Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to the dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior, and keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Feeding schedules vary by dog. In general, feed a Malinois twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Puppies may need to eat more often, up to four times a day. Always check with your veterinarian to confirm what is ideal for your dog.

How much to feed depends on age, activity level, and size. The chart on the back of the bag, based on current age and weight, is a good place to start, but recheck it often, because Malinois puppies grow quickly and their calorie needs change. Some dogs gain weight more easily, so watch calorie intake and weight.

A healthy Malinois on a complete, balanced diet generally does not need supplements unless your veterinarian directs otherwise. Treats help with training, but keep them to no more than 10 percent of daily calories so the diet stays balanced. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not, and check with your veterinarian about any weight or diet concerns.

The short, waterproof Malinois coat is easy to care for. Occasional brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove keeps the dog looking sharp, helps distribute skin oils, and removes dead hair. Brush at least once a week to keep shedding in check.

Malinois shed twice a year. During these semi-annual periods, when the breed blows its coat, a daily once-over with a slicker brush and regular baths help remove loose hair. Otherwise, bathe as needed after time outdoors, always using a dog-specific shampoo matched to a dog's skin and pH, never human shampoo or body wash.

Trim the nails regularly. Overly long nails cause pain and trouble walking and running, so if you hear nails clicking on the ground, it is time to cut them. Clean the ears once a month with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner or flush, and watch for excess wax, redness, and inflammation.

Given the breed's risk for PRA and cataracts, check with your veterinarian right away if you notice rubbing at the eyes, cloudiness, or any vision concern. Like all dogs, the Malinois needs daily dental care, so brush the teeth at home each day and schedule regular professional cleanings. Because of their active outdoor lifestyle, keep your Malinois on year-round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.

Highly intelligent, athletic, and devoted, the Malinois needs to be actively engaged with its owner, both mentally and physically. This is not a dog who can be left in the backyard, and daily walks are not enough. Exercise, and plenty of it, alongside its owner is central to the breed's happiness.

A Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise a day, with you alongside. These dogs love hiking, running, and swimming, and they are tough competition in agility, tracking, herding, obedience, and Schutzhund protection work. As long as they burn off energy and spend time with their owners, they are content.

Pair the physical work with mental stimulation such as hide and seek, puzzle toys, and other interactive games. Left alone too long or under-exercised, Malinois invent their own activities: they destroy furniture, rugs, and curtains, chew shoes, gnaw through doors and window frames, and dig holes in the yard.

A strong prey drive draws them to moving objects, which can make them poor companions at the dog park and can lead to chasing cars, animals, and even children. Prospective owners need to provide physical and mental outlets, invest in early professional training, and give this high-energy breed a job.

Early socialization and obedience training are musts for the Malinois. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn, and many treat training as a job and become enthusiastic students. Obedience work helps a Malinois manage its herding instincts, while socialization makes the breed more accepting of strangers and reduces fear-based aggression.

Like most herding breeds, Malinois have a high prey drive and a strong interest in moving objects, which can lead to chasing children, vehicles, or other animals. Direct that instinct into acceptable activities through training, and learning basic commands and new tricks also provides important mental stimulation.

Malinois respond to consistent, firm training built on positive reinforcement and rewards. The breed can be sensitive and does not appreciate harsh methods. A well-socialized Malinois can be a great family dog, though watchfulness over the family is an inherent trait that can make guests difficult, so always supervise interactions between kids and any dog.

These dogs form a tight bond with their people and want to spend as much time with you as possible. Have a Malinois puppy trained by a professional who knows the breed, and stay involved yourself. Start young and continue throughout the dog's life.