What happens when you breed two highly intelligent and hardworking dogs?
Well, they make the perfect dog for families, the police and military forces, and people who need a lifelong companion. Meet the Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix!
If you’re looking for information on this amazing dog, then you are at the right place! In this guide, we will talk about the Mali Dutchie, its origin, characteristics, health, care needs, and more. Stick around and learn!
What Is a Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix?
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The Mali Dutchie is an offspring of two purebred dogs — the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd. This hybrid dog is known for its agility, strength, and speed, making it a great working dog. The Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is intelligent and loving and can be a service or therapy dog as well.
The Mali Dutchie is not a lap dog who likes to laze around all day. In fact, they are quite the opposite. This dog is born from a working parentage, so needless to say, this breed is created for working!
Today, the Mali Dutchie is most useful for police and military purposes. They are intelligent, highly trainable, and quite protective. People also like to use this breed for personal protection due to its guarding abilities.
If you’d like to see just how smart they are, watch this video of two Mali Dutchies training together:
Practicing Patience with my Dutch Shepherd/ Belgian Malinois dogs.<a href="https://youtu.be/0IimMD6jasE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F0IimMD6jasE%2F0.jpg" alt="Practicing Patience with my Dutch Shepherd/ Belgian Malinois dogs." width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
This dog thrives in a home where it is entrusted with a task. However, despite its hardworking, no-nonsense personality, the Mali Dutchie is a great family dog because of its loving, loyal, and friendly nature.
With that said, Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mixes are intelligent and useful dogs who can provide not only service and assistance but also companionship.
As a hybrid or designer dog, the Malie Dutchie is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), as the institution only honors pure breeds. However, you may find other kennel clubs specifically catering to hybrids.
For instance, you may register a Mali Dutchie with the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). The AKC Canine Partners is also a great option!
Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Mali Dutchie Come From?
Like most hybrid breeds, the Mali Dutchie does not have a traceable origin of its own. After all, it is a relatively new breed. The best way to understand its history is to examine its parents’ origin.
The Mali Dutchie was born from purebred dogs, which were traditionally used as herding dogs.
The first one is the Dutch Shepherd, also called Dutch Herders. They were extremely popular in the 19th-century Netherlands. Aside from herding, they were used as farm dogs, thanks to their strength and endurance.
Dutch Shepherds are very rare breeds today as a result of almost going extinct between the 1940s and the 1950s. Presently, this breed is widely used in the police and military force.
Meanwhile, the Belgian Malinois makes up half of the genes of the Mali Dutchie. This breed originated in Belgium in the late 1800s. Aside from herding, the Belgian Malinois was and is popular for its guarding abilities.
This breed served in World War I as a military dog. The Belgian Malinois is still used for police and military purposes today.
With its parents’ impressive background, we can’t expect anything less from the Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix. Though we know very little about its history, we expect to learn more as Mali Dutchies gain more popularity!
Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Appearance: What Does a Mali Dutchie Look Like?
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To some, the Mali Dutchie can look quite intimidating. After all, it stands tall and proudly, like it commands attention. Accurate to its typical role, the Mali Dutchie gives off an energy that suggests protection and authority.
The Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is a medium-sized dog with an athletic body that is suitable for intensive work. Instead of muscular, we can describe its body as lean.
This dog has long limbs and a long, square-shaped torso. The Mali Dutchie’s body type is the reason for its staggering speed and agility. Thus, they are popular dogs for search and rescue jobs.
Similar to its parents, it has tall, erect ears that stand on its head. The Mali Dutchie is known for its long, black narrow muzzle. Additionally, it has sharp, brown eyes and a strong pair of jaws.
In terms of its coat, the Mali Dutchie has an all-weather coat. This coat keeps this dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Despite this, it’s important to note that the Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix prefers lower temperatures.
Its thick coat is short, dense, and straight in texture. Don’t be fooled by its shortness, though, as the Mali Dutchie is a frequent shedder like their Belgian Malinois parent.
The Mali Dutchie’s coat comes in a variety of colors, such as brown, fawn, silver, and brindle. There are also instances that they sport the black Belgian Malinois coat.
Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Mali Dutchies Get?
A fully grown Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is a medium-sized dog with an overall slim physique.
When raised in a sound environment, a Mali Dutchie can grow anywhere between 22 and 26 inches and weigh from 60 to 80 pounds.
In most cases, female Mali Dutchies tend to be outgrown by males. However, on some rare occasions, female Mali Dutchies can grow taller and heavier than males. This is especially true if the female’s parents are larger than normal.
Since they are mixed breeds, don’t expect a standardized size and weight for all Mali Dutchies. This is typical for hybrid dogs. Even a litter can produce Mali Dutchies of different sizes and weights.
Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Temperament: Do Mali Dutchies Make Good Family Dogs?
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It’s no denying that the Mali Dutchie looks quite domineering on the outside. With its tall ears and alert posture, it’s hard not to assume that this dog has an intimidating or aggressive personality.
However, this isn’t the case at all. With the Mali Dutchie, it is quite the opposite. These dogs are non-aggressive and seldom bark unless there is a clear indication of danger.
Coupled with its protective nature, the Mali Dutchie makes great but calm guard dogs.
The Mali Dutchie is a friendly, affectionate, and loyal dog who enjoys family time. This dog can get along well with children and other animals, so it is suitable for multi-pet homes.
Another reason why people love the Mali Dutchie is because of its intelligence, obedience, and trainability. Thanks to its bright parents, the Mali Dutchie is able to pick up commands pretty quickly.
An important thing to note about the Mali Dutchie is its high prey drive. This is the result of breeding two herding dogs, so don’t be surprised. That said, it’s best to supervise them around smaller animals and children.
It is essential for the Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix to have a job. Otherwise, it will get bored and develop destructive habits.
Make them guard the house, watch over other animals, or make them do other suitable housework to keep them busy.
Today, they are popular for being service, therapy, search-and-rescue, detection, and military dogs. But if you’re planning to keep them at home, make sure you put Mali Dutchies through physical and mental activities.
Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Mali Dutchies Healthy Dogs?
The Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is a generally healthy dog. If you’re able to raise it well, your Mali Dutchie can live up to 12 to 15 years.
However, all dogs are susceptible to certain health risks. The Mali Dutchie may suffer from genetic conditions passed by its parents and other common health issues.
Here is a list of common health issues faced by the Mali Dutchie mix:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common problem faced by big dogs, like the Mali Dutchie mix. It occurs when a dog’s ball-and-socket joints become misaligned, causing extreme pain and discomfort.
Degenerative myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy affects a dog’s spine. When your dog has this disease, its hind limbs will slowly weaken, and worse, it can become paralyzed. Early diagnosis will help minimize the effects of degenerative myelopathy in dogs.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when a dog’s thyroid glands produce less thyroxine than normal. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism include hair loss, skin problems, rapid weight gain, muscle loss, etc.
Retinal dysplasia: Retinal dysplasia or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a disease that damages the photoreceptor cells in the retina. As a result, the dog’s photoreceptor cells degrade and, eventually, become blind.
These are just a general overview of the vast array of health risks that the Mali Dutchie may face. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In most cases, an unhealthy Mali Dutchie is a result of unhealthy Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd parents. Make sure to find a reputable breeder or rescue to ensure that your Mali Dutchie is in good health.
How to Take Care of Your Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd Mix
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If you’re a busy person who can’t commit to a thorough dog care routine, then the Mali Dutchie might be perfect for you. It is generally low-maintenance in terms of its diet, grooming, and training.
Detailed information on how to take care of a Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is available below.
Food and Diet
The Mali Dutchie doesn’t require special attention when it comes to its diet. However, because the Mali Dutchie has an active lifestyle, it is only natural for them to be big eaters.
Your Mali Dutchie needs about two to three cups of high-quality kibbles daily. It might need more if it undergoes heavy physical activity during the day.
Feed them premium dry dog food specially formulated for medium dogs. Beware of dog food with a high artificial food additive content as this may pose problems for the Mali Dutchie in the long run.
