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German Malinois Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about German Malinois so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a German Malinois? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix

German Malinois Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a German Malinois? Learn how big the German Malinois breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a German Malinois weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the German Malinois breed.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a German Malinois?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the German Malinois? German Malinois height:
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a German Malinois?
Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

German Malinois Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a German Malinois puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting German Malinois costs.
$800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the German Malinois, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a German Malinois for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the German Malinois gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a German Malinois? How many German Malinois are there in the world?
Very frequent: The German Malinois is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

German Malinois Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a German Malinois? Discover the German Malinois's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Outstanding: German Malinois is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The German Malinois is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a German Malinois? Learn about the German Malinois's trainability and response to training methods.
German Malinois dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a German Malinois as a watchdog? Learn about the German Malinois's alertness and guarding instincts.
German Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the German Malinois dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a German Malinois protective of its territory? Learn about the German Malinois's guarding instincts and behavior.
German Malinois dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the German Malinois can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the German Malinois will take care of unwanted people or animals.

German Malinois Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a German Malinois have? Learn about characteristic German Malinois temperament and behavior traits.
ActiveCuriousStubbornProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyObedientLoyalWatchfulHard working
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? German Malinois sensitivity:
Sensitive: German Malinois dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a German Malinois a good family dog?
Average to High: German Malinois dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the German Malinois need? German Malinois social needs:
German Malinois dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the German Malinois to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does German Malinois roam?
German Malinois dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does German Malinois have high prey drive?
German Malinois dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that German Malinois dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

German Malinois Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a German Malinois bark a lot? Learn about typical German Malinois vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The German Malinois barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a German Malinois? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the German Malinois breed.
The German Malinois is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a German Malinois live in an apartment? Learn about the German Malinois's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Malinois indoors.

German Malinois Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a German Malinois to lifestyle changes? Learn about the German Malinois's flexibility to new situations.
German Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a German Malinois be left alone? Learn about the German Malinois's tolerance to solitude.
German Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Malinois Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a German Malinois biting potential? Learn about the German Malinois's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The German Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a German Malinois mouthy? Learn about the German Malinois's tendency to use mouth during play.
German Malinois dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but German Malinois dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a German Malinois bite? Learn about the German Malinois's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Malinois bite force: Ordinary. Bite force German Malinois measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a German Malinois is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This German Malinois bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. German Malinois bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a German Malinois puppy not to bite from an early age.

The German Malinois, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the German Malinois bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a German Malinois can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

German Malinois Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a German Malinois live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the German Malinois breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a German Malinois handle different weather? Learn about the German Malinois's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a German Malinois? Discover typical conditions affecting the German Malinois breed.
German Malinoiss are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a German Malinois need vet visits? Learn about the German Malinois's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The German Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the German Malinois breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the German Malinois breed? Most common health risks of German Malinois:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerEye ProblemsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

German Malinois Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a German Malinois? Understand daily activity needs of the German Malinois breed.
German Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a German Malinois need? How much exercise do German Malinois dogs require per day?

Do German Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises?

German Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the German Malinois breed need?
German Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

German Malinois Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a German Malinois prone to weight gain? Learn about the German Malinois's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the German Malinois weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a German Malinois need daily? Learn about the German Malinois's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Malinois Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a German Malinois hypoallergenic? Learn about the German Malinois's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
German Malinois dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a German Malinois come in? Discover all possible German Malinois color variations.
BlackTan Red Cream SilverFawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a German Malinois need? Learn about German Malinois coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The German Malinois requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your German Malinois, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a German Malinois drool a lot? Learn about the German Malinois's drooling habits.
The German Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the German Malinois could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the German Malinois.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a German Malinois smell bad? Learn about the German Malinois's natural odor levels.

Medium

The German Malinois has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a German Malinois have? Learn about the German Malinois's fur characteristics.
FuzzyWeather-resistantStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does a German Malinois need baths? Learn about the German Malinois's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do German Malinois dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the German Malinois? Do German Malinois dogs shed a lot?
German Malinois dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the German Malinois breed.

German Malinois Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a German Malinois good with children? Learn about the German Malinois's behavior around kids of different ages.
German Malinois dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a German Malinois get along with other pets? Discover the German Malinois's compatibility with other animals.
German Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? German Malinois temperament with other people:
German Malinois dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do German Malinois dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the German Malinois breed live with a cat?
German Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is German Malinois good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do German Malinois dogs get along with other dogs?
German Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is German Malinois breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is German Malinois breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
German Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are German Malinois dogs good office canines? Do German Malinois dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
German Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do German Malinois dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the German Malinois temperament with senior people? Are German Malinois dogs good for elderly owners?
German Malinoiss are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Malinois As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a German Malinois be a service dog? Learn about the German Malinois's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

German Malinois breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a German Malinois good as a therapy dog? Learn about the German Malinois's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

German Malinois breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a German Malinois good at detection work? Learn about the German Malinois's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

German Malinois breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a German Malinois do search and rescue? Learn about the German Malinois's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The German Malinois breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a German Malinois good on boats? Learn about the German Malinois's maritime capabilities.

Not really

German Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a German Malinois pull carts? Learn about the German Malinois's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

German Malinois is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a German Malinois used in military service? Learn about the German Malinois's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Malinois Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a German Malinois usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a German Malinois pregnant? Learn about the German Malinois's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female German Malinois: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a German Malinois have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

German Malinois Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a German Malinois in? Learn about the German Malinois's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a German Malinois in? Learn about the German Malinois's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

German Malinois Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: German Malinois is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: German Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: German Malinoiss are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Drooling Tendency: The German Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The German Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Rating: German Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: German Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: German Malinois dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: German Malinoiss are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: German Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: German Malinois dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: German Malinois dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthing Tendency: German Malinois dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: German Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: German Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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