Life Span:	12-14 years
Litter Size:	6 to 10 puppies
Group:	Herding and AKC Herding and part of the Sheepdog family
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	The most basic color of the Belgian Malinois is a rich fawn color to mahogany with black tips on the hair. Most dogs with the fawn to mahogany color also have white spots or patches on the paws and chest.
Hair Length:	Short
Size:	Large
Shedding:	Moderate Shed
Male Height:	24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Male Weight:	65-75 pounds (29-34 kg)
Female Height:	22-24 (56-61)
Female Weight:	55-65 pounds (25-30 kg)
Living Area:	The Belgian Malinois is such an active dog that he will need to spend a lot of time outdoors running and playing. Although he loves taking walks with his master, he needs to be able to run and jog as well. He may love the outdoors for playing, but he will do better living inside the home where he can be with his family members all the time.

About this Breed

The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized, hard-working dog in the sheepdog family. Although it is known in the United States as Belgian Malinois, it is often classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Many dog experts use the word "square" to describe this dog because its body is almost as long as it is tall. The Belgian Malinois is strong, muscular dog with a level back and a slope at the withers and deep chest that goes down to the elbow. It has a long tail that reaches to the hock. The legs are long and straight with the dewclaws usually removed. The hair is short coated, eyes are dark and almond shaped, and ears are erect and alert. In many ways, the Malinois is similar to the German shepherd. He has a very elegant appearance of being strong and solid but not bulky. The Belgian Malinois is a very sensitive dog that makes a great family dog, but not for a beginner dog owner. They are loaded with energy and usually want to use this energy up with their master. It is important that you find activities for them to do so they don't find stuff to do on their own, stuff that may be negative. Because of their sensitive nature, many owners have stated that when they have a bad day, the dog just knows and responds accordingly. This dog is exceptionally intelligent and easily trained. They thrive on pleasing their master and doing things with them, never tiring of doing things together. They do not respond well to loud verbal discipline but rather to positive praise. Because of their intelligence and high energy level, they excel in many dog sports such as agility, flyball, herding, search and rescue and competitive obedience. It is important to give the Malinois plenty of exercise and opportunity to run off all its energy. The Belgian Malinois makes a great family dog getting along well with all family members including children, especially if they grew up together. It is a good idea to socialize your Malinois with the public to avoid shyness and being unsocialized with strangers. They are very protective dogs and will protect their master and their home, but they are not aggressive. The Malinois will not be happy living in a kennel as some dogs do, although they do tolerate the cold weather well. He is double coated so he'll shed in the house, but is still happiest in the house. Because of their high intelligence and desire to please, they are easy to housebreak with consistent training. It is fine to leave them alone in the house while you work, but they will need to have instant exercise outdoors when you arrive home.