Belgian Malinois

Good to know

• Working dogs first: widely used for police and military work, they have intense drive and need far more than walks to be content.
• Daily mental work: they thrive on training, dog sports and tasks, and can become destructive if under-stimulated.
• Not for beginners: their energy and protectiveness suit experienced owners committed to consistent, reward-based training.
• Herding instinct: they may circle, chase or nip, a trait from their herding origins in Belgium.
• Short coat, seasonal shedding: the short coat needs weekly brushing and sheds more heavily twice a year.

Getting out with a Belgian Malinois

Bred to keep going: they need plenty of exercise every day, like long trail walks, hikes and off-leash play where it's allowed.

Explore more breeds in the Herding group