6 Types of People Who Should Own a Belgian Malinois

If you’re thinking about bringing a Belgian Malinois into your life, let me start by saying: these dogs are incredible — but they’re not for everyone.

We’ve worked with and known plenty of Malinois over the years, and there’s one thing they all have in common: they need a job to do. Whether it’s herding, guarding, running, training, or just being your shadow on a hike — if you’re not keeping their mind and body busy, they’ll find their own “job,” and trust me, you might not love it (cue the chewed furniture or backyard escape attempts).

What Makes Belgian Malinois So Special?

They’re smart. Like, scary smart. They learn fast, they pick up on your routines, and they thrive when you challenge them with new skills. That’s why they do so well in police work, search and rescue, and competitive dog sports. But that intelligence can also come with a streak of independence — they’re not pushovers, and they’ll test boundaries if you’re not consistent.

They’re loyal to the bone. A well-trained Malinois bonds hard with their person. It’s beautiful — they’ll follow you from room to room, keep a watchful eye on your kids (if properly socialized), and always want to be part of the action. But that protective streak can veer into overprotectiveness if you don’t socialize them early and often.

They’ve got energy for days. These dogs don’t just like exercise — they need it. I’m talking hours of physical activity and mental stimulation every single day. A quick walk around the block? That won’t even scratch the surface.

Things to Know Before You Bring One Home

1. They’re not beginner dogs.
If you’ve never owned a dog before, a Malinois might be overwhelming. They demand time, training, and a lot of structure. Without that, they can become destructive, anxious, or even aggressive.

2. Training isn’t optional — it’s a lifestyle.
Start early, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement. Harsh methods can backfire with this breed. We’ve found that short, engaging sessions work best — especially if you make it fun and reward-driven.

3. Socialization is critical.
Introduce them to people, dogs, noises, and places from a young age. If you don’t, their natural wariness of strangers can become a problem — especially in busy neighborhoods or around guests.

4. They chase.
Their herding instinct is strong. If it moves, they’ll probably want to chase it — whether it’s a squirrel, a cyclist, or a toddler. Training and leashing are key to managing this.

5. Grooming isn’t too bad, but they do shed.
They have a short double coat that sheds year-round, and more heavily seasonally. A quick brush a few times a week helps, and it’s a great way to check for any skin issues or health changes.

6. Health-wise, be prepared.
Like many purebreds, Malinois can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye problems. Make sure your breeder does health testing, and stay on top of vet checkups. Prevention is cheaper than treatment.

7. They need a purpose.
These dogs thrive when they have a job — even if it’s just structured play, agility training, or advanced obedience. A bored Malinois is a destructive Malinois.

Are They Good with Kids?

It depends. With proper training and socialization, they can be great with kids, especially older ones who know how to respect a dog’s space. But their energy and intensity might be too much for toddlers or families who don’t have time to manage interactions.

Bottom Line

Belgian Malinois are loyal, brilliant, and athletic dogs who shine in the right environment — one where they’re mentally and physically challenged every day. But they’re not low-maintenance. If you’re not ready for that level of commitment, it’s okay to admire them from afar.

If you are ready? You’ll gain a fiercely devoted partner who’ll push you to be a better dog owner every single day.

Just remember: with a Malinois, you don’t own a couch potato — you’ve got a four-legged athlete who expects you to keep up.