Are There Reasons Not to Buy a Belgian Malinois?

So, you’re thinking about buying a Belgian Malinois. If you are emotionally and financially ready to welcome a dog into your family and are considering this breed, pause for a moment. Not only does buying a “purebred” dog from a breeder fuel the animal overpopulation crisis, but there are many more reasons not to buy a Belgian Malinois.

Do Belgian Malinois Fit Family Life?

Originally used for herding farm animals in the Belgian countryside, the Malinois has increasingly been used in military and police operations, “jobs” traditionally assigned to German shepherd dogs. The Malinois—frequently called “Maligator” by trainers and handlers in reference to their enthusiasm for biting—is now favored for this type of work because they are smaller and more agile, with a lower-maintenance coat and a longer life expectancy than German shepherds. 

These dogs are highly intelligent, energetic, and athletic. They thrive in high-stimulation environments where they can perform specific tasks, solve problems, and please their handlers. But there’s a catch. The genetic characteristics that make them suitable for these jobs can make them unsuitable canine companions for the average home, and the outcome can be disastrous and even deadly.

There are documented cases in which infants died—including a six-week-old boy in South Dakota and a seven-month-old girl in England—after their families’ Belgian Malinois attacked them suddenly and without warning. A highly trained and well-socialized Malinois in Colorado escaped his enclosure, jumped a fence into the neighbor’s yard, and attacked a ball, a two-year-old girl, and the child’s father, who tried to intervene. In Arizona, a police handler was forced to fatally shoot his Malinois partner in order to save his own life. The attack was apparently unprovoked and occurred without warning.

Are Belgian Malinois a High-Energy Breed?

Belgian Malinois need intense mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Without it, they can become destructive, anxious, and even dangerous. Here’s why:

• Extreme energy levels combined with high prey drive: Malinois need constant enrichment. A walk around the block or a game of fetch just isn’t enough. Part of what makes them sought-after for police work is a strong instinct to chase after “prey” (which can include toys). A Malinois who sees something—or someone—they want doesn’t think twice about scaling a fence to get to their target.
• Massive time commitment: Even the most dedicated guardians often become overwhelmed by the time and effort required to care for these dogs properly. Consider that a working dog typically spends 24/7 with their handler, including 40 hours/week on duty.
• Rough play instincts: Malinois thrive on wrestling and roughhousing, which can be hazardous, especially around children. If they are not taught bite inhibition from a young age, Malinois can develop dangerous bite strength as adults—another reason they are often used for police work.

Are There Genetic Risks Associated With Belgian Malinois?

One of the most alarming issues with this breed is that they have a gene variant linked to sudden, unpredictable aggression. These dogs can experience “episodic rage” that looks almost like seizures—but instead of losing consciousness quietly, they may lash out violently at anyone nearby. These “blacked-out” episodes are not brought on by environmental stimuli; they are a biological risk inherent in certain lines of the breed. You cannot train away this behavior, and it will not improve with love or discipline.

What About Other Health Concerns?

Belgian Malinois are not immune to the classic health issues present in many purebred dogs. They may suffer from painful and debilitating conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, and eye disorders, all of which are expensive to treat.

Belgian Malinois are also prone to hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that develops from blood vessels. There is no known cure for this deadly disease.

As a large breed with a deep, narrow chest, they are prone to gastric dilation and volvulus, also known as bloat, which is fatal unless treated immediately.

Another potential concern for this high-energy breed is an increased risk of heat stroke: Although the Malinois’s coat is short, these dogs can become so focused on what they’re doing that they don’t stop when they start to overheat. This is a significant risk for working dogs, but it can affect any dog exercising outdoors in high temperatures.

Prospective guardians should be aware of these problems and the potential costs associated with treating them, which can be thousands of dollars.

Then What Dog Breed Should I Buy?

In short, nobody should be buying dogs. There is no excuse for anyone to breed or buy animals when there aren’t enough responsible homes for the animals who already exist. There are millions of healthy, adoptable dogs in shelters and millions more struggling to survive on the streets, and the only responsible choice is to adopt. If you are looking for a specific breed, you can find virtually any breed for adoption at a reputable shelter or rescue organization. Petfinder is also an excellent resource.

Belgian Malinois do not make suitable family dogs for the average household. Their personalities, energy level, and athleticism are too much for most families to handle. With a genetic predisposition for unprovoked, unpredictable aggressive episodes, bringing one into your family is just not worth the risk.

That said, however, if you have experience with high-intensity working breeds and a lifestyle that can provide plenty of safe, enjoyable mental and physical stimulation that includes humane, positive-reinforcement (non-aversive) training for a dog who is eager to learn and perform complex tasks for a food or toy reward, there are plenty of homeless and unwanted Malinois waiting for the right person who understands their wants and needs.

When you are ready to welcome a canine companion, check out these amazing adoptable animals.

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