Mali-dutchie

40-70 lbs
21-24"
United States
Belgian Malinois
Dutch Shepherd

The Mali-dutchie is a hybrid breed that combines the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd. This large breed descends from herding dogs.

While their appearance can vary greatly, even within the same litter, the Mali-dutchie is a beautiful blend of both the Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd. With a short, all-weather coat (that comes in a wide variety of colors), the Mali can live in all climate types but tends to prefer cooler weather. They shed often and require frequent brushing, but the maintenance level is overall rather low for this breed. With large ears, intelligent eyes, and an athletic build, the Mali is an attractive dog.

The important thing to remember when it comes to this breed is that their parents are working, no-nonsense types of dogs. They're used for police work, search and rescue, herding, and seeing-eye dogs.  Because of this, the Mali-dutchie likely won't be the type of cuddly companion who's fine with living life in the slow lane. They're typically high-energy, extremely intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, making them a great guard dog or a good companion for the right type of family.

purpose Purpose
Work and Companion Animal
history Date of Origin
2000's
ancestry Ancestry
Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd

Mali-dutchie Health

Average Size
Male Mali-dutchie size stats
Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 60-80 lbs
Female Mali-dutchie size stats
Height: 21-24 inches Weight: 40-70 lbs
Major Concerns
  • None
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Pannus
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Atopy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None
Occasional Tests
  • Blood Test
  • Dna For Pra
  • Eye Examinations
  • Thyroid Testing
  • Full Body Physical Examination
  • Hip and Elbow X-rays

Mali-dutchie Breed History

Because the Mali-dutchie is a new hybrid breed that hasn't had much time to develop an origin story, we must look to the backgrounds of the parent breeds: the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd.

These dogs have had many more years to develop a full history, one that includes the reason for their creation and how they are used today. Such information can give us an idea as to why the Mali-dutchie breed was created and what traits they may possess.

Let's first take a look at the Belgian Malinois, a breed that didn't have a very clear purpose before the 19th century. They were created in Belgium and more specifically, as their name suggests, the town of Malines.

It is believed that for centuries, this breed was used for herding sheep all over Europe but now a-days the Malinois is most commonly seen at the side of European police officers. Their excellent tracking skills and herding abilities were the perfect tools to use in the police force and the breed has made quite a name for itself as an intimidating and impressive asset to any team. In fact, some photos from a police dog trial in 1903 show the dogs scaling 10-foot ladders as if it was nothing!

Despite the Malinois' impressive agility and excellent herding skills, the dogs disappeared from the US completely in the year 1939 due to a lack of interest; this is most likely due to the fact that the average American was searching more for a house pet than a police escort.

Thankfully, the breed made a come-back after World War II when more were imported over and they took their rightful place in the police force once again. While this isn't the most popular breed for a companion pet, in the right home their loving personalities and high intelligence are truly appreciated.

Just like the Malinois, the Dutch Shepherd is a herding dog who is ready to take on the world. Originally from the Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherd was primarily used on farms as a sheep dog, guardian, and cart puller. Such skills made the breed irreplaceable for farmers and kept the Dutch Shepherd in high demand for quite a few generations.

Unfortunately, by the 1900s, the need for sheep herding had all but disappeared in the Netherlands, therefore making the need for a herding dog obsolete. While this may have seemed like an end to the Dutch Shepherd, the determined breed wasn't ready to go out of style just yet.

They were adapted to work for the police force and even as seeing-eye dogs. Because of their high intelligence and ability to learn quickly, the Dutch Shepherd excelled in these jobs just like they did at herding; therefore, although their numbers are still nowhere near what they used to be, the Dutch Shepherd still thrives today helping people in any way that theu can as a working breed.

Mali-dutchie Breed Appearance

Large and squarely built, the Mali-dutchie is a proud and alert breed. Combining all of the traits from the parent breeds, the male Mali can reach up to 26 inches and as much as 80 pounds full-grown. Because they are a hybrid breed, it's difficult to pin down an exact appearance as it can change greatly even within the same litter.

However, despite this, the typical appearance consists of a body that's built to work, with an athletic build and strong lines that make the Mali-dutchie intimidating yet graceful all at the same time.

Although this dog is not square and muscular like some other working class breeds, their body is built for speed and makes the Mali extremely agile — perfect for jobs such as search and rescue or herding.

Their coat is an all-weather coat (taking after both parents) that allows them to endure may different variations of weather. Despite this fact, the Mali tends to prefer cooler weather above all else.

