frequently asked questions

Is the Belgian Malinois a good family pet?
The Belgian Malinois can be a good pet for any family. However, this all depends on the focus of the breeder and the willingness of the family to be fully involved in training. Malinois tend to identify one family member as their "person," and need to be taught that everyone is part of the unit. Therefore, everyone needs to be involved in training. Some Malinois are bred for certain traits and characteristics, and a well-informed breeder will recognize which traits their litter pups are portraying. They will help perspective owners select the puppy that best meets their needs.

Are Belgian Malinois good with children?
A well-trained Malinois can be great with children! They are bred and taught to know when they are working and when they are playing. But, you must remember that these are working dogs first and foremost, and their genetic predisposition is to herd. That means that they can be found trying to herd children, often leading them by the hand around the house. They are quick to join in a game, especially if it involves a ball, and can be over enthusiastic at times! They can be very tolerant of children and will let them know if they are uncomfortable. You must recognize these cues and teach the child to as well. As with all animals, they should be closely supervised and small children should not be left alone with an animal at any time!

Is it hard to train a Malinois?
Malinois are highly intelligent and very trainable dogs. This can sometimes be a double-edged sword because of their remarkable learning ability. They are high-drive dogs who need both mental and physical stimulation in order to be their best; engaged and satisfied. Training starts at the time of birth, continues when they go home with their furever family, and never ends! Successful training starts with establishing a strong foundation with obedience and behavior. Malinois thrive on structure and boundaries that are consistently reinforced. Ongoing training and commitment are required and Malinois are quick to test their limits! The easiest way to train a Malinois is through play. The Training Without Conflict® program is a great system for play-based training! See our Training page for more details.

Are Belgian Malinois as hyper as everyone says?
The Belgian Malinois is known for its high energy levels, but it's essential to note that not all Malinois share the same traits. A well-bred Malinois can make an excellent family companion and can manage most environments and stimulus well. While genetics strongly influence temperament, the upbringing and training of the dog plays a pivotal role in shaping its behavior. Love Belgian Malinois have great play drive and we use that as the emphasis for our working stimulus. See our About Malinois page for more breed specific information.

Are Belgian Malinois good with other pets?
Malinois must be trained and socialized properly. With the right training, they can be great with other pets and livestock, large or small. However, you must be diligent in training and supervision. Malinois work hard and play harder. Some people and other animals may not be up to, or appreciate, their level of energy.

How big will my Malinois get?
Most full-grown males are between 24" to 26" tall at the withers and range from 70 to 90 pounds. Full grown females are 22" to 24" and 60-80 pounds. Please see Breed Standards for more specific information.

What testing is done before you breed?
All of our breeding dogs are tested for temperament and suitability prior to breeding. They are also DNA tested for genetic traits and characteristics. If selected to breed, they then complete testing recommended by the OFA® for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as CAER eye exams. See our About Malinois page for more information on testing. All testing results are shown on our dogs' individual profile pages.

Can your dogs be AKC® registered?
Love Belgian Malinois dogs are fully registered with the AKC® and you will receive registration information when you pick up your puppy. See our Puppies page for more details.

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?
Belgian Malinois are high-energy dogs and their curiosity and drive can land them in some pretty precarious situations. Therefore, Love Belgian Malinois maintains pet insurance on all of our dogs.

There are many pet insurance options to choose from, and you should make an informed decision if insurance is right for you and your pet. Pet insurance policies range from accident and illness only plans to wellness plans which can include regular checkups and immunizations, dental visits and sterilization. Most veterinarians require payment upfront, a claim is submitted to the insurance company, and the charges covered by insurance are reimbursed. For us, the process is relatively smooth and it is easy to submit a claim. We use PetsBest Insurance Services, LLP. If you purchase a policy using our referral code, PH18065460, a donation will be made to a pet charity.

What Should We Feed Our Malinois?
As you will learn in Ivan's Ultimate Guide to Training Puppies, it is essential to provide a well-balanced diet so your puppy can grow and thrive. Some owners choose to feed a raw diet, others choose kibble, and some choose a mixture of the two. Love Belgian Malinois uses a kibble-based feeding program and supplements with fresh meats, fruits, veggies, eggs, fish and other healthy foods that our dogs enjoy. Shadow is particularly fond of bananas while Zeke doesn't care for them at all! Prices can range greatly when it comes to feeding your dog. Buy the best food that you can within your budget.

Whatever you decide to feed, check the label and make sure it contains ingredients that you are comfortable giving your dog. If you choose to feed with kibble, remember that puppies should be fed large breed puppy food to help them grow and develop properly, and puppies should remain on puppy food until they are at least 1 year old. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food container to determine your dog's caloric needs daily. Like many dogs, ours are sensitive to chicken so we tend to avoid chicken-based foods. If your chicken-based diet causes diarrhea or stomach upset, you may want to try another protein source. The AKC® has a comprehensive list of human foods that dogs can and cannot eat.