The Malinois  is a medium-to-large breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd dog rather than as a separate breed. The name "Malinois" is derived from Malines, the French name for the breed's city of origin.

​

The breed is used as a working dog for tasks including detection of odors such as explosives, accelerants (for arson investigation), and narcotics; tracking humans for suspect apprehension in police work; and search and rescue missions. The U.S. Secret Service uses Belgian Malinois to guard the grounds of the White House. Because they're alert, intelligent, hard working and easily trained, they've become increasingly popular as police and military dogs. A Belgian Malinois named Cairo played a crucial role when Seal Team Six took down Osama bin Laden.

​

The Belgian Shepherd is an extremely intelligent but challenging breed to live with. Athletic, agile, graceful, and elegant, the high-energy Belgian Shepherd is frequently in motion, often moving in quick, light-footed circles.

​

Most Belgian Shepherds have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally.

In Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries, as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong, the Malinois is bred primarily as a working dog for personal protection, detection, police work, search and rescue, and sport work like Schutzhund.

​

Life span: 12 – 14 years

Origin: Belgium

Weight: Male: 64–75 lbs (29–34 kg), Female: 55–66 lbs (25–30 kg)

Temperament: Watchful, Protective, Alert, Friendly, Hard-working, Confident, Stubborn, Active

Height: Male: 24–26 inches (61–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inches (56–61 cm)

Colors: Mahogany, Black-masked fawn, Tan, Black-tipped Fawn, solid Black.