How Many Types of Belgian Malinois Dog breeds are there?

The Belgian Malinois is one of the most highly regarded working dog breeds in the world. Known for its intelligence, agility, and versatility, the Belgian Malinois has earned a reputation as an ideal choice for police, military, search-and-rescue, and service dog roles. But did you know there are several different types of Belgian Malinois? If you’re considering adopting one, it’s essential to know about the variations within the breed to understand what fits best for your home, lifestyle, and needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of Belgian Malinois, breaking down their characteristics and helping you choose the perfect one for your family or working needs.

What Is a Belgian Malinois?

Before we break down the different types of Belgian Shepherd dogs, let’s get a quick overview of the breed as a whole. The Belgian Malinois, often mistaken for a singular breed, is actually one of four types of Belgian Shepherd dogs. The breed was originally developed in Belgium for herding purposes, but its intelligence and versatility soon led to its use in military, police, and service roles.

The Belgian Malinois is one of four recognized breeds from Belgium, all of which fall under the broader “Belgian Shepherd” category. These breeds include:

1. Belgian Malinois
2. Belgian Sheepdog
3. Belgian Tervuren
4. Laekenois

All of these breeds share common ancestry and features, but each has its unique traits and characteristics.

4 Types of Belgian Malinois Breeds

Though the Belgian Malinois is often thought of as a singular breed, it’s actually part of a larger group of Belgian Shepherds. The difference lies primarily in their appearance and working style. Let’s break down the four main types, one by one.

1. Belgian Malinois (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Belgian Malinois is often considered the most popular and widely recognized of the four breeds. It’s known for its short, fawn-colored coat and distinctive black mask. Belgian Malinois are intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable dogs, making them excellent for police, military, and service work.

Features of the Belgian Malinois:

The Belgian Malinois is a go-to for working roles because of its sharp instincts and drive to please. They do best in environments where they can stay active, such as homes with large yards or owners who can offer plenty of training sessions and exercises.

Why is the Belgian Malinois so commonly used in police and military work?

The Belgian Malinois is preferred for police and military duties because of its strong work ethic, agility, and exceptional scenting abilities. They are more agile than larger breeds like the German Shepherd, making them well-suited for high-speed pursuits and other physically demanding tasks. Their loyalty and protective instincts make them ideal candidates for protective roles, however Belgian Malinois has both pros and cons.

Read More: 

• Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd: Key Differences

2. Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Belgian Sheepdog, also known as the “Groenendael,” is one of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds. This dog is primarily known for its long, black coat and majestic appearance. Belgian Sheepdogs are affectionate, intelligent, and loyal, often making great family pets.

Source: https://www.akc.org/

Features of the Belgian Sheepdog:

The Belgian Sheepdog is perfect for those who are looking for a dog with a bit more of a “gentle giant” personality, compared to the more energetic Malinois. While they are still highly trainable, they may not be as active as the Malinois, making them a better choice for more relaxed households, provided they receive enough exercise.

Do Belgian Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming?

Yes, the Belgian Sheepdog’s long coat requires regular grooming. Expect to brush their coat at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling. They shed moderately throughout the year, so regular brushing will help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.

3. Belgian Tervuren (Canis lupus familiaris)

Named after the town of Tervuren in Belgium, this breed is essentially the long-haired version of the Belgian Malinois. While the Belgian Tervuren shares many of the same characteristics as the Malinois, it is known for its striking coat, which ranges from fawn to mahogany colors.

Features of the Belgian Tervuren:

The Belgian Tervuren’s luxurious coat may require a little more grooming than the Malinois or Sheepdog, but this breed still shares the Malinois’s drive for activity and intelligence. They thrive in environments that encourage mental stimulation, like agility training and competitive obedience.

You may also like: 

• 8 Dog that Looks like a German Shepherd

Is the Belgian Tervuren more difficult to train than the Belgian Malinois?

No, both the Belgian Malinois and Tervuren are equally intelligent and trainable. The key difference is their appearance and grooming needs. The Tervuren may require more time spent on coat maintenance, but in terms of training and working ability, they are on par with the Malinois.

4. Laekenois (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Laekenois is the rarest of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds. It has a wiry, rough coat that’s different from the other breeds. Though less common, the Laekenois is equally intelligent and energetic, excelling at various working roles, from herding to police work.

Features of the Laekenois:

The Laekenois might not be as well-known as the Malinois, but it is still a hardworking and devoted breed. They are perfect for active owners who can dedicate time to training and provide them with the physical activity they need.

Is the Belgian Laekenois suitable for first-time dog owners?

Due to its independent nature and high-energy levels, the Laekenois may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. They require firm training and consistent leadership to thrive in a home environment. If you are an experienced dog owner who can dedicate time and energy, the Laekenois can be a loyal and protective companion.

Do Laekenois dogs shed a lot?

Laekenois dogs have a wiry coat that doesn’t shed as much as some of the other Belgian breeds. However, they do require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy.

Which Belgian Malinois Breed Is Right for You?

Choosing the right type of Belgian Shepherd depends largely on your lifestyle, environment, and what you want out of your dog. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Belgian Malinois: Best for those who want a high-energy working dog with a strong drive for tasks like police, military, and protection work. Perfect for active individuals and families with large yards.

• Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael): Ideal for families looking for a more relaxed, yet still intelligent and protective, companion. The longer coat may require more grooming, but their gentle nature makes them a great family dog.

• Belgian Tervuren: A great choice for those who enjoy working with dogs in high-energy activities like agility and obedience training. Their long, stunning coat requires grooming, but they make fantastic companions for active homes.

• Laekenois: Best for experienced dog owners who can provide firm training and plenty of exercise. With a rare wiry coat, the Laekenois is a unique breed that excels at various working roles.

Final Thoughts!

The Belgian Shepherds, including the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, and Laekenois, are all highly intelligent, loyal, and versatile dogs that make excellent companions for the right person. Understanding the differences between each breed is crucial for making an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a working dog or a loyal companion, there’s a Belgian Shepherd breed that’s perfect for your home and lifestyle.

If you’re considering adding a Belgian Shepherd to your family, be sure to choose the breed that best matches your activity level, training ability, and environment. These dogs thrive on structure and stimulation, so they are best suited for families or individuals who are prepared to meet their needs.