The Work Horse
Quick, intelligent, and immensely energetic, the Belgian Malinois is not for the faint of heart. These dogs are fearless, faithful, and feisty. Once trained and adapted to everyday life, the Belgian Malinois can acclimate well and earn a place at the center of the right family. But that process takes time, dedication, and more than a handful of their favorite treats.
Left to their own devices, the Belgian Malinois can sometimes be too intelligent for its own good. That’s why constant training, daily exercise, and routine mental challenges are non-negotiable for this dog to thrive. And thrive it will. There’s a reason you’ll see a Mal (their cute, unassuming nickname) riding shotgun in a cop cruiser or jumping out of helicopters with SEALs. These dogs are determined. And wherever you’re going, dang it, they’re comin’, too.
At Happy Paws, we’re dedicated to helping all dogs, from purebreds to certified mutts, live their happiest, healthiest lives. Happy Paws dog supplements support key areas of dog health, including digestion, joints, immunity, and so much more.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of this workaholic breed, provide some information and tips on how to care for them, and help you decide which supplements are best for your secret weapon, the Belgian Malinois.
Quick Facts
Origin: Belgian
Size: Medium
Breed Group: Herding
Lifespan: 14–16 years
Coat: Short hair—monthly grooming recommended
Temperament: Fiercely loyal, intelligent, and stubborn
Exercise Needs: Belgian Malinois don’t just need to run five miles a day. They need a job to do while they’re running. And something to look forward to after the run. Maybe then, they can nap and relax, ready to do it all again tomorrow. If you know anything about Belgian Malinois, then you know that these dogs require an unbelievable amount of daily exercise to keep their minds sharp (and canine crazies at bay).
Training: Like any other dog, this breed needs routine training and structure to help it acclimate to everyday life. But unlike other dogs, Mals can tackle a wide range of training that far surpasses sit, stay, and shake. These dogs are often trained to accompany police officers, special forces units, and other high-stress jobs. They have a strong sense of will, confidence, and determination, making them the ultimate working dog. But tapping into that requires ample patience and dedication. If you can wrangle this pupper in, you’ll win a fierce protector and friend for life.
Dog Health: A Belgian Malinois is a strong, agile dog that can generally thrive on a high-quality commercial-grade diet. But they’re not without their unique health challenges. Common problems Mals face include hip dysplasia, digestive problems, and allergies.
We’ll discuss how to address each below.
Happy Paws for Belgian Malinois
Enhance your Belgian Malinois’s health with high-quality, delicious supplements like these!
| Type of Happy Paws Supplement | Best for … |
| Cognitive Dog Chews | Promoting brain health & mental clarity |
| Digestive Health Dog Chews | Supporting healthy digestion & a strong gut flora. |
| 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews | Giving your pupper a daily dose of essential vitamins, minerals & other nutrients. |
| Bladder Health Dog Chews | Relieve symptoms of poor bladder health, like incontinence, frequent urination & more. |
| Hip & Joint Dog Chews | Soothing common symptoms of joint dysplasia & inflammation. |
| Immunity Booster Dog Chews | Fortifying their immune system with adaptogenic mushrooms. |
In-Depth Look at These Popular Supplements
Belgian Malinois work hard to impress their owners, flaunt their big, beautiful minds, and expend their bottomless reservoir of energy. So, their supplements should work just as hard, too.
Our high-quality, tail-waggin’ dog supplements use an array of all-natural, organic ingredients to enrich your dog’s physical and mental health, while satisfying their taste buds. Here are a few dog supplements to help you care for your pup.
Cognitive Dog Chews: Mals have a keen sense of intelligence, and our Cognitive Dog Chews help sharpen their minds well into their twilight years. These vegan, chicken-flavored chews use an array of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to promote optimal brain health and fight against cognitive decline.
Digestive Health Dog Chews: Our Digestive Health Dog Chews use powerful, all-natural probiotics and enzymes to enrich your dog’s gut health and strengthen their digestive system. These healthy, tasty dog treats offer a delicious pumpkin flavor that spoils your pet’s palate while fortifying their gut flora.
10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews: Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews use multiple essential nutrients to strengthen your dog’s daily health and give them a well-rounded supplement. One vegan, lamb-flavored dog treat introduces ten essential nutrients to keep your dog healthy, happy, and active.
Bladder Health Dog Chews: Our Bladder Health Dog Chews contain powerful antioxidants, such as cranberries and Kona berries, to calm common urinary issues, like incontinence, frequent urination, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Hip & Joint Dog Chews: Soothe the symptoms of joint dysplasia with our Hip & Joint Dog Chews! Packed with a blend of joint-friendly ingredients, this dog supplement helps reduce inflammation and support joint health, thanks to compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.
