Belgian Malinois Pet Insurance
We supply award-winning Lifetime Belgian Malinois’s Insurance
Our guide to Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent, agile and highly driven breed that excels in both work and companionship, provided their needs are properly met. They’re also known as a Mal or Mali, or Maligator on account of their strong bite. Because they’re quite a bitey breed, they’re not really recommended for families, especially with young children.
Belgian Malinois quick facts
- Size: Males 60-66 cm, females 56-61 cm
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Weight: Males 25-30 kg, females 20-25 kg
- Colours: Various shades of red, fawn and grey, with a black overlay
- Temperament: Active, hardworking, protective
- Common health issues: Elbow and hip dysplasia, eye issues like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Country of origin: Belgium
Where does the Belgian Malinois come from?
One of four breeds of Belgian Shepherd (AKA Belgian Sheepdog), it’ll probably come as no surprise that they come from Belgium. Originally bred for herding, today they’re best known for their service in police, military and protection roles. This is thanks to their quick thinking, speed and loyalty.
What is the temperament of the Belgian Malinois
Highly intelligent
The Belgian Malinois is quick to learn and eager to work.
Loyal & protective
They form deep bonds with their humans and are naturally watchful.
Driven
They’re energetic and always ready for an activity or task.
Alert
They’re extremely aware of their surroundings and quick to react.
Confident but reserved
The Belgian Malinois is bold with familiar people, but without socialisation they can be cautious around strangers.
Are Belgian Malinois good family dogs?
As much as we love a Belgian Malinois, we’re going to have to say no. They’re quite a bitey breed, even biting their humans as a sign of affection. This is certainly unsuitable for younger children, and increases the chances of misinterpretation even among older children.
Do Belgian Malinois bark a lot?
They’re a vocal breed, and do bark frequently, especially to alert their humans. With proper socialisation and socialisation, they can be taught to bark less.
Can Belgian Malinois be left alone?
Not really. Belgian Malinois aren’t great at being left alone for extended periods. As a high-energy, intelligent breed, they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Leaving them alone for too long can trigger unwanted behaviours and separation anxiety.
If you leave your Belgian Malinois alone for any length of time, be sure that they have:
- Access to fresh water
- Mentally stimulating toys
- Comforts, such as favourite toy or blanket
- Somewhere comfortable to sleep
Appearance of a Belgian Malinois
Thanks to their working heritage, the Belgian Malinois is an athletic dog with a strong and agile build. They have a short, dense coat which is usually fawn to mahogany in colour, with a black mask and black ears. Their body is lean and muscular, and their pointy ears help give them an alert expression.
Grooming a Belgian Malinois
Grooming a Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois has a short, straight, weather-resistant coat that’s fairly low maintenance. You only really need to bathe them if they become especially dirty. You should also regularly check their ears and paws, and keep their teeth clean.
Do Belgian Malinois shed?
Despite the short coat, they do shed throughout the year, with heavier shedding periods in the spring and autumn. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hairs, keeping their coat healthy.
Do Belgian Malinois smell?
They’re not a naturally smelly dog. If they develop an odour, it could be because they’re dirty. If they still smell after a wash, it could be down to an underlying health issue.
Are Belgian Malinois hypoallergenic?
No. Despite the short coat, they do shed hair and dander – AKA dead skin – all-year round. This isn’t ideal for those with allergies. It’s also worth mentioning that no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
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Training a Belgian Malinois
With a Mal, early training and consistent socialisation are absolutely crucial. While they’re highly intelligent and eager to learn, they can also be independent. And intense.
As such, they need clear, firm leadership from someone who understands dog behaviour and can maintain consistency. They respond well to positive reinforcement, so reward good behaviour and progress with treats, praise and play.
But – and we feel we must press this point – due to their high drive, it's really important to direct their energy into appropriate outlets from a young age. You should start exposing them to various environments, people and other animals as soon as you can during puppyhood.
Belgian Malinois health issues
Belgian Malinois are generally healthy, but can be prone to common health issues and certain conditions. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and epilepsy. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions to reduce health risks, so be sure to do your homework when looking into getting a puppy.
Common conditions for the Belgian Malinois
Here are the top 5 most commonly claimed health conditions for the Belgian Malinois breed, to help you better understand their needs before bringing one home.
Top 5 common conditions based on Agria Pet Insurance claims for Belgian Malinois in 2024.
- 1
Atopy finding
- 2
Gastrointestinal disorder finding
- 3
Abscess
- 4
Dental (tooth) disorder - fracture
- 5
Foreign body - gastric (stomach)
For dog breeders and puppy buyers, it’s also important to note that The Kennel Club recommends checking the puppy’s mum for a number of specific genetic conditions.
Why more and more Belgian Malinois owners are insuring with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. We specialise in policies which provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that - as long as your policy is renewed each year - your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Belgian Malinois’s life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
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