The Belgian Malinois, also referred to as the Malinois or the Chien de Berger Belge, is a Belgium breed that was bred for herding sheep and guarding flocks. They resemble a German Shepherd, especially around the face. They are a mid-sized dog that stands between 22 and 26 inches, and they can weigh up to about 62 pounds. They have a short coarse coat that comes in fawn, black, gray, and red. They sometimes have black masks and overlaps.
This is a very obedient and loyal dog breed. They can be a great family pet with the right training and precautions. They are not a dog that you should rough house with or play chasing games with. These situations will rouse their natural herd protecting behaviors. They work best as the only pet in the household. However, if they are properly socialized and trained, it may be possible to introduce them to a new pet.
To care for this breed you will need to brush their coat regularly to keep it free of 
debris and dead hair. They shed twice a year. During these times you will want to brush them more often and pluck out hair clumps as they develop. This breed was developed as a working dog so you will need to provide them with lots of opportunities to get vigorous exercise. This will help to keep them happy and healthy. Obedience training is required with this breed, especially if they are to be a family dog. Early training will help to halt aggressive behavior and short tempers.
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14 Responses to “How to Train a Belgian Malinois”
my belgian shepherd is 3 months old and I would like to housetrain her to potty outside
I had one of these dogs and he was my best friend! Very protective of me and my kids. I had to find him another home when I moved into the city. With great regret! I miss my friend!
So where’s the link on how to train the Belgian Malinois?
i have a malinois, im cosidering takinng iny home, it failed the sesitivty test at the pound for biting. i need to know is this a behavvior i can corrected. hes an adult dog, very sweet but they said aggresive & not adoptable but i can sign a waiver & take him any way
If you’re going to take on a dog like that you need to know what you’re in for. This is a great breed but can be a tough breed if you aren’t used to handling working dogs.
i adopted a Belgian Malinois she is probably mixed. she is great with people and kids. shes super loveable with my two year old niece but she is very aggressive with other animals and dogs she sees in the streets. she is fine with my other dog but when we go out she goes straight into hunting mode. how can i change this?
Fixing aggression is a detailed and intensive process. At it’s core it’s about achieving three things:
1- High level obedience (Advanced level obedience to where the dog listens to commands even off the leash even with heavy distraction)
2- Application of that obedience at moments when the dog is being aggressive.
3- Correcting the aggression when it occurs.
Here is a video that explains more- https://www.dogbehavioronline.com/aggression-boxer/
And our product on fixing the problem- https://www.dogbehavioronline.com/curing-dog-aggression-p/
I have a belguimshepard and I wish she can get agresive to watch my property
i have a malinois and he is so sweet but very shy and timid hes 11 weeks old and i want to train him to be a guard dog although hes not aggressive at all. how do i bring out his aggression?
You are starting out entirely wrong. Guard dogs aren’t trained to be aggressive. You shouldn’t even be thinking along these terms as an 11 week old dog. You should be teaching him to be friendly and well socialized with everyone.
You really are not a good candidate to have a guard dog. If you’re going to move forward in this endeavor you need to find a professional in your area.
Hi, if anyone can give me tips I’d appreciate them…I have a 4 1/2 month old malinois/rottweiller mix…already 48 lbs…..He wants to bite at my feet when I’m walking and wants to bite/chew on arms…I’ve tried the sshh from C.Milan, pennies in a jar, squirt bottle, fly swatter, taking him by the collar and pinning like momma would do and growlling…..Also, trying to teach him to walk on leash..he wants to pull…I have a harness for him (like wrestling an anaconda into it)…anything that you guys can suggest is greatly appreciated…………
Here are my suggestions:
1- Don’t use a harness. These are awful tools that only teach a dog to pull. I’d use a pinch collar for a dog his size.
2- Keep the leash on at all times when you’re with the dog.
3- When he bites at you use the leash to give a correction.
Good luck.
I have one of these dogs she is a year old, she is very loving dog, I want her to be protective over myself and my grand children, whom she gets along with great. But when they come and play she gets very hyper; she never hurts them unless she scratches them with her paw while pawing at them. I am trying to train her on a lead but she pulls something fierce. I do not want her mean but I do want her to know when I say attack she will if a unwanted stranger comes in my home can you give me any tips on how to do this……
No, I can’t give you any tips on that. It’s not something that you’ll be able to do on your own. You really need to hire someone who is qualified and professional.