Belgian Malinois Military Working Dogs

Belgian Malinois History.  

Belgian Shepherd Dogs were established as a breed during the latter part of the 19th Century. The Belgian Malinois is in fact a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Other varieties are the Groenendael, long-haired and black; the Tervuren, long-haired and red- brown or gray with black mask, ears and overlay; and the Laekenois, wirehaired and red- brown or gray, is recognized as a Tervuren if born into a Tervuren litter. Since 1901 The Club Societe Royale de St. Hubert has recognized and registered the Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Laekenois. 

The wirehaired is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States. Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Laekenois are considered different varieties but one breed by The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC). In 1911 the first two Malinois were imported into the United States: Belgian Blackie AKC #148516 and Belgian Mouche AKC #148517. From 1911 to 1958 Belgians were registered with the AKC as Belgian Sheepdogs. In 1958 the AKC declared the Belgians to be three distinct breeds. From 1959 to 1965 Belgian Malinois were placed in the Miscellaneous Class. Both the Groenendael (registered as the Belgian Sheepdog) and the Tervuren were placed in the Working Group as separate breeds. In 1965 the Belgian Malinois was reinstated in the Working Group. In 1983 all three Belgians were placed in the newly formed Herding Group as separate breeds.

In Europe the Belgian Malinois (short-haired fawn) is one of four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The other varieties are the Groenendael (long-haired black, called Belgian Sheepdog in the US), the Tervuren (long-haired fawn), and the Laekenois (wire-haired fawn or gray). The American Kennel Club split the varieties into three separate breeds back in the 1950s (AKC does not recognize the Laekenois). The genetics behind each breed are very similar, as are their personalities and temperaments. The advantage here is that a study of the more common Tervuren and Sheepdog will give you some indication of the qualities of the short-haired, fawn colored Malinois. A word of caution: The US Military has imported many dogs from the Netherlands for use as Military Working Dogs (MWDs). Although they refer to these dogs as Belgian Malinois, many of them are mixed with other breeds and do not possess all of the Belgian Malinois breed's characteristics.

The Belgian Malinois is a sensitive, family-oriented dog. They love to do anything and everything with their owners, and at times they will insist! They are not a breed that is happy being kenneled or otherwise deprived of their owner's companionship. They are also an extremely high-energy dog. This is an important note for if you are unprepared and do not enjoy their activity level, they can make your life miserable! Malinois, if not given something to occupy their time, will make something up by themselves - usually not to your liking. Many people have said that they have had active dogs in the past, but the Belgian Malinois differs in that all his energy is directed at his owner! If you throw the ball for him 100 times, then he will return it to you 101 times for another throw. A person often wonders if it is possible to ever wear these dogs out!


The Belgian Malinois is an extremely devoted dog. He likes to be your shadow whether you are going out for a jog or spending quiet time reading. He will even follow you around the house. They are an extremely sensitive dog and will pick up very quickly on their owner's mood. You may come home from work and reflect on the fact that you have had a bad day only after seeing your dog's expression. They seem to know what you are feeling almost before you do. It is uncanny and at the same time very rewarding to share that type of relationship with your dog.

The Belgian Malinois possesses a keen intelligence. They do not accept harsh punishment, but blossom when trained with positive methods based on rewarding proper behavior. Many owners report just showing their Belgian Malinois what is required and rewarding him for a proper response gets results. Their desire to please their owner is very strong. The breed excels in obedience, agility, tracking, herding, schutzhund, and search and rescue. Proper training and socialization is a must for the Belgian Malinois as his desire to work and his natural protectiveness can get him into trouble without direction. Puppies should be raised in a home environment and taken out often to see the world. 

They need lots of positive interactions with different people and situations so that they learn to accept the overtures of strangers. Belgian Malinois should be confident in their behavior toward strangers, never shy or skittish. Some shyness can be traced to a lack of early socialization (socialization later in life is important too)! Responsible breeders will evaluate the temperament of each puppy in their litter and will help you choose an individual Belgian Malinois that will fit best with your particular situation.

Fortunately the Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed. Although genetic problems are rare, there are a few heritable problems in the Malinois gene pool. You should be aware of these problems when choosing a breeder. There is hip and elbow dysplasia present in the breed, and all breeding stock should be certified clear of this problem. Responsible breeders will provide the proper documentation concerning hip certification. There is epilepsy present in the breed, although it is less prevalent in the Belgian Malinois than in the Tervuren and Sheepdog. A responsible breeder will be aware of this potential problem and will explain what steps they are taking to prevent it in their Belgian Malinois puppies. 

There has also been concern about eye defects in the Belgian Malinois, particularly Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The problem is present, though rare, in the Tervuren. There are heritable eye problems in the Belgian Sheepdog. For this reason all breeding stock should be certified free of hereditary eye diseases by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (C.E.R.F.). Again, responsible breeders will provide you with documentation. Fortunately genetic problems in the Malinois are rare. However, responsible breeders and puppy buyers need to be aware of these problems so that they do not become common tragedies.


Socialization and exposure to different situations and sounds should begin early and continue throughout the dog's life. Children should always be supervised and never be left alone with any dog of any breed. The Belgian Malinois excels in dog sports (Agility and Flyball) and activities such as herding, search and rescue, competitive obedience, jogging companion and more. An active lifestyle with many challenges is best for the Malinois to thrive to his full potential. Without this type of routine many Malinois can become destructive and hyper. Not every Belgian Malinois has the exact same degree of "high drive," but the first-time Belgian Malinois owner needs to be aware of these generally common traits. The Belgian Malinois is at his best when given a job, but it is equally important to integrate the Malinois into family life by setting clear behavior guidelines as well as training him to behave as a "Canine Good Citizen" whether at home, with guests or strangers, or in the park.

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