Q&A for How to Identify a Belgian Malinois

Focus on training him. It may help to invest in a harness for walks so you can gently tug on the leash to slow him down without injuring him. Reward him when he walks instead of runs, as infrequent as this may be, so that he will be more encouraged to keep a slow pace. Belgian Malinois are known for being intelligent and alert, so he should respond well to training if you keep it consistent and positive.

Because Belgian malinois are known to be active with a high prey drive, they may run around frequently or chase animals they notice outside. German shepherds also have a lot of energy, and are prone to destructive behaviors like digging, chewing or barking if they are left alone for awhile. Regardless of what breed your dog is, training your Belgian malinois or German shepherd cross can help to correct any of these or other negative behaviors you may notice while the dog is outside.

Most commonly, a Belgian malinois has a solid pink tongue. However, they are a breed that is occasionally known to have spotted tongues, and this is completely normal for them.

Most Belgian malinois have brown eyes, typically a dark shade of brown. Though it is sometimes possible for one to have amber-colored eyes, particularly if they have liver coats, they are not known to have blue eyes. A blue-eyed malinois is likely the product of a mixed breed heritage.

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.

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.

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.

A Belgian malinois is primarily brown with a black overlay and mask, sometimes with a white chest spot, which may resemble a black dog with brown markings. However, they would not have black and brown coats similar to those of a rottweiler or Doberman.