Belgian Malinois Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Training, Food, and More!

Belgian Malinois are quickly becoming more and more popular. Therefore, you’re much more likely to find them in your area and even find a breeder near you. But, they are still one of the more expensive dog breeds, largely because Belgian Malinois prices have only risen with the demand.

Below, we’ll take a look at exactly what you can expect this breed to cost, including the initial purchase and all the supplies you’ll need afterward.

How Much Does a Belgian Malinois Puppy Cost?

Belgian Malinois puppies can be expensive, especially if you choose a dog with good parentage from a quality breeder. Show- and quality-working breeders often charge around $2000 to $4000 for a puppy. If you want a very high-quality puppy, you’ll need to spend around $5000 or even more.

Of course, you can find Belgian Malinoises for cheaper, but it often isn’t a great idea. Puppy mills and backyard breeders often focus solely on profit and may not provide proper care for the puppies. Researching and choosing a responsible breeder or considering adoption from shelters and rescues is crucial.

Often, selecting a quality breeder will help ensure that the puppy is healthy (or has at least had the proper genetic testing).

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Belgian Malinois

There are many factors involved in the price of a Belgian Malinois. For instance, the dog’s bloodline is particularly important. A strong lineage with desirable traits and a strong working ability will often make a puppy more expensive.

Dogs with a lineage that includes multiple champions and titled dogs (in conformation shows, working trials, etc.) can command higher prices. This lineage showcases excellence in breed standards, skills, and, often, superior health.

Your location also matters. Some breeds are more common in certain locations than others. If there aren’t any Belgian Malinois near you, you’ll often have to pay extra. Even if breeders are near you, high demand can increase prices.

If there are fewer reputable breeders in a particular area, the limited supply can drive up prices. Conversely, areas with multiple breeders might have more competitive pricing.

Sometimes, particular factors regarding the dog may also affect the price. Distinctive or rare markings can influence the price, for instance. However, these dogs may be less healthy, especially if the breeder specifically bred for these markings.

Belgian Malinois that have undergone professional training, particularly for specific roles such as protection work or police work, will generally be priced higher due to the added value of their skills. These dogs can be tens of thousands of dollars.

Reputable breeders invest in health testing for their breeding dogs to ensure the puppies have the best genetic health possible. Dogs with health clearances and health guarantees might have higher prices, as these factors provide peace of mind to buyers. Usually, these guarantees are why professionally bred dogs cost more.

Some breeders include additional services such as initial vaccinations, microchipping, starter kits, and even basic training. These extras can influence the total cost.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Belgian Malinois

These dogs do not have particularly high health expenses. They’re generally pretty healthy dogs. However, they will need health care, so you must still budget for this expense.

Puppies require a series of vaccinations to protect them against various diseases. These vaccinations are typically given in multiple rounds, starting at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. These vaccinations are required but can cost a couple hundred dollars for the whole set.

You’ll also have to pay for booster vaccines annually or every three years. These may cost $50 to $100 each year.

Your canine will also benefit from other types of preventative medicine, such as flea and tick prevention. You can get these from your vet or purchase them from your local pet store. They can be expensive, but not purchasing them can also be expensive.

Annual or biannual veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your dog’s overall health and catch any potential issues early. The cost of a routine examination can range from $50 to $150.

On top of routine care, you’ll also have to pay for emergencies, though you’ll have no idea when these will pop up. Emergencies and unexpected health problems can arise at any time, so it’s important to have dedicated funds or pet insurance to help cover these costs.

In many cases, you’ll also want to spay or neuter your canine. This surgery can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, with males usually costing less than females. You’ll only need to pay for this surgery once, luckily.

Dental care, including routine cleanings and potential dental procedures, can also impact your expenses. A Belgian Malinois may need more dental care than other dogs. Cleanings may range from $100 to $300 or more. Dental issues can be deadly, as they give bacteria easy access to the bloodstream. Therefore, it’s vital that dental care is taken seriously.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois aren’t huge dogs, so they typically don’t cost more to take care of than your average canine. Of course, even lots of small costs can add up, so it’s vital to budget appropriately.

Belgian Malinois are active and energetic dogs requiring high-quality nutrition to support their energy levels and overall health. The cost of dog food can vary significantly based on the brand, type (dry, wet, raw), and quality. The costs are $40 to $100 a month for a typical diet.

However, if you want to feed raw or fresh food, expect $300 or more each month.

You’ll also need to invest in treats for training purposes. The cost can vary depending on the brand and quality. However, you can typically purchase a bag for less than $20.

Be sure to budget for toys, as these dogs are pretty active. You can expect to spend around $10 to $50 monthly for dog toys – even more with puppies.

Grooming supplies include brushes, nail clippers, shampoos, and other items for maintaining your dog’s coat and hygiene. These costs can vary but may average around $20 to $50 per month. Those who choose professional grooming may pay more (though this is absolutely optional for this dog).

Your dog will also need a collar and leash. You should only have to purchase these a few times in your dog’s lifespan, but they can cost up to $50.

A comfortable bed and a suitable crate for your dog’s size are important investments. Beds can range from $20 to $100, while crates can vary widely based on size and features, ranging from $50 to $200 or more.

Belgian Malinoises are known for their trainability, so you’ll probably want to put them in training classes. These can cost $50 to $400, depending on the length and type of class. Group classes are recommended, as they are cheaper and help with socialization.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Belgian Malinois?

The cost of pet insurance for a Belgian Malinois can vary widely based on factors such as the age of the dog, the coverage plan chosen, the insurance provider, and the location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per month for pet insurance for a Belgian Malinois.

The age of the dog is a vital factor. For instance, puppies often receive lower insurance premiums, while older dogs have to pay more. Insuring a puppy is much more affordable, as older dogs are more prone to health problems.

Pet insurance usually offers different levels of coverage, as well. Plans can be accident-only (which are often much cheaper). However, you won’t get coverage for illnesses or routine care with these cheaper plans. Comprehensive plans may cover a lot, but they are also very expensive.

Your zip code will greatly affect the price, so most insurance companies require your location before offering a quote. Rural areas are typically less expensive, as vet care is cheaper there.

Some insurance plans offer add-ons for things like dental care, prescription medications, alternative therapies, and more. These can increase the overall cost of the insurance premium.

Different insurance companies offer different prices, as well. Therefore, you may want to shop a bit to find the best price.

How Much Does it Cost to Train a Belgian Malinois?

It mostly depends on the training you’re looking for. We particularly recommend group training, as these provide both training and socialization. These classes often range from $50 to $150 for a multi-week course. Different levels are often provided.

You can also choose private training sessions, where trainers work one-on-one with your dog. This can be helpful if your dog has a particular behavioral problem that you need to solve. However, they can be expensive – as much as $50 to $150 per session.

Board and training programs are also available. This involves your dog staying with a trainer for an extended period and receiving extensive training. These programs can cost thousands of dollars, though.

If you’re looking for specialized training, such as protection work, search and rescue, or service dog training, costs can be significantly higher. These programs can range from $1000 to $5000 or more, depending on the complexity of the training and the trainer’s expertise.