Belgian Malinois
Athletic, determined and unstoppable
Mals 101
Herding groupThe Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian herding dogs that can be identified by their coats, of which the Malinois has the shortest. The Mal, however, is by far the most challenging of these breeds to own. They excel as military and police dogs, but are likely too much dog for those inexperienced with high-drive dogs or unable to provide them with enough training and exercise. They are intelligent, easy to train and utterly fearless.
What we love about Mals
If you're up to the challenge of having one, they'll never let you down
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Mal
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Trauma
Skin allergies
Foreign body ingestion †
Senior Mal
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Arthritis
Intervertebral disc disease
Trauma
Mal puppy
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Gastroenteritis
Trauma
Conjunctivitis
Young adult Mal
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Trauma
Foreign body ingestion
Mature adult Mal
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Trauma
Skin allergies
Foreign body ingestion †
Senior Mal
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Arthritis
Intervertebral disc disease
Trauma
Mal puppy
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Gastroenteritis
Trauma
Conjunctivitis
Young adult Mal
Risk level for common Mal conditions
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Trauma
Foreign body ingestion
Nationwide can help you save on your Belgian Malinois's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
Get your Belgian Malinois’s health information in a free report
A Belgian Malinois named Cairo was the only non-human member of the U.S. Navy Seal team on the mission that raided the complex of Osama bin Laden.
Belgian Malinois coat care and colors
The Malinois has a short, dense coat that is relatively easy to care for; just regular brushing to reduce shedding and nail trims as needed.
How often should I bathe my Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Malinois can be bathed monthly, weekly or as needed (if they roll in mud, for example!). Use a pet-specific shampoo and conditioner or an all-in-one product. If your dog’s coat or skin isn’t looking healthy, check with your veterinary healthcare team to see what might be causing the problem.
What kind of shampoo should I use on my Belgian Malinois?
Unless your dog requires a medicated shampoo prescribed or recommended by a veterinarian, any high-quality shampoo, conditioner or all-in-one product will be fine.
How often should I brush my Belgian Malinois?
Bathing as needed, regular nail trimming or grinding and weekly combing and brushing will keep your Belgian Malinois' coat in good shape.
Mal exercise & training
Mal fun facts
Top girl names for Mals
of Mals are female
of Mals are male
Top boy names for Mals
Nationwide loves Belgian Malinoiss of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Mals
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