You may opt for homemade food containing chicken, beef, fish, beans, carrots, etc. If you choose to feed your Mali Dutchie with dog food and treats, choose those with real food content.
Cleaning and Grooming
Yes, the Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is a heavy shedder, especially during cold seasons. However, this dog is low-maintenance, unlike other frequent shedders that you know.
Brush your Mali Dutchie at least thrice weekly to avoid loose fur and keep its coat shiny and clean. But during the shedding season, it’s best to brush them daily. Use a slicker brush to dig all the loose undercoats out.
The Mali Dutchie requires very minimal bathing, thanks to its short coat. This canine only needs to shower every other month or when they get smelly or visibly dirty.
Trim its nails regularly to encourage good paw health and avoid scratches when they jump or run around. Furthermore, make sure that your Mali Dutchie undergoes regular dental and ear cleaning and check-up as well.
Training and Exercise
Training is a piece of cake for owners of the Mali Dutchie. You can rely on this canine’s intelligence to learn new tricks in a short period of time.
However, it’s important that you put the Mali Dutchie through obedience training as early as eight weeks old. This should continue up to its adult years in the form of periodic training sessions.
Because the Mali Dutchie has a pretty high prey drive, early socialization training is required. This will help them get along with smaller animals and children. This is especially important for multi-pet families with children.
Agility training is also ideal for the Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix. This will maximize its physical abilities and satisfy its need for physical stimulation.
Note that this active canine needs about 40 to 50 minutes of exercise daily. Thus, agility courses will make your Mali Dutchie excited.
You should also engage them in other physical outdoor activities, such as running, walking, playing, hiking, hunting, camping, and more.
Overall, the Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is perfect for outdoorsy people with an active lifestyle. This dog will be your best friend and partner in all your outdoor adventures!
How Much Does a Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The Mali Dutchie comes from parents who are known for being quite expensive. Thus, don’t expect low prices when it comes to this dog. You can buy a Mali Dutchie puppy from a breeder for around $500 to $1,000.
If you’re planning to get trained adult Mali Dutchies, note that they could cost more than twice the above range.
Nevertheless, they are cheaper than the purebred Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois price. In fact, they’re not as expensive as most shepherd dog breeds.
However, adoption is also a great option, which won’t require you to break the bank. You are likely to get a Mali Dutchie from rescues for only $300 to $500.
However, aside from the costs of acquiring the puppy, you’ll also have to spend money on initial costs.
Here is a breakdown of expenses for your Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix:
As you can see, you should expect to spend anywhere between $605 and $2,240 for initial costs. This doesn’t include recurring costs, which could be around $147 to $312 monthly.
This includes a monthly supply of dog food, dog treats, vet visits, pet insurance, and other recurring expenses. However, it is not inclusive of grooming or daycare fees.
Yes, taking care of a Mali Dutchie can take a toll on your finances. This is why it’s important that you’re not only mentally but also financially capable of raising a dog.
Places to Find Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Are you excited to take home a Mali Dutchie? If your answer is yes, stick around to find out the best places to get one.
In this section, we have listed a number of reputable breeders and rescues, where you can find a Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix for sale.
Make sure you check these breeders out and read their credentials to find the best one for you.
Below are some reputable breeders where you might find Mali Dutchies puppies for sale:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a reputable pet website where breeders get to advertise their dogs. This website is keen on helping buyers connect with reputable breeders. Visit Greenfield Puppies to see their available Malinois mixes!
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is another website where breeders advertise their litter. Currently, Lancaster Puppies has a few Belgian Malinois mixes. Be on the lookout for their available Mali Dutchies from time to time!
K-9 Classifieds – This puppy classified website is where you can find police, military, guard, or protection dogs for sale. They feature a variety of different breeds, including Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Mali Dutchie mixes.
You may also check out our extensive list of trusted Belgian Malinois breeders. They may have Belgian Malinois mixes, like Mali Dutchies, waiting for you.
On the other hand, if you’d rather adopt than shop, here are some rescues where you might find a Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix for adoption:
Malinois & Dutch Shepherd Rescue – This non-profit organization aims to rehabilitate and rehome surrendered, abused, or neglected Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. The organization operates online, so you can reach out to them through their website. They also have Mali Dutchies!
