Male vs Female Belgian Malinois: Key Differences (With Info & Pictures)

If you are planning to get a Belgian Malinois dog, you might be wondering which sex is better for you to pick: male or female?

Although there are differences between the sexes, neither is “better” than the other. What’s more important is determining which sex would be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Depending on the circumstance, a certain sex of Malinois may be a better option for you, but there are also no certainties when it comes to predicting behavior, size, or temperament based on sex alone. For instance, female Belgian Malinois are often said to be quieter and easier to handle, while a male Belgian Malinois is more outgoing and assertive, but this isn’t always going to be the case. Read on to learn more!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Belgian Malinois 101

The Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah), is famous for its confidence, intelligence, and athleticism. They are a medium to large dog with a robust, slender body. This energetic breed needs a balanced regimen of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and free from boredom.

Known for their strong work ethic and intelligence, the Belgian Malinois is a top pick for military K-9 and police units. Although more often seen working than at the park, the breed’s gentle, loyal, and playful behavior can make them an excellent family companion in the right hands.

The Malinois has a muscular yet elegant appearance. They are tall, up to 2 feet at the shoulders, with upright ears, golden brown eyes, and a slightly fuzzy tail. Their thick, short coats can carry shades of red, mahogany, or fawn, and a common distinguishing feature of the breed is their dark mask.

At a quick look, a Malinois is often confused for a German Shepherd. Although they have similar appearances and are top picks for militaries and police worldwide, these dogs are distinct and unique breeds. The average weight of the Belgian Malinois is 40–80 pounds, and male Malinois are often larger than medium-sized female dogs.

The Malinois’ waterproof coat is easy to maintain. Brushing it once a week can help get rid of dander, and rubbing healthy oils on it will keep your dog looking shiny.

This breed does shed its coat twice a year. So, to avoid the risk of your home being invaded by dog hair, you will need to continue brushing your pup at least once a day.

Luckily, the Belgian Malinois can go a while without baths. Unless they have rolled in something stinky, they will not need a full bath that often.

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Male Belgian Malinois Overview

Just like most dog breeds, a male Belgian Malinois will be somewhat taller and heavier than a female Belgian Malinois, though these traits in a specific dog depend on whether they have been spayed or neutered and at what age.

Personality/Character

Male Belgian Malinois are usually known to be more adventurous and exuberant than the females, but they’re also friendly and warm. As their owner, you will probably adore their relaxed nature and patient attitude toward strangers and other pets.

The Malinois is famous for being energetic, and the male is usually the more high-spirited of the two. So, expect him to be excitable, unruly, and chaotic.

Both sexes are intelligent and keen to learn new things, making them ideal for training. The male typically goes through a frustrating adolescent phase, during which it will seem like his training has completely gone out the window, but with patience and perseverance, your dedication will win out over his hormones in the end!

Training

The Malinois is keen to learn and relatively easy to train, but you will need to establish rules and structure from a young age if you want to maintain any semblance of control as they head into adolescence. The males in particular will become quite challenging from around 8 to 18 months (sometimes longer!), and it can be more difficult to hold their focus.

For this reason, it is extremely important for your dog to be well trained in recall and walking to heel and on a leash, and they should know basic commands like sit and stay. When a Malinois gets into a hyper-excited state, it can be difficult to get their focus back, so make sure you have a favorite toy, ball, or treat with you at all times to get their attention.

You’ll need to practice this at home and in public, where more disturbances can take their concentration, including other canines and small creatures.

This is particularly important with males when they reach sexual maturity, as they will be distracted by the cocktail of pheromones that surround them. When his testosterone levels are high, the male Malinois can become assertive to the point of aggression toward other males, so it is important to ensure that you have good control over your dog.

Health & Care

Like many breeds that were bred for a working lifestyle, the Malinois is generally healthy. There are incidences of hip and elbow dysplasia in the breed, but the condition is not that common.

For males, it is advised to allow them to reach sexual maturity before castration, which should be done when they’re around 18–24 months old. Neutering will help your male Malinois feel more settled and less likely to be distracted by females or aggressive toward males. It will also make him less likely to pee on every post, tree, fire hydrant, or unwary leg!

Female Belgian Malinois Overview

Female Belgian Malinois are usually a few inches shorter than males. They are 22–24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 40–60 pounds.

Personality/Character

Female Malinois mature more rapidly than males but are rumored to be more stubborn and aloof, which means they require steady and firm guidance from their owner or trainer. If not spayed, they can become quite intolerant and grumpy when in season, so this is something to keep in mind.

