Belgian Malinois Puppies for Sale

overview of the Belgian Malinois Dog Breed

Are you looking for a talented working dog? 

Check out our Belgian Malinois puppies for sale below!

This breed is a super-athlete; elegant, agile, and fast. Belgian Malinois are also extremely high-energy and very intelligent. They are eager to please, devoted, and protective, Belgian Malinois excel in professional work and are the breed of choice for Navy Seals and the US Marines. 

These outstanding dogs are not for first-time dog owners. They need experienced owners who can provide them with strong leadership and consistent training, and channel their energy, drive, and intelligence. 

Adopt your Belgian Malinois puppy today and start a friendship with one of these incredible dogs! 

You can also browse our other puppy breeds for sale on our “all breeds” page.

Belgian Malinois temperament

High Energy and Work Drive: This breed has an extremely high energy level and desire to work. They are elite canine athletes; a walk (or run) around the block won’t be enough for a Belgian Malinois. They will become very destructive if not exercised enough. If you are considering getting a Malinois, make sure you have a plan for channeling this breed’s energy and work drive. 

Highly Intelligent and Trainable: Belgian Malinois are incredibly intelligent and eager to please! They learn very quickly and enjoy learning and working. 

Super Athletes: Agile, obedient, and fast, this breed is said to be at least as sharp and quick as the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie in herding, and more intelligent and trainable than a German Shepherd. 

Navy Seal and US Marine Choice: Malinois are the breed of choice for Navy Seals and the US Marine. They also do outstanding work in drug detection agencies, search and rescue operations, and police forces. 

Five-Star Guard Dog: Belgian Malinois are naturally reserved toward strangers and strongly bonded toward owners. This means that they are protective and will take action if they feel their owner is threatened. They can be wonderful pets when trained and socialized properly. However, a Belgian Malinois that is not given proper training,  structure, and leadership will become aggressive. 

Independence: While loyal and loving, Malinois puppies can also be somewhat independent. They may not always seek constant attention or affection and may prefer to have some alone time.

High Maintenance: It’s important to note that Belgian Malinois puppies can be high-maintenance in terms of exercise, mental stimulation, and training. They may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners or those with a more sedentary lifestyle.

Remember that individual puppy personalities can vary, and the upbringing and training they receive play a significant role in shaping their behavior. It’s essential to provide a loving, structured, and stimulating environment to help your Belgian Malinois puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. Additionally, seeking the guidance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist with experience in working breeds can be beneficial.

Belgian Malinois Breed history

Belgian Malinois  (MAL-in-wah) were first bred near the city of Malines in Belgian. They were bred to be hardworking livestock herders. 

They are one of four Belgian shepherd breeds; the other three breeds are Tervuren, Laekenois, and Groenendael. 

The Belgian Malinois we have today can be credited to a shepherd named Adrien Janssens. In the late 1800s, Adrien Janssens bred his two dogs named Vos I and Lise de Laeken and created the ancestors of the Belgian Shepherd breed we have today. 

A club near the Belgian city of Malines was formed to promote the short-haired, fawn-colored variety of the Belgian Shepherd. Since it was located near Malines, the name of this breed became the Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah). 

As sheepherding decreased in Belgium, Malinois were used in field trials, police work, and as draught and guard dogs. 

Belgian Malinois were first brought to America in 1911. After World War l, many servicemen brought Malinois home with them and their popularity increased in America. In fact, by the end of the 1920s, the Groenendael and Malinois Belgian Sheepdogs were in the top five most popular breeds! 

However, the Belgian Malinois suffered a serious setback in popularity in America during the Great Depression and World War ll. Dog breeding was an expensive hobby, unaffordable for most people during the Great Depression. After that, World War ll put an end to importing European stock. 

However, a few Malinois lovers remained and formed the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America in 1949. Imports were brought in, and breeding and dog shows began with the Belgian Malinois again. 

In recent years, the Belgian Malinois has become well known and loved for its outstanding work in the military, drug detection agencies, search and rescue operations, and police forces. 

There is a life-size statue of a Belgian Malinois at the memorial in Fayetteville, North Carolina, outside the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

Belgian Malinois rank number 43 out of breeds registered with AKC. 

A few breeds similar to Belgian Malinois include German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers.

Belgian Malinois Average size

Males weigh 60-80 pounds and measure 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder). Female Malinois weigh 40-60 pounds and measure 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder.

Average Belgian Malinois lifespan

Belgian Malinois usually live for 14-16 years. 

Belgian Malinois body features

At first glance, the Belgian Malinois can look like a German Shepherd. 

Belgian Malinois are slighter leaner than German Shepherds. Belgian Malinois also have short coats, while German Shepherds have medium-length coats. 

Belgian Malinois have erect, pointed ears, long legs, and an elegant, athletic build. They have black faces and ears and red, mahogany, fawn, or sable-colored bodies. 

grooming Your Belgian Malinois Puppy

Belgian Malinois are fairly low-maintenance in the grooming department. They have short coats that will benefit from regular brushing. Bathe as needed. 

Their coat is a double, waterproof coat which means they will shed heavily twice a year. Plan to brush your Belgian Malinios daily during heavy shedding seasons.  

Your Belgian Malinois will also need its nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly.

Keeping Your Belgian Malinois Puppy Healthy

Belgian Malinois are said to be one of the healthiest dog breeds. Since they are often bred for specific work, Malinois often go through extensive health screening and are not bred if they are unhealthy. 

Here are some conditions that can affect Belgian Malinois: 

• Anesthesia Sensitivity
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Bloat or GDV

The Risk of Bloat in Belgian Malinois

Bloat, also called gastric dilatation-volvulus or gastric torsion, affects many dog breeds and is a life-threatening condition. 

Bloat is when the stomach becomes twisted, and the gases in the stomach are unable to escape. The pressure from these gases affects the blood flow to the heart, and it can be fatal. 

To prevent bloat:

1. Avoid feeding your dog right before or after heavy exercise.
2. Feed them a few smaller meals a day instead of one large meal to prevent bloat. Learn to recognize the symptoms of bloat so you can take action immediately.

Some owners choose to have surgery done to tack their dog’s stomach in place and prevent it from twisting. 

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia 

Like all dog breeds, they are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues in dogs. 

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip and can result in limping, lameness, or arthritis if it’s not addressed.

Hip and elbow dysplasia can be genetic, or it can be caused by environmental factors such as overeating or injuries. 

Here are some ways to prevent hip dysplasia in your puppy: 

1. Ask the breeder for an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hip Clearance. Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn’t be bred. 
2. Talk to your vet about the right food for your puppy and stick to the correct amount to prevent unhealthy growth. 
3. Keep your puppy from running or jumping excessively on hard surfaces and from standing on their hind legs.  

Protect Your Belgian Malinois from Obesity 

You can protect your dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity. One of the best ways to extend your dog’s life is by feeding them the correct amount of food and giving them adequate exercise.

Typical Belgian Malinois Allergens

First of all, what causes allergies? 

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Both animals and humans shed these dead skin cells. Dander is attached to the fur that dogs shed. 

Belgian Malinois are moderate shedders and are not considered an allergen-friendly breed. Allergens can be lowered with regular brushing and bathing. 

If you or someone in your home has animal allergy concerns, please consult your health provider before adopting a puppy.