Northern American Dutch Shepherd Rescue (NADSR) – NADSR has been dedicated to rescuing Dutch Shepherds across North America since 2006. This is a rescue to check out if you’re looking for Dutch Shepherd hybrids, like the Mali Dutchie.
Rescue Me! – This website is a network that connects aspiring pet parents and adoptable dogs. As of date, the site has rehomed over 3,900 purebred and mixed Belgian Malinois. There are available Mali Dutchie dogs on the site right now, so be sure to hurry and check them out!
To ace your adoption application from the rescues above, check out our ultimate dog adoption guide. Meanwhile, you can also read our article on how to find a free puppy near you if you really have a tight budget.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd Mix
There are always two sides to the same coin. This is true even for dogs like Mali Dutchies. This section will help you determine whether the Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is the one you’re looking for.
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of owning a Mali Dutchie:
Intelligent and highly trainable: Training is not an issue with Mali Dutchies, thanks to their wits and ability to pick up commands quickly. You can train these dogs for various purposes, such as therapy, service, personal protection, etc.
Hardworking and reliable: Mali Dutchies are hardworking dogs who love to be at people’s service! They thrive in environments that provide them with work to do. Hence, Mali Dutchies can definitely help you with housework or other tasks, such as guarding, herding, farming, etc.
Low-maintenance: Mali Dutchies don’t require much attention when it comes to their care. In general, the most you have to do for Mali Dutchies is brush their coat a few times per week and take them out for runs or walks.
On the flip side, the disadvantages associated with owning a Mali Dutchie are the following:
Heavy shedders: Despite having short coats, Mali Dutchies are frequent shedders. They are not suitable for people with allergies as these dogs are far from being hypoallergenic.
High prey drive: Because of its herding parentage, the Mali Dutchie has a high prey drive. This may be good if you’re looking for a working dog, but it also makes a dog overly sensitive to movement. Mali Dutchies have a tendency to chase after small animals or moving objects.
No breed standard available: This is expected from hybrid or designer dogs, like the Mali Dutchie. Since they do not have a breed standard, expect these canines to have unpredictable growth, appearance, and sometimes temperament.
After reading through the pros and cons of owning a Mali Dutchie, what are your thoughts? Only you can tell whether or not this breed is perfect for you based on your preferences and lifestyle.
Consider these points when making a decision, so you can manage your expectations and prepare accordingly before getting a new dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Are the Differences Between a Belgian Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd?
The Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd are similar in a lot of ways. However, there are a few differences between these dogs.
For starters, you can find Malinois in a variety of colors, but Dutchies are only available in brindle. Dutch Shepherds are also heavier shedders than the Belgian Malinois.
In terms of temperament, the Belgian Malinois can be quite reserved, while the Dutch Shepherd is known to be affectionate.
Are Dutch Shepherds Calmer Than Malinois?
In general, both Dutch Shepherd and Malinois are calm dogs. However, Dutch Shepherds tend to be livelier and more easily excitable than the Belgian Malinois. Hence, Dutch Shepherd is usually less calm.
Do Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mixes Shed a Lot?
Yes. Mali Dutchies are heavy shedders. Hence, they require brushing as frequently as two to three times per week. Mali Dutchies may require more during the cold season when their coat sheds a bit more.
Are Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mixes are heavy shedders, so they are surely not hypoallergenic. In fact, this dog may not be suitable for people with mild to moderate allergies.
Final Thoughts: Is a Mali Dutchie the Right Dog for You?
In summary, the Mali Dutchie is an intelligent, energetic, loving, and loyal dog. This is the kind of canine that will make anybody fall in love! Aside from that, these dogs love being useful, so you can really rely on the Mali Dutchie.
However, the Mali Dutchie fits some households better than others. For instance, this dog will be happier and healthier in a spacious home rather than a more quiet and cramped apartment.
All in all, whether or not Mali Dutchies suit you is a personal matter. Can you provide for all of their needs, and will you be able to keep up with their active lifestyle? If yes, then a Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is the dog to get!
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