How to Identify a Belgian Malinois

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The Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian shepherd breeds (also including the Belgian Laekenois, Tervuren, and Sheepdog), being the most popular among the four and a member of the herding group. [1] Belgian Malinois are distinct from the other Belgian breeds due to their short coats, but they may still be confused with them and other breeds, such as the German Shepherd . Fortunately, this wikiHow will help you identify key Malinois traits to distinguish them from other dogs.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Viewing the Body Structure

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  1. Belgian Malinois are fairly large dogs. Males can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds (27 to 36 kg) with a height of 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm), and females stand from 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) and weigh 40–60 pounds (18–27 kg). [2]
  2. The head of a Malinois is overall proportionate in size to the body and is clean-cut and strong without heaviness, the top being more flattened than rounded. Malinois have moderately pointed muzzles that are approximately equal in length to the topskull. They have a scissors or level bite, a black nose and lips, and an expression of alertness and readiness for activity. [3]
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  3. A Belgian Malinois' eyes are medium-sized and slightly almond-shaped. They are brown in color, preferably dark, and not protruding, with black rims. [4]
  4. The ears are stiff and erect, proportionate to the head in size. They approach an equilateral triangle shape. The outer corner of the ear should not, if held down, come below the eye's center. [5]
  5. Belgian Malinois are cat-footed and have round paws that are well-padded. The hind feet may be slightly elongated, and dewclaws are typically removed. The toes curve close together, with strong nails that are usually black but may be white to match white toe tips. [6]
  6. A Malinois' tail is strong at the base and the bone reaches the hock. When in action, it is raised with a slight curve without forming a hook and is strongest at the tip. [7]
  7. Malinois are well-balanced with a square build and appear strong, well-muscled, and agile. They give an impression of solidity and depth without being bulky. Malinois have a round neck, a level topline, long shoulders, a deep chest, and parallel legs. They walk with a smooth, easy, never tiring gait and tend to move in a circle rather than a straight line. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Observing the Coat

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  1. Belgian Malinois have comparatively short, straight coats. The coat is hard enough to be weather-resistant, includes a dense undercoat, and conforms to the body without hanging down or standing out. The hair on the head, ears, and lower legs is very short and somewhat longer on the tail, backs of the thighs, and neck, where it forms a collarette. [9]

    Did you know? In some countries, the Belgian Malinois, Laekenois, Tervuren, and Sheepdog are all considered one breed. The main difference between the four dogs is the coat: Malinois are shorthaired, Laekenois are wirehaired, Tervurens are longhaired with blackened fawn/red coloring, and Sheepdogs are longhaired with black coloring. [10]

  2. A Malinois' coat is a basic brown in color, ranging from rich fawn to mahogany. The underparts of the body, tail, and breeches may be a lighter fawn, though not a washed-out fawn color. [11]
  3. Some hairs on a Belgian Malinois have black tips, giving the appearance of an overlay. Malinois also typically have black ears and a black mask on the face. [12]
    • Occasionally, a Belgian Malinois may be seen with white markings on the toes or a small white mark on the breastbone (not extending to the neck). [13]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Notice of Temperament

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  1. Belgian Malinois were originally bred to herd, so it's no surprise that they're very active dogs. They have high energy levels and require regular vigorous activity. [14]

    Did you know? Though Belgian Malinois were originally herders, they've proven to be very versatile dogs and have since been seen in not only the show ring but the police force, military, as farm dogs, obedience and agility champions, and more. [15]

  2. Malinois are known for being intelligent dogs. They can excel in agility and obedience classes when properly trained . [16]
  3. A high level of prey drive is common in Malinois. A Malinois should be taught to correct any negative behavior relating to their high prey drive at an early age. [17]
  4. Belgian Malinois are extremely protective. This, along with their attentiveness and intelligence, make them excellent guard dogs without being overly aggressive. [18]
  5. Belgian Malinois are very alert and attentive. They are quick and responsive to commands. [19]
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  • Question
    Can a Belgian malinois have white paws and white at the end of the tail?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    A Belgian malinois can have white toe tips. A white tail tip is not a commonly recognized marking, but it is possible that the tail tip is a lighter shade of fawn.
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  • Question
    Can Belgian malinois mate with much smaller dogs resulting in "miniature malinois"? We have two small ten pound dogs which greatly resemble malinois.
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    A full-grown purebred Belgian malinois would weigh at least 40 pounds, so your dogs are either malinois mixes or another breed of dog. It is possible for a malinois to mate with dogs of a smaller breed, though it is unlikely that such a mix would perfectly resemble a small malinois.
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  • Question
    How do I correct my malinois from jumping fences?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    The solution that would likely be the most immediately effective is to install higher fencing. As an active breed, some may be able to scale fences as high as six feet tall on occasion. If your dog is a jumper, it is recommended to have an enclosed fence that is at least six feet tall, if not taller. Even with high fencing, you will need to dedicate time to training them, particularly if your fences are shorter. Take your dog near the fence and command them to either sit or stay, rewarding them when they obey. If you focus on getting them to stay and use positive reinforcement, they will learn to stay down when near fences with practice.
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      Tips

      • If the dog in question is your own, consider using a DNA test. DNA testing will confirm if your dog is a Belgian Malinois.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-tervuren/
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianMalinois.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/getting-right-belgian-malinois-good-fit/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/getting-right-belgian-malinois-good-fit/
      7. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois#
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/getting-right-belgian-malinois-good-fit/
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-fun-facts-about-the-belgian-malinois/
      10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/getting-right-belgian-malinois-good-fit/

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