Immunity Booster Dog Chews: Allergies are common for this breed, and our Immunity Booster Dog Chews are here to help! These pumpkin-flavored soft chews use a range of adaptogenic mushrooms, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to enrich your dog’s immune system and build back stronger immunity.
Health Concerns for Belgian Malinois
Like other medium to large dog breeds, Mals are susceptible to a few common canine concerns.
Elbow & Hip Dysplasia: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), many medium-sized to extra-large dog breeds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. This issue arises from birth when the bone in a joint is misshapen, causing an awkward fit in your dog’s elbows and hips. This defect can often lead to joint pain, osteoarthritis, limping, and trouble standing up.
Digestive Issues: Large to giant breeds commonly experience digestive problems, such as bloating. These issues can stem from their diet, lifestyle, or genetics.
Allergies: Seasonal allergies can affect this breed, as they can with many other dogs. Typically, allergies present as a skin rash accompanied by scratching and itching. A strengthened immune system can help combat these common allergies.
The Malinois History
Bred in Malines, a city in northwest Belgium, the Belgian Malinois began herding, guarding, and keeping track of small flocks in the late 19th century. This medium-sized, agile dog was very active around the farm. They could work all day, pull carts, wrangle in sheep, and ward off sneaky predators, and be home just in time for dinner.
Today, police and military organizations utilize the Malinois’s keen intelligence, drive, and agility for a number of jobs, like search and rescue, threat detection, and daily patrols. Farmers and ranchers still employ Malinois to flex their herding instincts and protect livestock, all while keeping their beloved owners locked in their sights.
The Malinois Temperament
While Malinois can make great family companions, they are best suited for active families with routine structure and training. These dogs need a lot of exercise, attention, and care, more so than other breeds. They need a daily job that will keep their clever little minds occupied. But once they’ve found a place in your pack, they will become fiercely loyal. Many Malinois owners are surprised to find their dog has become their shadow, trailing along behind on any adventure, excursion, or outing.
How to Care for a Malinois
Compared to other breeds, the Malinois needs a little more TLC. There are a few essential activities you’ll need to do to keep them looking and feeling their best. Here are a couple of tips to help keep your Belgian Malinois happy, healthy, and lively, from their puppy years and well into their golden years.
Early Training & Socialization
As a puppy, the Belgian Malinois needs early and often socialization with well-trained dogs and attentive people. These dogs can come out of the litter a tad rambunctious. Socialization helps train your pup on the rules of the road. It helps acclimate them to new environments and people, showing them how to distinguish friend from foe.
Daily Exercise
The Malinois were bred to run up and down hills, trek difficult terrain, and gallop at a lightning pace to keep their flock in step. And that drive remains today. So, it’s important to exercise your Malinois daily, finding activities that not only capture their attention but also tire out their strong, agile frames.
Mental Challenges
Their high energy is matched by their high intelligence, with an IQ that stands near the top of all breeds. So, mental exercise is crucial for maintaining a Malinois’s cerebral health. These exercises can include expert-level training, like agility sports, or puzzle-solving, with treats readily available as rewards.
Happy Paws: High-Quality Dog Supplements
Keeping your dog happy, healthy, and active shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. At Happy Paws, we’ve designed our dog treats with the best ingredients and flavors possible (our dogs definitely approve!). We’ve made sure these treats are certified organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, letting you spoil your dog easily with healthy, tasty dog treats.
FAQ
Is a Belgian Malinois a good family dog?
Well, it depends. Belgian Malinois thrive in active homes with structured routines, daily workouts, and mentally taxing jobs just for them. They need to run, hike, and chase, all while flexing their mind at the same speed. So, are they a good family dog? Yes, but for the right family that can commit to their unique needs.
Why do Navy SEALs use Belgian Malinois?
Not many other breeds will fearlessly dive out of helicopters, jump into frigid waters, crawl through foreign terrain, and sit patiently, waiting for their owner’s cue to run, jump, and go, go, go! These dogs are smart, driven, and determined. They don’t back down from a challenge and never let fear hold them back. Plus, when they’re not working, they can be a little lovey-dovey, too, perfect for SEALs and other special forces units.
Who should own a Belgian Malinois?
A trained, experienced dog owner is best suited for a Malinois. Additionally, they should lead an active lifestyle and be prepared to dedicate hours of weekly training.
How do you give your dog health supplements?
You can give your dog a Happy Paws health supplement in several ways. First, we’ve designed these supplements as dog treats, so you can give them to your pupper as a reward for good behavior. Or, you can add it to your dog’s kibble; they make a pretty tasty topper, too.
