How difficult is it to keep Belgian Malinois?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the lifespan of Belgian Malinois?

The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois is 14-16 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Belgian Malinois get?

Belgian Malinois typically reaches Height 56-66cm / Weight 20-30kg as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Belgian Malinois?

Belgian Malinois feeds on: Complete dog food matched to size and activity, avoid obesity. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Belgian Malinois?

The price of Belgian Malinois varies significantly depending on lineage, coat color, sex, and age. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Belgian Malinois

Advanced

Canis lupus familiaris

The only short-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Only fawn with black overlay and a black mask is allowed, and it is the most registered of the varieties with the JKC.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

15〜26℃

Lifespan

14-16 years

Size

Height 56-66cm / Weight 20-30kg

Diet

Complete dog food matched to size and activity, avoid obesity

About

The Belgian Malinois is the only short-haired of the four varieties that make up the Belgian Shepherd Dog (FCI No.15, Group 1). The FCI standard separates the varieties by coat length, texture and colour, and the Malinois is judged separately from the long-haired Groenendael and Tervueren and the rough-haired Laekenois. The coat is very short on the head, outer ears and lower legs, short on the body, with a slightly longer collarette from the base of the ears to the throat and fringes on the back of the thighs. The tail is shaped like an ear of corn and never forms a plume. Only fawn with black overlay and a black mask is permitted; a missing mask or brindling is not accepted. The FCI describes the breed as originally a sheepdog and today a working dog for guarding, defence and tracking, an all-purpose service dog and a family dog. The AKC treats the Malinois as a separate breed and recommends screening breeding stock for hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Its prey drive and need for activity are very high and daily walks are not enough, so it suits experienced owners who can channel its energy into training and dog sports. In Japan the JKC registers each variety separately; 30 Malinois were registered in 2024, the most of the varieties, but puppies are rarely available.

Lifespan of the Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois lives 14-16 years.

Size of the Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois grows to Height 56-66cm / Weight 20-30kg.

Basic Info

Origin

Belgium

Lifespan

14-16 years

Size

Height 56-66cm / Weight 20-30kg

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758

Synonyms: Canis familiaris

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · MSW3

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are excluded from the CITES appendices and are not listed as Invasive Alien Species or Specified Animals under Japanese law, so no special permit is needed. Under Japan's Rabies Prevention Act, dogs must be registered with the local municipality and vaccinated against rabies once a year.

Sources: Species+ (Canis lupus; domesticated form excluded) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Invasive Alien Species

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.