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Belgian Malinois
Origin
Belgium
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
House with backyard
Ideal Weather
10º-30ºC
Life Expectancy
12-14Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
Top 5 Traits
Athletic
Disciplined
Energetic
Loyal
Intelligent
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,550 - ₹ 5,400
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 17 May 2025
Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Information
Belgian Malinois exudes a great deal of smartness and confidence. This is further accentuated by their square and athletic build. They stand tall, typically ranging from 22 to 26 inches in height, with males weighing up to 36 kg and females up to 27 kg. Their strong but elegant appearance is a testament to their hardworking and dedicated nature. Despite their tough outer appearance, they form tight bonds with their owners. So much so that the American Kennel Club says that denying them companionship is like denying them of their birthright.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Belgian Malinois Price in India
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
Cost of buying - INR 50,000 - INR 1,00,000
Prerequisites to pet a Belgian Malinois
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Financial Capability
Space and Environment
Willingness to train
Here are a few tips to help you start your journey with ease
- Dive Deep: Conduct deep research to learn more about the breed and determine whether it will be a good fit for your lifestyle.
- Look For Ethical Breeders: If buying, look for reputable and ethical breeders that care about the health and well-being of their dogs.
- Planning: Schedule visits to meet the dogs beforehand and review their health and immunisation history. This also provides a good opportunity to assess whether the breeder or adoption centre is ethical and treats their dogs well.
- Paperwork: Always request relevant paperwork from the breeder, such as health records and immunisation history. If the dog is being adopted, inquire about their past and current health and behaviour.
- Create a Safe Environment: Bringing a dog home is a big commitment, so take the time to create a safe and comfortable environment that will nurture and promote their growth and well-being. Be mindful of their dietary, space, and exercise needs, and stock up on essential supplies like grooming tools, a bed, and food and water bowls before their arrival.
Nutritional Guide For Belgian Malinois
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 2,250 - ₹ 3,000
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 2200 kcal
Adults:Â 1800 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Fats
Protein
Vitamins
Minerals
Fibre
List of foods
Chicken
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Vegetables
The Belgian Malinois breed is known for its strength and athleticism, thus requiring a high-quality and well-balanced diet filled with protein and nutrients
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Belgian Malinois Top Dietary Recommendations
The best options to fuel the energy needs of a Belgian Malinois are as follows:
Never Feed These Foods to Belgian Malinois
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Almonds
Avocados
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Grapes
Onions
Salt
Sugar
Mushrooms
Dairy
Belgian Malinois should avoid a few common foods that are toxic to dogs. This will ensure optimal health in the long run.
Health
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 600 - ₹ 1,200
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Canine distemper
Heartworm
Hip Dysplasia
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Rabies
Parvovirus
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
High
Exercise routine
60 - 120 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Belgian Malinois Health and Care Guide
The lifespan of a Belgian Malinois is around 10-14 years, and they can live a long, healthy life if they are bred responsibly. The common health issues found in Belgian Malinois are as follows:
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 weeks
DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
10-12 weeks
DHLPP
14-16 weeks
Rabies
1 year
DHLPP
Every 3 years
DHLPP and rabies
Belgian Malinois - Senior Dog Care Guidelines
- Senior Belgian Malinois require a personalised routine that prioritises maintaining their mobility and physical health.
- Schedule regular visits to the vet to monitor age-related health issues.
- Adjust their exercise routine to suit their physical and joint health. You may opt for shorter and less strenuous activities for their mental and physical stimulation.
- Provide a high-quality diet that is rich in nutrients to support their health and joints.
- Create a comfortable environment at home with easy access to water and food, and non-slip surfaces.
Belgian Malinois Grooming Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Eye Care
Nail Trimming
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Prevents Bad Breath
Odourless
Low Shedding
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
- According to the American Kennel Club , Belgian Malinois puppies are easy to care for because of their short, waterproof coat, which sets them apart from other Belgian canines, such as the long-haired Belgian Sheepdog.
- Brush their coat occasionally with the help of a grooming glove or a medium bristle brush. This helps spread the natural oils evenly, promoting new hair growth.
- They are seasonal shedders and shed twice a year, during autumn and spring. This is a natural process to prepare them for winter and summer, lasting two to three weeks, as per PetMD.
- Although their skin is protected by their waterproof coat, they are still susceptible to skin allergies. Make sure your Belgian Malinois is protected against heartworm, fleas, and ticks year-round, given their active lifestyle and love for the outdoors.
- To keep your dog clean after being outside, give them a bath when necessary. This will help maintain their skin and coat health while limiting exposure to allergens.
- Brush their teeth daily to keep bacteria, plaque, and tartar at bay.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Compare with similar breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Belgian Malinois Family Dogs?
Belgian Malinois are high-energy dogs that can thrive in the right household, but their intense need for mental and physical exercise makes them unsuitable for the average home.
Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd. What is the difference?
While similar in physical appearance, Belgian Malinois tend to have slightly more energy than German Shepherds.
Are Belgian Malinois Good With Kids?
Yes, but they are not recommended for families with very young children.
