The German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix is a mixed Dog Breed between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. It is sometimes referred to as the German Malinois, Shepinois, Malinois X and a Belgian Shepherd Malinois. This hybrid is normally bred in order to try and maximize the working output of the two parent breeds. Both of which are excellent working dogs in their own right.
While we really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd mixed with Belgian Malinois puppy. That is, if they have any for sale. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible.
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Here is a brief history of both the Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. Being that this is a mixed breed dog, there isn’t a lot of history to it. However, we go more in depth to the history of all of the breeds.
As his name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany, where he was created in the nineteenth century primarily by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog that could be used for military and police work. The result was a dog that encompassed striking good looks, intelligence and versatility. World War I put a dent in the breed’s burgeoning popularity because the dogs were associated with the enemy. German Shepherds braved artillery fire, land mines and tanks to supply German soldiers in the trenches with deliveries of food and other necessities. After the war, movies featuring Rin Tin Tin and fellow German Shepherd Strongheart brought the breed back into favor. American audiences loved them. For a time, the German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the United States.
The Laekenois, the Groenendael, the Malinois and the TervurenIn Belgium are all four types of belgium herding dogs. The breeding of the actual Malinois can be traced back to a Shepherd called Janssens. It originated in the area around the city of Malines, Belgium, which is where it got its name. As well as being used as sheep dogs, and in sheep dog trials, they were also used as draught dogs, guard dogs and police dogs. In the early 20th century he was exported to other countries including America. After World War I many were brought back by servicemen. Recently there has been an increase again in importation because of their success in the military, search and rescue, police and drug detection.
They are often times mistaken or confused with the German Shepherd. They are an outstanding working dog, highly clever, protective, focused on their “pack,” sensitive and intense. They are extremely high energy with a very strong prey drive.
BELGIAN MALINOIS
Height: 22-26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55-75 lb.
Lifespan: 12-14 years
GERMAN SHEPHERD
Height: 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 75 - 95 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
The German Malinois is going to be an extremely energetic, focused and hard working dog. It will be extremely loyal, alert, friendly, affectionate and very intelligent. Often times they will bond extremely well with one member of the family more than the others. Usually the one that spends the most time with it. They are known for being great working dogs but are also a good family dog. They need a strong, firm owner who is preferably experienced with handling dogs. They will respond very well to positive reinforcement and probably won’t do well at all with negativity. She is fairly level headed, protective and devoted. She likes to be at center of activity and attention and thrives in an active household. She can be demanding and will not let you ignore her!
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Belgian Malinois mixed with German Shepherd might be prone to the following: Bloat, Degenerative Myelopathy, EPI, PRA, Anesthesia Sensitivity, Joint dysplasia and allergies.
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
They are going to shed a lot and are going to need lots of exercise. Both of the parent breeds are heavy shedders and very energetic dogs. So make sure that you can fit long walks and hikes into your daily routine. Be prepared to brush them a couple of times a week and have a good vacuum at your disposal to clean up the floors. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.