How to Identify A Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is the earliest of the four known breeds of Belgian Sheepdogs and is named after the city of Malines. This is a very intelligent and energetic working dog that is best kept for work rather than as a pet. They excel as police dogs, guard dogs, and drug detection dogs. Because of their physical similarity to other species, they can often be mistaken for other types of dog, so here is a guide on how to correctly identify a Belgian Malinois.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog
  • Your Eyes
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Instructions

  1. Identifying A Belgian Malinois

    • 1

      Begin by looking at the dog’s general shape and build. It should be about 25 inches high at the shoulder and about as long disregarding the tail. A Malinois can weigh anywhere between 55 and 65 pounds. The dog should be large, thick boned, and muscular, though not heavily built. The hind legs should be especially strong and have pronounced muscles in the haunches. It should have a deep chest that reaches all the way to the elbows, rounded hindquarters, and a near perfectly straight back.

    • 2

      Look at the dog’s fur. It should be short, straight, and weather resistant with a dense undercoat for warmth. This fur shortens along the head, ears, and lower legs. The Malinois can be anywhere between light tan to mahogany brown. Each hair should have a black tip giving a mottled or overlay appearance. The tips of the ears, muzzle, and throat should be black. White spots on the lower chest and the tips of the toes may appear as well.

    • 3

      Examine the dog’s head. It should be best described as looking at a German Shepherd’s head. The skull should be flat and parallel to the plain of the muzzle. The muzzle tapers, but only slightly, and is very long. The ears should be large and form equilateral triangles, standing erect high on the dog’s head. The eyes should be small, almond shaped, and very expressive. If the dog matches this description then you’re looking at a Belgian Malinois.