Are Belgian Malinois the Most Troublesome Dogs? 5 Common Complaints About Them 

The Belgian Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd or the Belgian Sheepdog, is a medium-sized dog breed originally from Belgium. These dogs are known for being strong, muscular, alert, friendly, and, at times, stubborn. Since adult Belgian Malinois dogs weigh between 44 and 66 pounds (depending on their sex), these dogs are not easy to boss around. Their owners love them for their loyal nature, athleticism, intelligence, and obedience. However, these fierce working dogs can also sometimes have a reputation for being territorial, overly protective, and strong-willed.

Are the Belgian Malinois the most troublesome dog breed? While there is no such thing as the “most troublesome,” these dogs do have some characteristics that could prove challenging for certain owners. This article covers some of these dogs’ most endearing qualities, as well as some of their more difficult traits. Let’s dive in now to 5 reasons why a Belgian Malinois may not be right for everyone.

Why Makes Them Great Dogs

First, we should acknowledge that Belgian Malinois are great dogs! Before we describe some of their more troublesome qualities, it is important for you to know that those who own and breed them love them. People bred these for a purpose and these dogs have wonderful attributes when in the right context.

At their best, these dogs are high-energy, extremely intelligent, and super smart. Since they were initially bred to be working dogs in Belgium, this breed of dog is strong and intelligent. They are capable of solving complex puzzles and working hard all day long. That makes them wonderful candidates for service in the military or with other law enforcement. They also make fantastic guide dogs for people with disabilities. They are also very loyal, protective, and loving toward their humans.

These dogs require lots of physical activity. In addition to that, keeping them happy means giving them puzzles to solve and plenty of mental stimulation every day. In fact, the Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy. Though affectionate and friendly, they need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. 

What Makes these Dogs Troublesome for Some Owners

A Belgian Malinois Needs A Lot of Exercise

Belgian Malinois need a lot of exercise. This is important to not just their physical well-being, but their mental health too. They must participate in daily exercise such as walking, running, hiking, and playing outdoors. If you prefer to stay inside and watch TV and want a couch potato for a pet, this dog breed may not be for you. A dog of this breed needs more exercise than a lot of other dog breeds, so it will be important that you schedule time for your dog to get plenty of physical exertion.

Some owners find that their Belgian Malinois is troublesome for reasons that may be related to a lack of physical or mental stimulation. When these dogs do not get enough energy out from exercise, they may become stressed and adopt unwanted behaviors. Their high energy level and herding instinct can also lead to other undesired actions. These dogs can be prone to chase bikes or cars. For that reason, it is important to keep your dog safely on a leash or behind a tall, secure fence. 

However, if you are someone who leads an active lifestyle and enjoys being outside, a Belgian Malinois could be perfect for you! Do you need a running buddy or a pet that can keep up on long hikes? Look no further!

A Belgian Malinois Needs Mental Stimulation

If you adopt a Belgian Malinois, know that you are getting a super smart dog that needs a problem to solve. These dogs were bred to work – not just to cuddle with you! Part of what makes them fantastic police dogs or military dogs is their ability to take on tasks. For example, the Secret Service uses this breed of dog to patrol the White House to keep the U.S. President safe. However, this means that your Belgian Malinois will not be content to simply sit at home or go on a short walk. Mental enrichment is important to their well-being. When these dogs do not get sufficient intellectual stimulation, they are prone to becoming anxious and may resort to behaviors like digging, biting, or tearing household items.

A Belgian Malinois Needs Consistent Training

Although Belgian Malinois dogs can be stubborn, they are very trainable. This makes them a popular choice for things like search and rescue training. However, when you get a puppy of this breed, you may observe that they tend to nip and bite. This has given the breed the nickname of being “Maligators.” These dogs love to use their teeth to nip and grab! Training these dogs does take time, attention, expertise, and sufficient exercise every single day – rain or shine. Since many dog owners are looking for docile, calm, and lower-energy pets, those who do not have the time or capacity to invest in training a Belgian Malinois may want to look at other breeds.

A Belgian Malinois May Not Be the Best Family Dog for Everyone

Belgian Malinois were bred to be herding dogs. They have a strong herding instinct, strong prey drive, and playful nature that can make them an accidental risk to young children. This is particularly true if your dog is already experiencing mental or physical stress from a lack of exercise, showing unhealthy or unpredictable behavior, or is lacking structure and training. Placing children who do not yet know how to interact with dogs in the same environment as an untrained yet powerful animal can pose a risk to both your pet and your child. 

A Belgian Malinois can certainly be a wonderful dog for you and your family. However, you will want to invest in training beforehand and give plenty of thought to teaching your children to interact with a dog. You will also want to monitor all interactions between your dog and your children and watch carefully for signs of aggression or anxiety in your pet. If you do observe symptoms of stress or agitation in your dog, consider whether all of their needs are being met – including their daily need for training, physical exertion, food, and mental stimulation.

A Belgian Malinois is Protective and Loyal but Can Be Standoffish to Strangers

If your Belgian Malinois seems loyal and affectionate to his owners but standoffish and reserved around strangers, that is not unusual at all for the breed. It is pretty normal for Belgian Malinois to be protective of their family, obey their owner’s commands, and be extremely loyal. However, if they are not socialized properly with other dogs and people at a young age, these dogs can also develop aggressive tendencies toward other animals or humans. This is yet another great reason to expose your dog to a wide variety of people, animals, and environments as early as possible! 

In general, though, owners who devote time to training, socializing their Belgian Malinois, and meeting all of their dog’s physical and mental needs do not need to be overly worried about the dog becoming aggressive. Remember, these dogs are not a naturally aggressive breed, but they do have a protective instinct that comes from their breed’s herding nature.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Frank Craddock / CC BY-SA 4.0 – License / Original