Dog health

Belgian Malinois health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Belgian Malinois, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 19 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 4 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, inherited eye disease and ear infections. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Belgian Malinois

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [8]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [9]
Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [10]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [11]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: The Malinois is generally a healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. As with all breeds, the ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed frequently. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][12] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Belgian Malinois, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [13] One health test costs $58 there. [14]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Belgian Malinois, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [15]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Belgian Malinois at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 14–16 years and you get roughly $12,200–$21,700 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [15][16] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [17] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [18] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [19]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Belgian Malinois?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, inherited eye disease and ear infections. That doesn't mean every Belgian Malinois will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Belgian Malinois?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Belgian Malinois?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Belgian Malinois breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Belgian Malinois live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14–16 years.

Belgian Malinois breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (19) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Belgian Malinois breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  6. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. OFA – Eye certification
  9. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  11. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  13. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Belgian Malinois DNA tests
  14. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  15. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  16. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  17. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  18. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  19. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)