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
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** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
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.
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.
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.
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 Royal 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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