Malinois Breed description: Character & Co

What are the typical characteristics of the Malinois?

The Malinois is very lively and willing to work by nature. They defend their master and court instinctively and passionately, which makes them an attentive and well-suited watchdog. They also perform other tasks with dedication and are quick to react. But their temperament can also get the better of them, when this intelligent dog is not challenged enough.

Even though the Malinois has a relatively low stimulus threshold, it is neither fearful nor aggressive.

Keeping of the Malinois

If you decide to buy a Malinois, you should be aware that it is a dog that needs to be physically and mentally stimulated. Short walks are not enough to make the most out of their potential. If you are active and you enjoy joint activities and sports, then the Malinois is a great and loyal partner.

Use of the Malinois

Originally, the Malinois was used as a shepherd and cattle dog. They were used to protect herds and keep them together and lead them, for example, to take them to the meadow or even to the slaughterhouse. Because of their physical strength they were even used to pull carts etc.

Nowadays, the Malinois has established itself as a working and service dog. They are very popular and known for their work as police dogs and service dogs for customs. Since they are not as big as for example the German shepherd dog, and therefore more agile and faster, they are partly preferred over other breed types.

Because of their extraordinary athletic qualities they are used very gladly and successfully in dog sports such as Agility, Flyball, Obedience Training or Dog Dancing.

When they are physically and mentally exhausted, the Malinois is also a great family dog, playful and cuddly, with a strong attachment to its family.

What are typical diseases of the Malinois?

The Malinois is considered a relatively robust dog breed that generally do not get overbred. There are no known breed-typical diseases, but due to their mostly strong physical and sportive performances and strains, wear and tear of the joints etc. can occur in the long run and in old age.

What is to be considered when breeding Malinois?

All serious Malinois breeders are concerned about a stable character of their dogs. Above all, they attach great importance to a neither fearful nor aggressive character and socialising the puppies well.

If you want to buy a Malinois, you should first find out exactly who the breeder is in order to avoid overbred, sick or not well socialised puppies.

If pedigree and papers are not important to you, a Malinois in distress would be an option. There are several organisations and clubs that mediate lost and found dogs, shelter dogs or Malinois that are given away for other urgent reasons.