Belgian Malinois Mix

Belgian Malinois were initially bred to be herding dogs, but have filled various roles over the years. They are notorious for their work ethic, which extends to all aspects of their lives, making them excellent dogs for service jobs like security, rescue work,  military, emotional assistance, and police work. Once relatively unknown, the Belgian Malinois has recently surged in popularity, especially as both a working dog and in designer mixes.

These hybrids display incredible intelligence and a willingness to learn. Additionally, they enjoy pleasing their owners with their newfound tricks. But besides being hard workers, Belgian Malinois mixes are also affectionate and enjoy bonding with their owners. Therefore, their intelligence, warmth, and work ethic are great traits to mix with other breeds. These hybrids are often medium to large canines that need a lot of attention but will give you their undying loyalty.

This article will focus on the German Malinois (German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix). But first, learn about some other interesting Malinois mixes.

Types of Belgian Malinois Mixes

Because the Belgian Malinois has such a high prey drive and a stubborn streak, it is unsuitable for novice dog owners. Therefore, most of its hybrids are similar in nature and should not live in a home with small children. However, many of these crossbreeds make impeccable guard dogs or service dogs, making them a desirable breed. There are several Malinois hybrids, so here are some of the most popular:

Cane Corso and Belgian Malinois Mix

The Cane Corso and Belgian Malinois mix is not a breed for the faint-hearted. This combination results in an intelligent, large-breed dog with a rebellious and assertive nature. However, they are also wise, courageous, loyal, and regal. Training these dogs will vary; they can either be obedient and eager-to-please like the Malinois or stubborn and disinterested like the Cane Corso. Therefore, training them from small puppies is best to shape them into well-balanced canines. This hybrid is not as playful as other Belgian Malinois mixes, but it is perfect for households looking for a companion to protect them.

Belgian Malinois and American Staffordshire Terrier Mix

The Belgian Malinois and American Staffordshire terrier mix is a high-maintenance breed requiring extensive training and attention. In addition, their curious natures make them mischievous roamers, so ensure your property is secured and they are kept on a leash when out. This is not a suitable hybrid for inactive people who don’t like leaving the house. They require a lot of exercise and a large outdoor area to play. These Belgian Malinois mixes are the perfect companions for runners and hikers. By keeping them busy, you prevent destructive behavior, so be sure they get at least 90 minutes of exercise daily.

Beauceron and Belgian Malinois Mix

The Beauceron and Belgian Malinois mix is a loving companion, notorious for its courageous and protective nature. Unfortunately, these dominant dogs are not suited for novice pet owners, as they instinctually want the alpha role. They require an experienced dog owner who has a firm hand and won’t take any nonsense. While they are affectionate towards children, their herding instincts may cause them to nip at kids’ ankles to get them into line. However, if socialized from puppyhood, you can avoid any bad habits. When training these Belgian Malinois mixes, never use punishment-based training, as this could backfire. Instead, they respond best to positive reinforcement like praise or treats. Lastly, these hybrids can suffer from separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Belgian Malinois Mix

The Best Dog Food for a Belgian Malinois Mix

Because German Malinois are medium to large-sized dogs with high-energy drives,  they require the right nutrients. Furthermore, they need the correct amount of healthy fats and protein to keep their skin, fur, muscles, and bones healthy. Therefore, feeding your hybrid high-quality dog food for their size is ideal. Many dog food brands make food specially formulated for large-sized breeds, but if you still don’t know which brand to buy, check the ingredient list. If protein is not the first ingredient listed, it is unsuitable for this breed. However, it is always best to consult your trusted veterinarian about what you should feed your pooch, as every dog is unique and will have different requirements.

Size and Weight

This hybrid is a medium to large-sized dog, weighing between 45 and 85 pounds, and its height ranges from 22 to 26 inches. In addition, they come in an array of colors, including gray, black, red, sable, cream, and fawn.

Common Health Issues

Unfortunately, both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds have several health concerns that could impact their offspring. While crossbreeds are usually healthier than their parent breeds, you still need to be on the lookout for the following conditions:

Degenerative Myelopathy

This condition occurs mainly in senior dogs but can sometimes affect younger dogs. Degenerative myelopathy attacks the spinal cord, causing a decline in transmission fibers in the spinal cord. There are two possible ways this can happen: axonal loss, the loss of actual nerve fibers, and demyelination, which damages the insulation between the fibers and the nerve. When this happens, it interferes with the communication between the brain and legs, causing symptoms like reduced mobility, loss of coordination, dragging, and can lead to paralysis.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

This condition is caused by a group of degenerative diseases impacting the cells in a dog’s retina. Unfortunately, PRA causes these cells to deteriorate, and as it progresses, it will lead to blindness.

