The Belgian Malinois is a world-class working dog known for their energetic nature. They are a special breed that thrives in an environment where all their needs are met, and they require an experienced owner who knows a bit about caring for a Belgian Malinois. You may be one of those experienced pet parents looking to adopt one of these fantastic breeds and know that it’s essential to understand the pros and cons before adopting a dog.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of Belgian Malinois and how they should be properly cared for.
The 8 Belgian Malinois Pros
1. Highly Intelligent
Belgian Malinois are a highly intelligent breed. In fact, after a 2022 study where scientists tested 1000 dogs from 23 breeds,1 they surpassed the intelligence of the Border Collie and now rank as the smartest breed with a total of 35 out of 39 points. They had great results in most of the tests but stood out in many of the cognitive tests.
Once they put their mind to it, they can excel at almost anything they do; they will even try outsmarting you sometimes. They need a strong and confident owner who knows how to be a pack leader; otherwise, they will dominate the household.
2. Easily Trained
Given their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, the Belgian Malinois is relatively easy to train. They can generally learn a new command within 5–15 repetitions.
Early training is vital for these dogs so that they know how to control and use their energy effectively. While they are quick learners, they can also be sensitive to harsh corrections, and positive reinforcement is the most effective method for training.
If you need guidance on training your Belgian Malinois, we suggest you speak to a professional trainer or a vet.
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3. Loyal and Protective
The Belgian Malinois makes an incredible watchdog because they are inherently protective of their owners and their property without being too aggressive. They won’t hesitate to alert you when they spot a stranger or a perceived threat on the property.
Because of that, your Belgian Malinois must be socialized and trained to handle perceived threats. They are intelligent dogs that will quickly learn what is a threat and what isn’t, and they will evaluate the situation calmly.
4. Minimal Grooming Needs
The Belgian Malinois has a short coat that is relatively easy to take care of. They require occasional brushing to keep their coat smooth and clean and to help remove loose hairs. However, they have a shedding period twice a year when they shed more hair and need to be brushed daily.
Belgian Malinois do not need frequent bathing except when necessary, like when they have rolled in something dirty. You should also brush their teeth as frequently as possible and check that their nails, ears, and eyes are healthy.
5. Excels in Canine Sports and Performance
Belgian Malinois make great companions for fitness enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, running, and cycling. Regarding canine sports, the dog excels at agility, obedience, herding, flyball, tracking, and protection competitions.
6. They Encourage You to Have an Active Lifestyle
If you are looking for a companion that will encourage and motivate you to have a healthy lifestyle, the Belgian Malinois is a great choice. They are active dogs that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. However, the Belgian Malinois is highly adaptable and easily adjusts to their owner’s routine.
7. They Get Along with Children
A properly raised Belgian Malinois will not have a hard time getting along with children and is an excellent playmate because of their high energy level. However, they can accidentally run into small children, so it’s important to supervise their interactions. Children also need to know how to manage and treat the dogs correctly.
8. They Go Beyond Companionship
While Belgian Malinois make great companions, they also excel in protection, drug, bomb, gas detection, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.
The 5 Belgian Malinois Cons
1. They Demand Commitment
The Belgian Malinois is not your average pet, and adding one to your family is like adding a child. They require consistent mental and physical stimulation and an experienced owner to meet these needs. They thrive off routine and consistency and must be close to their family so they can’t be kept outside in a kennel. If they become bored, they can display destructive behaviors such as digging, scratching, barking, and chewing. Generally, Belgian Malinois are not suitable for first-time owners.
2. They Need Intense Exercise
Since they’re energetic canines, Belgian Malinois need more than a walk in the park to stay happy and healthy. They thrive off having a job to do, and there are many activities you can do to provide appropriate physical and mental stimulation. Regular walks and hikes, nose work, fetch games, and canine sports will provide what they need and are vital to their happiness.
3. Wary of Strangers
As mentioned, Belgian Malinoises are excellent watchdogs because they are protective. While being wary and vigilant of strangers is a great asset, especially when looking for a guard dog, they can also threaten visitors. Early training and socialization are vital, so they grow into well-behaved and well-rounded dogs.
4. Independent and Stubborn
Belgian Malinois can be independent and strong-willed, which can make training more difficult, especially for inexperienced owners. It is essential to show your Belgian Malinois that you are the pack leader, which is another reason why an early start in training is so important.
5. High Prey Drive
The Belgian Malinois was initially bred for herding, and like many other herding breeds, they have a high prey drive. This can lead to chasing cars or animals if not properly trained. Early training teaches your dog to use their energy in acceptable activities, and learning commands from a young age will provide the groundwork for optimum obedience.
Caring for a Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois make excellent pets for the right homes, even families with children, but early training is crucial. They are generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12–15 years, but like all dogs, they are predisposed to a few health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
To provide your Belgian Malinois with the happiest and healthiest life possible, you should ensure you get your pup from a reputable breeder who screens their litter for health issues. You should also keep up with your dog’s vaccine schedule and visit the vet twice a year. You must also provide vet-recommended flea, tick, and worm preventatives. Along with proper health care, physical and mental stimulation, and training, your Belgian Malinois should be fed a high-quality and well-balanced diet. It is best to consult a vet about the best choice of food, portions, and supplements if needed.
Overall, before bringing home a Belgian Malinois, you must determine if you can provide the dog with physical and mental outlets, be a pack leader, provide early and consistent training, and provide suitable health care.
Conclusion
The Belgian Malinois is an outstanding working-class canine that is highly intelligent and known for its playful nature. They make excellent companions and therapy dogs but demand a lot of commitment and training from their owners and are not suited for everyone. However, with the correct knowledge and care, they will make excellent lifelong companions. Their pros far outweigh their cons, and their drawbacks can easily be managed or prevented with proper early training and socialization and, of course, an understanding of their physical and mental needs.
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Featured Image Credit: Y.Gq_photo, Shutterstock
4 Responses
I adopted a 1-1/2 year-old Belgian Malinois from our local shelter 2 years ago and brought her to her new 4-acre home. I 100% agree with this article. I've owned working dogs my entire life and was still not quite ready for the energy and sheer intelligence level of this breed. Zoey and I "worked things out" very quickly and our bond grows stronger every single day. I love everything about her and when we are in "work mode" (either playing our own special frisbee game w/ FOUR frisbees at the same time; "working" the horse-sized herding ball; or deep in the woods "on patrol"), we now move as ONE.
Again, a well-written, and accurate article that prospective owners should pay close attention to. These are NOT house dogs that spend most of their time alone and/or in a kennel.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Baymond. Keeping up with the exercise needs of a Belgian Malinois is no small feat, and it sounds like you've nailed it. I don't know what that four frisbee game is, but I like the sound of it! 🙂
There are some Malinois that are easy to manage. I have a Malinois service dog for me and my wife. She does double duty. I am able to play ball with her twice a day, but if we are travelling or busy, we can't and it's no big deal to her. I think the amount of time you are able to spend with the dog is key. If you are not able to devote 100% of your time with the dog don't get one. Our Malinois gets to go with us everywhere so in essence we are constantly training. They adjust to you.
Hello John,
Thank you for your message. It's wonderful that you and your wife have a service dog that is so well-trained and that you have such a strong bond. We can definitely agree, that the time you put into training and socializing your dog will pay off big time! Especially with very intelligent breeds such as Belgian Malinois. It is great to hear that you understand this and that you are rewarded for your efforts with a wonderful companion!
We wish you all the best.