Females often become quite attached and protective of one person, whereas the males tend to be protective of the whole household and are happy to call just about anyone a friend. The females are also often more wary and focused than the males, making them natural watchdogs, but this trait can be a drawback for someone looking for a chilled-out, fun-loving pet.

When you take your female Malinois on a walk or to a park, you will need to give her extra time to adapt to her surroundings and ensure that you make any new introductions in a calm manner. However, females are not as aggressive toward the same sex as males are.

Training

Since they mature earlier than the males, female Malinois tend to be more steady with their learning, with a less tumultuous adolescence. Furthermore, they tend to defer to their owners more readily, are more focused, and are better at maintaining concentration. This makes a female Malinois an easier choice for training and dog exhibitions.

In addition, you are likely to have an easier time training female Malinois due to their smaller size and less muscular bodies, which makes them a bit simpler to handle.

Health & Care

Like males, female Malinois are relatively free from any significant health issues, having been bred to be fit and healthy for work.

Unless she is being used for breeding, it is recommended that a female Malinois be spayed 6–12 weeks after her first season, which may occur when she’s as young as 7 to 8 months old but is more likely to be closer to 10–12 months. This will prevent unwanted pregnancies and pyometra (infection of the uterus) and reduce her risks of mammary cancer.

Since a female Malinois can come into season when she’s 7–8 months old, keep an eye out for the signs of proestrus and estrus, which include swelling of the vulva, a bloody vaginal discharge, and an increase in affection and playfulness, particularly toward other dogs. When receptive to mating, a female will do anything to find a mate, just as a male will move heaven and earth to get to a receptive female! So, if you want to avoid any unplanned litters, make sure your female is contained and supervised when in season, even around related dogs.

Female Malinois are also prone to obesity, particularly if they’re spayed, so you must pay attention to your dog’s weight. To prevent obesity, make sure your pet gets regular exercise. These may include playing a game with her or taking her for a walk.

Most importantly, make sure your dog gets an annual check-up with your vet. This way, they will remain healthy and age well.

Which Sex Is Better for Your Family?

Both the male and female Malinois can be a great pet in the right home, but what if you have a family?

Due to their high energy needs and sometimes boisterous nature, we don’t recommend the Malinois to families with very small children or to inexperienced owners. While the breed is not necessarily predisposed to aggression, their size and excitable nature can lead to accidental injuries to little ones, despite often being highly protective of them.

Generally, a female Malinois is best to have if you have younger kids. It is not that males are aggressive toward children or can harm them intentionally, but these dogs can sometimes be chaotic and oblivious. This means that they can knock down your children or even bite/mouth them when they shouldn’t.

Females tend to be more conscious and caring toward kids. Their trainability also provides a good opportunity for the whole family to be involved in the training sessions, which means the dog will regard all family members as leaders. Being relatively small in size is also good for children, as everyone is less likely to accidentally cause injury.

If you are an experienced dog owner who is looking for an outgoing and adventurous companion and don’t mind a bit of a challenge, a male Malinois may be just the personality that you need in your life. He will be loving, loyal, and open to new experiences, people, and dogs.

Both male and female Malinois make great watchdogs, so you won’t need a doorbell with a Mal in your home! A female Malinois is more likely to be protective of her owner when out on a walk, while a male might get you into trouble by wanting to jump on everyone they encounter.

Another aspect to consider when selecting your Malinois’s sex is whether there are other dogs in your home. A male and a female pup are more compatible than two or more territorial males when it comes to living harmoniously.

Regarding cats and other small pets, you need to be aware that both male and female Malinois have a high prey drive and will naturally want to chase anything that runs away from them. They do not necessarily have a desire to kill these creatures, but they will chase them and won’t always know how to play gently, so you must always supervise these interactions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you decide that a male or female is the right fit for you, with the Malinois, you will find a loving, loyal, and exuberant dog that will follow and protect you to the ends of the earth. They do require an experienced owner, as their intelligence and strong desire to work can make them challenging pets. With strong leadership, plenty of mental stimulation, consistent training, and so much love, the Malinois can be a wonderful companion. Just know that neither the males nor the females make low-maintenance pets for a small home.

Next on your reading list:

• German Malinois (Belgian Malinois & German Shepherd Mix)
• Belgian Malinois vs. Pitbull: Notable Differences (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Female Belgian Malinois, Piqsels | Male Belgian Malinois, Piqsels