Bloat

Bloat is also called gastric-dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex, and it is a potentially fatal condition. Therefore, if your dog displays any symptoms of this disease, it needs to see a veterinarian immediately. This health issue occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with air and starts to spin, cutting off blood flow from the heart to the hind limbs and abdomen. Since there is nowhere for the blood to go, it pools at the back end of the dog’s body, causing it to go into shock. In addition, once the pancreas is deprived of oxygen, it will release toxic hormones, which can stop your dog’s heart if you don’t get them to a vet in time.

Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

This condition is a congenital disease present from birth or a genetic disorder passed down from parent breeds. Dogs with endocrine pancreatic insufficiency do not produce enough pancreatic enzymes. Therefore, they have trouble digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Because they can’t digest specific foods, they cannot absorb vital nutrients, leading to weight loss, compromised immune systems, and large amounts of plaque and fatty feces. Unfortunately, EPI has no cure, but it is manageable with the proper diet and medications.

Other minor concerns include:

• Allergies
• Bone and joint problems
• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Cataracts

Life Expectancy

German Malinois have a relatively long lifespan considering their size. They can live between 10 and 14 years.

Temperament

Both parent breeds of the German Malinois are known for their aggression, and the rumors are not wrong. These dogs can be scary when they are threatened. But it’s important to note that they know when aggression is necessary. In other words, they will not attack unless they sense danger. This Belgian Malinois mix is actually very loving, and although they are generally wary of strangers, they will relax if they sense their owners are comfortable. However, these hybrids are best suited for farm life as working dogs have tons of energy that must be released throughout the day.

How to Take Care of a Belgian Malinois Mix

Taking care of this hybrid is challenging at best. They have a lot of needs and require constant attention. Therefore, if you are looking for a low-maintenance breed, this is not the designer breed for you.

Grooming

The German Malinois is likely to have high-density, medium-length, straight hair that is relatively coarse. They are also heavy shedders, so they are not ideal for people with allergies. These dogs need a good brush at least three times a week and once a day when shedding season rolls around.

Bathing should only occur when they are really dirty; if you bathe them too frequently, you wash away all their natural oils, which keep their skin moisturized and healthy. In addition, their nails will need trimming every three months, or once they touch the ground. Their ears can trap plenty of dirt and debris, so wiping them down regularly will prevent infection. Lastly, look after their teeth! Their oral health is just as important as yours, so brush their teeth at least three times a week with dog-friendly toothpaste.

Training

Because the German Malinois comes from two incredibly intelligent breeds, they pick up commands quickly. However, their stubborn nature makes it challenging to train them. While they enjoy learning new tricks and are eager to please, their strong-willed nature sometimes makes them hard-headed. That’s why hiring a professional trainer would be an immense help. Additionally, owners need to establish the alpha role as soon as possible, as these hybrids are natural leaders and will try to push the boundaries.

Exercise

One of the reasons these Belgian Malinois mixes are seen as high-maintenance is their high-energy levels. They need a lot of physical activity to keep them happy and healthy. In fact, these canines are better off as working dogs, as tasks keep them both mentally and physically stimulated. These dogs need at least 2 hours of exercise daily. In addition, they enjoy playing fetch, chasing Frisbees, and obedience training.

Puppies

German Malinois can have between four and six puppies per litter. It’s essential to start training and socializing these pups as soon as you bring them home, as they can easily assume the dominant role and misbehave.

Belgian Malinois Mix and Children

The German Malinois is not a suitable breed for families with younger children. Their deep herding instincts may coax them into trying to herd your children by nipping them on the ankles. In addition, they are not very tolerant and can snap if children mistreat them. However, they are great with older children and will protect them with their lives.

Cost

There are not many reputable German Malinois breeders, so they are quite expensive. Therefore, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $9,000 for one of these hybrids, depending on pedigree, training, and breeder reputation.

Other expenses to consider are:

• Food
• Insurance
• Veterinary bills
• Toys
• Bed
• Grooming
• Microchipping

Dogs similar to the Belgian Malinois Mix

• Belgian sheepdog
• Schipperke
• Bouvier des Flandres