Mals 101

Herding group

The 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

Energy level

Bark level

Very vocal
Talkative
As needed

Size

22 to 26 inches tall

My pet’s health planner`SM`

Mature adult Mal

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Trauma

Skin allergies

Foreign body ingestion †

Senior Mal

9+ years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Arthritis

Intervertebral disc disease

Trauma

Mal puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Gastroenteritis

Trauma

Conjunctivitis

Young adult Mal

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Trauma

Foreign body ingestion

Mature adult Mal

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Trauma

Skin allergies

Foreign body ingestion †

Senior Mal

9+ years

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Arthritis

Intervertebral disc disease

Trauma

Mal puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Mal conditions

Gastroenteritis

Trauma

Conjunctivitis

Young adult Mal

10 months to 4 years

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.