This is a beautiful breed whose coat can come in a number of different colors, ranging from a light fawn to a rich mahogany swirled with tan, black, or silver. When paired with a long muzzle, strong jaw, and athletic form, there is no doubt that the Mali turns heads wherever they go.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Mali-dutchie eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Mali-dutchie nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brindle Mali-dutchie coat
Brindle
silver Mali-dutchie coat
Silver
fawn Mali-dutchie coat
Fawn
brown Mali-dutchie coat
Brown
black Mali-dutchie coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Mali-dutchie straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Mali-dutchie Breed Maintenance

The Mali-dutchie a low maintenance breed with brushing only needed to keep the shedding in check. Because they have a short coat, the Mali doesn't require large amounts of effort to remain well-groomed. Be sure to brush at least three times a week with a de-shedding tool and a regular pin brush, as this dog does shed heavily. Doing so will help to remove loose hair and dirt from the coat, keeping it shiny, while also decreasing the amount of hair that will end up on your floor and furniture.

Bathing only needs to occur every other month or so, due to the fact that the Mali does not have a bad doggy odor. Keep in mind that if your dog gets especially dirty, they will need more frequent baths, but otherwise bathing is a minimal requirement! Besides brushing and bathing, the only other important grooming step is to make sure that you trim your dog's nails every few weeks to ensure proper paw health and decrease the amount of scratching that may occur if your dog jumps up onto things or people.

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Brushes for Mali-dutchie
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Mali-dutchie requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Mali-dutchie Temperament

The Mali-dutchie is not your normal companion animal. They're designed specifically to work as a guardian and a loyal companion no matter what. Because of the high intelligence from both parent breeds, the Mali is not going to be content with just a lazy dog type of lifestyle. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation and will need a job of some sort to keep them from being destructive and developing unwanted habits.

This breed, while high-energy and a lot of work, is extremely loyal and very affectionate to their humans. There should never be aggression found in this breed, but due to their highly protective nature, there can be issues with this if proper training and socialization take place.

While the Mali is great with other dogs and children, it is important to never leave them unsupervised (especially when younger or improperly socialized) as their herding tendencies can kick in. They're not a barker, but will alert their humans with a series of barks if anything suspicious is happening.

Although the Mali may not be your average companion dog, with the right family who is willing to work with them and provide them with the exercise they need, they can be an excellent companion for the active individual or those who have a disability (as long as they're well-trained by a professional).

Mali-dutchie Activity Requirements

Because both the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd are very active breeds who were designed to herd and work a farm, the Mali-dutchie is going to need just as much physical and mental stimulation in order to keep them truly happy and well-behaved. Just a little walk around the park isn't going to be enough for this breed!

Be prepared to take them for a long walk, fast-paced jog, in-depth training, and then a game of fetch afterwards. It's important to remember that because the Mali has a working background, providing them with some kind of job is going to be essential to keep them happy.

Whether that is as simple as carrying around a backpack, pulling a cart, or as big as aiding someone with a disability, the Mali will be happiest with a job to perform. Careful training and socialization with a firm leader is going to be key in ensuring your Mali is a happy and well-behaved dog, whether they're a companion or a working animal.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
18 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
120 minutes
activity minutes

Mali-dutchie Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Mali-dutchie Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Mali-dutchie size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Mali-dutchie size stats at six months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 32.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Mali-dutchie size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 60.0 lbs
Female Mali-dutchie size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 47.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Mali-dutchie size stats at 18 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 75.0 lbs
Female Mali-dutchie size stats at 18 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 65.0 lbs

