Why Belgian Malinois Dogs DON’T Make Good Pets.
In recent years, there has been a surge in people buying Belgian Malinois as pets. However, this breed of dog, isn’t for the faint-hearted. Many end up in rescue centres, because people did not realise what sort of lifestyle these dogs need. Thinking of getting a Malinois puppy? i – read our Holidays4Dogs article, to find out why Belgian Malinois dogs don’t make good pets.
There’s no doubt, the Malinois is a stunning breed of dog and can turn their hand at just about anything – they’re great all-rounders, but they don’t always make the best family pets for a number of reasons. They’re a little smaller and less heavy than the German shepherd – but they pack a huge punch!
This is why police forces regularly employ the Malinois as general purpose dogs. Malinois are also frequently used in military forces the world over.
BM’s were the first dogs used by the Belgian police force, but they were also employed by the Red Cross during the first World War.
Bred originally in Belgium, in the late 19th Century as herding and stock guarding dogs, they have a very long working history. Today, they remain one of the most high energy, intense, hyper-vigilant and highly-driven breeds of dog in the world.
How popular is the Malinois?
Their popularity has grown in recent years and has caught the attention of an increasing number of pet owners. According to National Animal Welfare Trust there was a surge in interest in these dogs after the film ‘Dog’, starring Channing Tatum, came out in 2022.
They claim, this lead to people buying these dogs, without realising they may not be suitable for their lifestyle. Malinois UK also claim that many of these dogs are finding themselves needing new homes, because owners have not researched the breed properly.
We carried out a sweep of a popular website selling dogs and found many adverts from people wanting to re-home their Malinois, because they found them to be too much work.
This is a worrying situation echoed by Valorant K9 Academy in the UK, who have seen a massive upsurge in owners coming to them, asking for help with training.
Sadly, there are many back-yard breeders churning out puppies. These puppies are then sold to un-suspecting dog owners, who lack the skills to train and stimulate such a high energy breed. This is borne out by looking at dog sale websites.
What is it like owning a Belgian Malinois?
Make no mistake, BM’s are highly intelligent, super-charged dogs. They are working dogs through and through and will always need some sort of job to do. These dogs can be serious hard work to the extent that, even some dog trainers wouldn’t take one on.
They are relentless in terms of energy – a once-a-day walk isn’t going to cut it. BM’s are super vigilant and will guard anything. This protective instinct needs careful handling from an early age and proper socialisation is crucial.
Malinois pick things up very quickly and soak up learning – puppy socialisation and training classes are an absolute must. Just be aware, that while they pick things up quickly – they can equally pick up bad habits just as readily!
While they are loving and loyal dogs – they can also be sensitive, so not ideal for busy households – especially ones with small children. They need sound handling and training, using positive methods.
They need consistency and patience and will not tolerate rough handling. This could even provoke aggression. As with any dog, they need someone who knows how to communicate with a dog in fair, motivational, force-free ways – but the ‘Mali’ requires this without doubt.
What sort of life does a Malinois need?
The Malinois is better suited to the experienced dog owner, who has an in-depth understanding of training and behaviour. People with limited knowledge of dog owning, or training, will find this breed of dog very challenging. They cannot be left alone for hours on end. Therefore, people who have busy work/life schedules shouldn’t entertain getting a Malinois.
It is essential these dogs are worked in some sort of discipline such as obedience, working trials, or agility – something they excel at. They also make good running, or jogging partners. However, while exercise is super important – it is equally important these dogs are mentally stimulated.
It’s imperative they engage in obedience, tracking, or some other canine sport.
Therefore, owners definitely need to join a specialised dog training club, attend regularly and practice daily at home – on top of daily exercise. Anyone taking on a ‘Mali’ is taking on a whole new lifestyle and a new hobby which will require much dedication, time and energy.
However, this could open up a whole new world of exciting canine sports, so if you want to get stuck in, learn and engage in energetic activities involving dogs – a Malinois could be a good match.
Do Malinois have any health problems?
Like many of the larger breeds BM’s can suffer from hip-dysplasia. It is, therefore, very important to buy puppies only from breeders who have carried out health screening on breeding stock. They can also suffer from epilepsy.
Final thoughts.
If you’re considering taking on a Belgian Malinois, make sure you do plenty of research. Local specialist dog training clubs may be willing to allow you to spectate, or chat to other owners of BM’s. Always check out breeder credentials and experience and make sure they are breeding from health tested dogs.
Lastly, consider the time and commitment you have to offer – these dogs don’t take kindly to having nothing to do and they most definitely need a huge amount of physical and mental stimulation. They are the equivalent of an elite sportsperson and would be miserable without an energetic lifestyle.
Once their needs are met, they can be loyal pets to have around the house too. However, the Belgian Malinois will never be happy just being a sedentary companion pet. They aspire to much more and need a structured career!
If you want a super intelligent, high-energy, Ferrari of the dog world – a Malinois is the ideal candidate. If you’re looking for a quiet, genteel companion – this is most certainly NOT the dog for you!