Buyer question
Is a Belgian Malinois good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Belgian Malinois 1 out of 5 for beginners (experts only).
Source: the Belgian Malinois page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Belgian Malinois in the Animal Library
The detail
A Belgian herding dog now used worldwide by police and military units, the Malinois is bred for extreme drive, speed and focus. In the right hands it is a superb working partner; in a typical pet home it is usually more dog than anyone expected.
- Temperament
- Intense, driven, alert
- Best fit
- Working and sport handlers
- Trainability
- 5 out of 5 (Brilliant with a handler)
- Energy
- 5 out of 5 (2+ hrs work daily)
- Grooming load
- 2 out of 5 (Weekly brush, seasonal shed)
What to weigh
A Malinois needs hours of structured work every day and an experienced handler. Under-stimulated, it can become destructive, mouthy or reactive. Many end up in rescue after owners buy on looks alone.