65-85 lbs
20-26"
Unknown
The Malinois X, a fairly new hybrid mix of the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd Dog, combines the dog breed characteristics of the parent breeds resulting in a canine which is an intelligent, good-natured, level-headed, energetic protector of its beloved human family. There isn’t much information available on this sturdy hybrid itself but plenty exists on the parent breeds who were developed to be working dogs in the 1800’s. Though the place and date of origin of the hybrid is unknown, the parent breeds excelled in working as shepherding dogs in the past and continue to be utilized in police and military areas. Their low maintenance and good-natured temperament make them excellent family dogs as well.
The Malinois X hybrid is a mix of the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd Dog and, although there is plenty of information available on the parent breeds, there isn’t much available on the hybrid itself, including the date and place of origin. We must glean information on the hybrid from information on the parent breeds.
The Belgian Malinois breed can be traced back to the 1800’s where they were developed in Malines, Belgium -- where the breed got its name. The Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian shepherding breeds developed in that area and is most likely the most popular of those shepherding breeds. On the surface, it appears to closely resemble the German Shepherd Dog with which it was bred to get the Malinois X hybrid. Though the Belgian Malinois parent breed was developed for shepherding tasks, it also excels in a variety of police and military tasks, search and rescue, service dogs, guard dogs, obedience competition, agility, conformation, sledding, herding, Schutzhund, therapy and tracking. This parent breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1993.
The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in the 1800’s and was developed for a variety of shepherding activities, hunting and guarding. His shepherding skills included moving along the outside edge of the flock and urging the stray sheep back into the fold not by the aggressive barking, heel-nipping and chasing that we commonly see depicted on the TV screen but by silent, steady and stealthy movements which do not cause panic in the flock. In the beginning, there were three distinct coat varieties of German Shepherd Dog: smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired, but over time, the wirehaired disappeared. The longhaired variety still appears occasionally but these are not accepted in the American show ring. The German Shepherd Dogs of today are preferred to have medium-length, smooth coats. Being among the most trainable of all dog breeds, the German Shepherd Dog is still being used in herding tasks as well as police and military work, narcotics detection and search and rescue, their traits being described as: stable, courageous, protective, bravery, loyalty and keen-scenting skills. They are highly valued as guide dogs for the disabled since they are intelligent and watchful and use good judgment. All of these traits go together to create a breed that is perfect for use of therapy dogs, guardians of homes, show dogs and faithful companionship. The German Shepherd Dog is recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Malinois X hybrid itself is recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club and Dog Registry of America.
The Malinois X is not a hypoallergenic canine, as is the case with both parent breeds. The hybrid will have a coat which will likely be varying length which will need to be brushed thoroughly two to three times weekly during most months and, since both parent breeds contribute significant shedding to the bio mix, daily during the normal shedding periods. Brushing your hybrid with a firm bristled brush will not only remove the loose hair but will also keep the coat shiny and healthy looking. Bathing need only be done when your hybrid is really dirty so as not to remove too much of the essential oils. The smell level and drooling level are low with this hybrid. Toenail trimming will be necessary as needed unless your hybrid keeps them ground down in its daily activities and exercise periods. Your hybrid's ears should be checked and cleaned, with attention given to the parts you can see without insertion of anything into the ear canal. The teeth should be brushed at least three times a week, though daily would be even better if possible. Keeping up with dental exams, eye exams and routine physical exams with your veterinary professional will also be needed to keep your hybrid family member healthy and fit.
The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd often suffer from diabetes, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/23/2017, edited: 09/24/2021
More articles by Darlene Stott
Training. I have a 7 month old Malinios X male , who barks in other dogs faces when we go to the park. He’s not being aggressive by any means when he’s doing it ? But I want him to stop this behavior, I tell him no and when I go to get him he gets from me and continues to bark when I finally get him he stops. We live with my 7 year old long hair German Shepard who he plays well with and doesn’t bark at him ( unless he needs to go outside , that’s how he tells me he needs to go outside haha ) or wants to play more with my older dog. Please help!
What should we do if our dog suddenly doesn’t want to eat? She is mix breed of german shepherd and belgian malinois. We usually feed her vitality pellets with some canned puppy food. Should we bring her to the vet?
From witch dog breeds are properly madden a Belgian Malinois dog and how menu dog breeds greens are exactly included a first time when is made this type of dog breed which geen from witch dog or a wolf maybe a australian dingo dog is a dominant geen on this type of breed a Male or Belgian Malinois thx for your response sincerely greetings from me Žaneta I came from Macedonia and I have one Belgian Malinois very smart and confident hi is joy of may day !
What is a typical life span of a Malinois X Shepherd?
I am in my fostering period before deciding if I want to adopt the belgian malinois mix. I know that malinois are very intelligent police dogs that require lots of time and training, both of which I don't have because I work full time. However, the 4.5 month old 12lb puppy I took home has been pretty mellow: play with chew toys when I work, can stay in crate for 2 hrs during the day and 6-7 hrs at night, and friendly to everyone. He did start barking more. My question is will his chill personality and ability to stay in crate while I work full time remain when he becomes an adult?
Hello! We just got a German Shepard mixed with a Belgium malinois he is 8 weeks old, I was just wondering how much to feed him we have been doing 1 cup of food around 8/830am and then another 1 cup at 6/630 pm but he eats it so fast and looks for more. Are we feeding him enough or not enough? Also, he twitches/moves a lot in his sleep is that normal? He also has been getting the hiccups a lot like 2-3 times a day I’m sure that just from excitement or eating too fast but just would like to make sure. Thank you so much!
Hi!! I have a Malinois x Sheppard mix! And he’s about 2 months, but super super anxious! We just took him outside a bit and he’s super super nervous. When playing with our other puppy who is also 2 months, he doesn’t bark, bite back much. Even at home, he’s very “lazy”. I love him! But would love for him to be a bit more aggressive. Is this Normal?
I’m trying to figure out what kind of dog this is before I adopt him
