10 Surprising Belgian Malinois Facts: Elite Working Dog Traits

Resembling the iconic German Shepherd but with a more compact frame, Belgian Malinois dogs have gained popularity family pets in recent years. These intelligent and athletic canines are known for their loyalty, energy, and versatility.

If you’re unfamiliar with the breed, you might be surprised to learn some unexpected facts about Belgian Malinois. From their history to their special skills, there’s a lot to discover about this fascinating breed.

1. A Breed with Some of the Highest Intelligence Levels

Belgian Malinois are known for their high level of intelligence. A recent study by researchers from the University of Helsinki found the Belgian Malinois to be one of the most intelligent breeds. Their study was based on results from the smartDOG test battery. This battery of seven separate tests measured the intelligence of over 1,000 dogs across 13 breeds. These tests include:

• Greeting: How the dog reacts to meeting a human, rated on a scale of 1-7
• Activity Level
• Cylinder Test: Measures impulsivity and inhibitory control
• Reaction to Various Human Gestures
• Spatial Problem Solving: How a dog reaches a food reward by detouring around a v-shaped obstacle
• Unsolvable Task: Measures social cognition, help-seeking behavior, persistence, problem-solving strategy
• Logical Reasoning Test
• Memory vs. Gesture Test
• Memory Test

The Malinois performed well on many of these tests. It didn’t perform as well in the greeting test as notoriously friendly breeds like Golden Retrievers, but it was far from the worst of the bunch. In other tests, the dog excelled, making it one of the most intelligent breeds in the study. According to researcher Katriina Kiira, “The Belgian malinois stood out in many of the cognitive tasks, having very good results in a majority of the tests.”

2. Preferred Breed for Military Working Dogs

Belgian Malinois are the United States Military’s top pick for military working dogs – in fact, according to the Department of Defense, it’s the only breed raised in the DoD Military Working Dog Breed Program at the 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio. This program adds between 50 and 90 Belgian Malinois puppies each year.

Why does the military prefer Belgian Malinois over the traditional military working dog, the German Shepherd? Part of it is their compact frames, but also their high energy levels, great sense of smell, trainability, agility and speed, work ethic, loyalty and ferocity (only when needed, of course). In a study titled “World Cup of Working Dogs,” Malinois scored significantly higher in the categories of obedience and defense compared with German Shepherds, while there was no significant statistical difference in the two breeds’ scent dog abilities. The evaluation included 799 dogs, of which 418 were German Shepherds and 381 Malinois.

In fact, a Belgian Malinois named Cairo was part of the team that killed Osama Bin Ladin in 2011 in Pakistan.

3. High Energy Requirements

Belgian Malinois dogs have incredibly high energy levels. You’ll need to be prepared for a pet that requires lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs need at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity each day. This can include running, hiking, swimming, or playing fetch.

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining the health and vitality of your Belgian Malinois. Fresh, human-grade dog food provides balanced nutrients tailored to their specific needs, supporting their energy levels, coat health, and overall longevity. Choosing high-quality food ensures your energetic companion thrives.

4. Challenging Behavior in Unstimulated Environments

Belgian Malinois dogs are known for their high energy and intelligence. Without proper mental and physical stimulation, they can develop challenging behaviors. In unstimulated environments, your Malinois may become restless and destructive. That means they might chew on furniture, dig up your yard, or bark excessively.

Moreover, excessive barking is a common issue when these dogs are bored. They may also become overly anxious or develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. To prevent these problems, you need to provide your Malinois with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

5. Loyal to a Fault

Belgian Malinois are known for their extreme loyalty. These dogs form deep bonds with their owners and will do anything to protect them. You’ll find that your Malinois will stick by your side no matter what. They’re often called “velcro dogs” because they want to be near you all the time.

This loyalty can sometimes be too much because Belgian Malinois may become anxious when left alone. They form deep, loyal bonds with their handlers, which can lead to separation anxiety.

6. Require Consistent Training

Belgian Malinois need regular training to thrive. These smart dogs pick up new skills quickly, but they also need constant practice to keep those skills sharp. You’ll find that training your Belgian Malinois is an ongoing process. It’s not something you can do once and forget about, which means your Malinois will need daily training sessions to stay mentally stimulated and well-behaved.

After a day filled with vigorous activities, your Belgian Malinois deserves a restful retreat. Investing in a high-quality dog bed designed for active breeds ensures they have a comfortable place to relax and rejuvenate, promoting joint health and overall well-being.

7. Often Used in Police Work

Belgian Malinois dogs are a top choice for police departments worldwide. You’ll often see these dogs working alongside officers in various roles. These intelligent dogs excel at tracking suspects and missing persons. Moreover, their keen sense of smell and agility make them perfect for search and rescue operations.

Belgian Malinois are also skilled at detecting drugs and explosives. Police use them to sniff out illegal substances in airports, border crossings, and other security checkpoints. According to a study on breed behaviors by the Department of Ethology at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University:

“…[C]ooperative breeds such as herding dogs and utility breeds (e.g. German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Malinois) are preferentially used for activities that require high levels of attention for commands and signals (e.g. agility, obedience); independently working dog breeds are likely trained for activities where determination and stamina are needed (e.g. sled dogs in canicross and bikejöring; Staffordshire and Pitbull terriers in weight pulling).”

8. Sensitive to Their Handler’s Emotions

Belgian Malinois are highly sensitive dogs. They can pick up on your emotions and mood changes quickly, which makes them excellent working dogs and companions. Your Malinois will react to your stress, anxiety, or excitement, so if you’re feeling tense, your dog may become more alert or anxious. And when you’re happy, your Malinois is likely to be more relaxed and playful.

This emotional connection means you need to be mindful of your own state. Staying calm and positive can help keep your Malinois balanced and your dog will look to you for cues on how to behave in different situations.

9. Exceptional Agility

Belgian Malinois dogs are known for their incredible agility, moving quickly and gracefully. Furthermore, these dogs excel in agility competitions and obstacle courses. Their lean, muscular bodies allow them to jump, climb, and weave with ease.

You’ll notice their ability to change direction rapidly. This skill makes them favored for tasks requiring speed and agility. Moreover, Belgian Malinois can easily leap over high fences and walls. Their jumping ability is impressive, often reaching heights of 6 feet or more.

10. Frequent Grooming Needed

You might think Belgian Malinois don’t need much grooming due to their short coat. But this isn’t true. These dogs need regular care to keep their coat and skin healthy. So make sure you brush your Malinois 2-3 times a week using a pin brush. This helps remove loose fur and prevents matting and it also spreads natural oils through the coat, keeping it shiny and healthy.

Bottom Line

Understanding the unique characteristics and needs of the Belgian Malinois is essential for providing them with a fulfilling life. By ensuring they have a comfortable resting place, proper nutrition, and health coverage, you can support their well-being and enjoy a rewarding companionship with this remarkable breed.