Mali-dutchie Owner Experiences

Ryder
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bike ride
Tug-of-war
Hike
Fetch
Really high energy but very trainable, athletic, intelligent. Can be defiant when you haven’t worn her out properly that day - she will get her play/work one way or another. You’d better make it on your terms, before they decide to make it on theirs ;) be prepared to give up one hobby, at least, to put the right amount of time into training and exercise. High investment but really high reward! We picked the runt so she’s kind of a mini-mal dutchie, but we’re hoping she gets to at least 45 lbs. She hasn’t been as bad of a chewer or home destroyer as malinois scouting reports suggested. We’re in love and now huge fans of the breed(s)!
2 years, 2 months ago
Luna
15 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
obstacle course
Swim
Hide & Seek
Walk
cycle
Fetch
Absolutely amazing personality with the energy of a lightning bolt. She enjoys talking and seems to suffer separation anxiety even if you are only away for around 10 minutes. She loves to be around the family and if someone comes to visit she is alert and attentive until she warms up to the guest. She is an attention junkie too ...LoL
2 years, 3 months ago
Morrigan
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Our girl has been a true blessing for us. She has exceeded the typical height and weight at now close to 90lbs and super tall. Very well balanced. She is a good 30lbs ahead of her siblings. She is super loveable with zero aggression. She will protect her parents though and has protected our home from and intruder. She follows a great diet approved by the vet. Loves fruits and veggies especially frozen! Ice is her favorite treat! This breed is not for the average person and does take work. I make sure her needs are met for stimulation and activities daily.
2 years, 4 months ago
Percy
20 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
swimming
Game of fetch
simple obstacle courses
Percy is highly energetic but also super affectionate. Since he is only 20 weeks old, he still has a lot of training to do. It is sometimes difficult because he tends to get distracted, but he is a fast learner. :)
2 years, 5 months ago
Zora
6 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Hiking
Great breed! Very intelligent and hard-working. Learns and trains well, but does have selective recall and tries to outsmart trainer for treats. Needs a lot of brain exercise to relax!
2 years, 8 months ago
Archer
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Keep a way
Walk
Bike ride
He is very sweet but has a crazy amount of energy
2 years, 9 months ago
Maki
9 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Just got him so kinda new we do have a dalmatian
3 years ago
Maki
9 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Just got him so kinda new we do have a dalmatian
3 years ago
Mila
5 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Haven’t had a puppy in 18 years, my last dog I had for 16 years…I must say, as much research as I’ve done before purchase, I was not ready for her activity level, lol. We are adapting to each other.
3 years, 2 months ago
Duchess
24 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
catch
Unbelievable Family dog, great with our one year old So gentle and aware. Fun, fun, fun! Plays great catch with high energy and athleticism Love this dog
4 years, 8 months ago
Chuntenta
12 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Takn a walk with dog at beach
Our dog is such a loyal sweet girl
4 years, 4 months ago
Uzi
11 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We just got our boy a few days ago. He is such a sweetheart and has a fantastic temperament. Love him so much.
4 years, 4 months ago
Shaman
8 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is a sweet velcro dog. We spend two hours a day exercising and training (minimum). He gets angry if we do not train. Great nose. He takes being apart from me very difficult. He loves other dogs. He can outrun any dog. He loves kids but I won't leave him alone with one. This is definitely a mix for someone that works part-time or uses on the job. Some littermates had to be rehomed due to high energy and kid chasing.
4 years ago
Baxley
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is very high energy and needs exercise and brain exercise frequently. Mine is still a puppy so I feed him twice a day 2 cups each with fish oil to protect his coat. I’m moving into a house thankfully and do not recommend apartment living for this breed. He is super loving but skidish right now around others and I believe that is because of less socialization during the pandemic. Mine is a super cuddly monster and he just wants to feel loved all the time. Great breed for an active lifestyle. Mine is ESA approved so I do take him most places with me.
3 years, 10 months ago
Molly
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hike the blue ridge mountains
She is the most loyal, smart, goofy crackhead moose I ever did meet. She has the strongest bond of any dog I have ever had. She's great with all people and dogs during the day. At night I have to be more aware. She doesn't like people to walk up behind us. However, she has severe separation anxiety. All in all I wouldn't trade her for anything. Just make sure you're prepared to exercise all the time with this breed and SOCIALIZE FROM DAY 1!!
3 years, 10 months ago
MIlo
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
catch
Play
Milo is a beautiful mali-dutchie--his herding instincts are very strong as are his protective instincts. He has shown aggression to people crossing our house. He has had extensive training, but then slips back to behaviours like not coming when called. He is a loving sweet boy, but we cannot trust him around persons crossing our house. He is OK with visitors once introduced properly and in the house----but he tries to "herd" the people away from the house outside. He is aggressive toward them and has "nipped" two from behind.....purposely going around them and nipping---he did not "attack" or bite---a nip though to move them along.
3 years, 9 months ago
Lucy
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
Run
Swim
Agility training
Great dog. VERY protective, gets depressed when I'm not home with her and lays around sad. Loves to chase small critters, rabbit murderer, cat hater, squirrel chaser, loves herding the kids, when herding you she will lightly nip you if you don't go in direction she feels safest. If you pretend drown in a pool she will jump in swim a circle around you and push you to the edge. Always has her eyes on me and the kids. She ignores the man of the house unless she wants him to pet her. VERY DOG SELECTIVE!!! She loves most dogs but some she gets agressive with she feels could threaten her kids. Loves all humans she meets.
3 years, 8 months ago
Neipa
9 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Frisbee
Bite Training
Tricks
Cuddling
Running
Our Neipa is just a truly amazing dog. She’s is brilliant, energetic and affectionate. She needs daily mental and physical stimulation, but if you are ready for this task, the Mali-Dutchie will be your best friend. With constant training, we were able to teach her how to be a relax dog at home and an energy bomb outside, which is perfect for a smaller apartment.we just make sure to go multiple times a week to parks where she’s allowed to run freely.
3 years, 6 months ago
Sadie Grace
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got form a lady that just wanted her gone. Very sweet but get into everything! Loves our family and I wouldn’t have it any other way
3 years, 6 months ago
Chase
9 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
A very hyper yet a friendly dog!
3 years, 3 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

just wanted to know when breeding a dutch Shepard with a belgian Malinois do u lose value on your puppy's

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Is it acceptable to breed a Male Belgian Malinois and a female Dutch Shepherd and if so which breed is dominate ?

Answer
Yes, these are similar breeds though Dutch Shepherds are usually a little bigger, so this would be fine. Do ensure there is a market near you for this crossing crossing ensure all pups can be homed. If breeding two pedigrees, there is no way to predict which genes will be more dominant and pups can inherit characteristics from either parent breed. There will be variation, even within the same litter.
3 years, 6 months ago
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