Belgian Malinois Dog Breed
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- Males – 21 to 22 inches at the withers, Females – 20 to 21 inches at the withers
- Weight
- Males – 60 to 75 pounds, Females – 40 to 55 pounds
- Coat
- Short
- Color
- Fawn to rich mahogany with black tips on the hairs
- Energy
- High
- Activities
- Tracking, Herding, Conformation, Police and Military Work, Search and Rescue, Carting, Agility, Obedience, Schutzhund
Alert and confident, the Belgian Malinois is a popular police and military dog. One of four types of Belgian sheepherding dogs, the Malinois was developed in the 1800s by dedicated trainers who prized the breed’s excellent working character. Distinguished by his short fawn coat and black mask, the Belgian Malinois is affectionate with his owners but also naturally protective without being overly aggressive.
Did you know
The Belgian Malinois is named for Malines, a city in northern Belgium where the breed originated. After World War II, the Malinois decreased in popularity in the U.S. until the 1960s, when importations of the breed increased, contributing to steady growth ever since.