| Height | 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60-80 pounds (male), 40-60 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 14–16+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Confident / Smart / Hardworking [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Belgium [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 32 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Highly intelligent, athletic, and muscular, and exceedingly devoted, the Malinois need to be actively engaged with his owner, both mentally and physically. This is not a dog who can be left in the backyard, and daily walks are not enough, either. Exercise, and plenty of it, preferably side by side with his owner, is paramount to the breed's happiness. [1]
Grooming
The short, waterproof coat of the Malinois is quite easy to take care of. Occasional brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will keep the dog looking his best, and promotes new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat as well. Malinois do shed twice a year; during these periods, a daily once-over with a slicker brush will help to remove the loose hair. [1]
Health issues to budget for
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]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Belgian Malinois in 1959. [1]
- It ranked No. 32 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 51 in 2015. [2]
- The AKC lists Belgium as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Belgian Malinoiss live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14-16 years.
How big does a Belgian Malinois get?
AKC breed information lists height 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) and weight 60-80 pounds (male), 40-60 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Belgian Malinois?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Belgian Malinois, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.