with balanced meals that can be commercial or home-made. The puppy Mals need more meals per day as compared to the adult belgian malinois as their requirement is more depending upon the growth and development. Feed them puppy meals until one year of age, after 1 year you can start giving them adult dog foods.
Their diet and caloric requirement vary depending on their age, lifestyle, size, structure, physical activity, and health conditions. Don’t overfeed your pup as it can lead to overweight and obesity among dogs. Also give them treats as a reward of training and good working but don’t exceed than 10% of their total diet which will also be a cause of overweight.
Feeding Frequency of Belgian Malinois
Feeding frequency depends on their age and some other factors. For adult belgian malinois, feeding twice a day in the morning and the evening is sufficient. While for puppies, three meals a day are needed as their body needs are more than adults.
Follow the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), for balanced and healthy eating of your pup.
Health Concerns of Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is a healthy and strong dog which is less diseased and infected. If a responsible breeder breed the belgian malinois, it can be prevented from many diseases. But it can also prone to some health concerns like:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
It is a condition in which retina starts degenerating and wasting away due to which vision is blurred and unfocused and it can lead to complete blindness. You can notice the signs of progressive retinal atrophy in your pup if it is not smoothly walking or running and starts hitting with things, it is not focused in playing and missing catches, or swinging over stairs but there is no feeling of pain in eyes.
If the belgian malinois is suffering from this eye condition, it becomes less useful and working and there is no treatment for this. However, make sure that your pup is not a product of dogs that are suffering from progressive retinal atrophy as it is a hereditary disease and passes onto generations.
Cataracts
Some of the belgian malinois dogs might be susceptible to cataracts, an eye disease in which lens become cloudy and your pup’s vision becomes blurry. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. So, consult the veterinarian, if you feel your puppy is not seeing the objects clearly. The treatment includes the lens replacement via the surgery.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Belgian malinois are prone to genetic disease called hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia which can be transferred to them generations by generations if not prevented properly. In this condition, their hip or elbow joints become swollen and painful. The symptoms of hip dysplasia in belgian malinois can be monitored in home which can be: Abnormal sitting impression, difficulty in standing or walking, popping sounds from the joints while sitting, walking, or running, and no previous trauma history.
Its treatment may include pain killers for instant pain relief, other treatments are arthritis medications and surgery. Moreover, before keeping a belgian malinois as a pet, make sure its parents are not diseased with hip or elbow dysplasia, because then there are less chances of hip or elbow dysplasia to transfer to your pup.
Cancer
Many breeds of dogs are prone to cancer especially the belgian malinois. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer which is more common in belgian malinois and can damage any part of their body with abnormal cancer cell growth.
Anesthesia Sensitivity
Belgian malinois dogs are also sensitive to anesthesia and will show signs and symptoms like fits when get anesthesia. So, inform your veterinarian before any surgery or procedure which involves anesthesia to prevent or minimize the symptoms.
Exercise and Training
Belgian malinois need more exercises and training along with daily routine walks. You must engage your pup in different activities which will give them both physical as well as mental satisfaction. The healthy activities and sports that it will enjoy may include herding, hiking, tracking, Schutzhund competitions, sledding, agility, therapy assistance, and others.
Care and Grooming
They don’t need more care and grooming but as they are active, so, they need more space to wander about and train. They require early socialization and training. Their short-haired, straight, and water proof coat needs less grooming. They need brushing once a week. While in extreme weathers, there is more need of brushing, bathing, and vacuuming. Trim their nails once a month. Also brushing their teeth regularly is necessary to prevent dental and oral issues.
How to Buy a Belgian Malinois?
You can buy it from a pure breeder or a local pet shop which will cost you $2000 or more. You can also adopt it from rescue or shelter homes but there will be no guaranty of their health status and might need more care and grooming.
Lifespan of Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois lifespan is typically 10–14 years. Compared to many other breeds, these dogs don’t have a lot of health concerns, especially if they were bred by a responsible breeder. That said, Belgian Malinois are predisposed to a few medical issues.
