You’ve heard of the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. But have you seen their hybrid, the Malinois X or German Malinois? If you haven’t, then you’re in for a special treat.
In this guide, we will tell you all about the offspring of the GSD and the Belgian Malinois.
We’ll also explore the proper ways to take care, train, and feed the Belgian Shepherd German Shepherd mix. If this sounds exciting to you, stick around and read along!
What Is a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix?
Photo by @timbergirlss_adventurez (IG)
The German Malinois or Malinois X is a mix between a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Both these breeds were created for herding, which explains their hybrid’s active, protective, and courageous personality. The Belgian Malinois GSD mix is notable for its black nose, erect ears, and confident stature.
It may be difficult for the average person to set a German Malinois mix apart from its parents. After all, this hybrid dog is the perfect combination of the two look-alike breeds.
The Malinois X is not a common breed. In fact, they are pretty new, so they are relatively rare. They are called hybrid or designer dogs, which means they are created from purebred dogs.
Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize mixed breeds. However, there are other organizations with which you can register your German Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix.
The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. are the kennel clubs that recognize the German Shepherd Malinois mix.
Other Names of the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix
The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mixes are called many different names. They are known as the Malinois X, German Malinois, and German Shepherd Malinois.
Some people like to call them the Shepinois, which comes from the names of their parents — German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Some kennel clubs like to designate a specific name for these dogs.
For instance, the American Canine Hybrid Club officially calls them the German Malinois. Meanwhile, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and Designer Breed Registry refer to it as the Malinois X.
In general, this hybrid breed goes by multiple names. The key takeaway here is that they can go by any name so long as it is a combination of both the Malinois and the GSD’s name.
Belgian Malinois GSD Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Malinois X Come From?
Since the Malinois X is a relatively new breed, there isn’t extensive documentation on their history yet. Luckily, both the German Shepherd dog and Belgian Malinois have well-documented origins. Let’s take a closer look.
The Belgian Malinois is one of the four types of Belgian Sheepdogs developed in Belgium in the late 1800s. It is mainly known for its black mask and short, mahogany coat. It was first used as a herding dog and military dog.
Meanwhile, the German Shepherd originated in 1899 in Germany. Likewise, it was initially bred to be a herding dog for sheep.
Nowadays, the German Shepherd is a very popular dog breed. However, it is no longer for its herding capabilities but its abilities as guards and companions. Currently, it ranks 3rd on AKC’s list of most popular breeds.
Both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd are shepherd dogs. Therefore, you can expect their mix to be a designer dog that can also double as a herding breed.
In fact, if you think of it, the German Malinois might just be the best herding breed out there! After all, it is born from two of the best working dogs.
Though this is all we know about this lovely dog, it shouldn’t stop us from getting to know the German Malinois more. They are excellent protectors and friends that we’re sure you’ll love!
Belgian Malinois GSD Mix Appearance: What Does a Malinois X Look Like?
Photo by @thor.malinoisx (IG)
The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd has the perfect mix of features from its parents. There are considerable similarities in the looks of the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois.
Thus, it might be challenging to differentiate a Malinois X from its parent dog breeds.
To identify a German Malinois, look for its black nose, its flat skull that’s proportionate to its body, and its slightly long muzzle. Its deep-set eyes are a beautiful dark brown and take the shape of an almond.
You will also notice its tall and erect ears. The Belgian German Shepherd mix may look thin to some, but they are just built like so. The better way to describe the body of the German Malinois is athletic and sturdy.
In terms of its coat, the Malinois X has double-layered skin that comes in various colors. Its coat may be black, brown, blue, tan, fawn, or white, just like the German Shepherd’s and the Belgian Malinois’ colors.
The Malinois Shepherd mix has a medium-length coat that is coarse, rough, and sheds frequently. But it can also inherit the short coat of its German Shepherd parent.
You will notice that the German Malinois has a handsome and confident stature. It gives the German Shepherd Malinois mix a sense of authority, which they need as guards or service dogs.
If you want to see what they look like as puppies, watch this video:
German Shepherd X Belgian Malinois Puppies<a href="https://youtu.be/lceF5JI1aqY" 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%2FlceF5JI1aqY%2F0.jpg" alt="German Shepherd X Belgian Malinois Puppies" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Belgian Malinois GSD Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do German Malinois Get?
The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix is a medium to large-sized dog, just like its parents. Generally, a German Malinois can grow from 20 to 26 inches in height. Furthermore, it can weigh from 65 to 85 pounds.
Like most breeds, the female German Shepherd Malinois will be slightly smaller than its male counterpart. It also tends to weigh a bit less.
The German Malinois is considered mature once it reaches about 16 to 22 months. At this point, your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix is fully grown.
Belgian Malinois GSD Mix Temperament: Do German Malinois Make Good Family Dogs?
Photo by @timbergirlss_adventurez (IG)
Like most mixed breeds, the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix doesn’t have a consistent temperament. Its personality will depend on which parent it resembles more in terms of behavior.
However, there are characteristics common to most Belgian Shepherds. This mix is an active dog that is alert and loyal. It is also common for this hybrid to be an energetic dog and a lovable canine friend.
Thanks to its German Shepherd side, this hybrid has the wits that make it pretty easy to train. In fact, the German Malinois mix can learn a trick after just five repetitions. Needless to say, these hybrids are intelligent working dogs!
That said, this dog can have a stubborn streak and be over-excited at times. This is one of the reasons why they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners.
Aside from that, this dog is also athletic. These active dogs can be too much for people in a modest household.
When it comes to guarding, the German Malinois is no slouch. This confident dog is protective, like its parent breeds. This dog will bark at strangers and suspicious things, which essentially makes them excellent guard dogs.
However, this hybrid can be pretty aggressive and possess a high prey drive. It will chase after smaller animals. Some would suggest that the Malinois X should be the only pet at home.
Despite its somewhat intimidating characteristics, the Belgian German Shepherd mix is an affectionate, obedient, and docile dog. Plus, it can be left alone with children and other animals if trained at a young age.
The Malinois X thrives on attention. Often, you will find that this dog gets jealous of other pets. The German Malinois mix needs all eyes on it! It’s also prone to separation anxiety at times.
Overall, the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix is a great family and guard dog. However, they are best suited for households with older kids.
Belgian Malinois GSD Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are German Malinois Healthy Dogs?
The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix is a generally healthy dog. If raised in a sound environment, it can reach 10 to 14 years.
However, like any dog, it may suffer from some health issues. These diseases are mostly inherited from their German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois parents.
Here are some common health issues affecting the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix:
Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative spinal cord disorder in which transmission fibers deteriorate. This causes dragging, loss of coordination, or knuckled-over feet. The worst part is it can make your dog paralyzed.
Megaesophagus: Megaesophagus occurs when the esophagus dilates and loses mobility. This causes food and liquid to build up in the esophagus. This can be fatal when left untreated.
Bloat: Also called gastric dilatation-volvulus complex, this happens when air fills up your dog’s stomach, causing a build-up of pressure. It will cause blood pooling on the back area of your dog, which can later lead to shock.
Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): EPI is a hereditary condition that causes insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes that aid in digesting fats, proteins, and carbs. It is common among German Shepherds.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) affects the retina’s photoreceptor cells. This condition causes the photoreceptor cells or atrophy to degenerate, ultimately blinding the afflicted dog.
These are only some of the health issues that the German Malinois mix can have. It is by no means a complete list. We recommend taking your dog out for routine physical exams to prevent or immediately treat any health issues.
How to Take Care of Your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix
Photo by @thor.malinoisx (IG)
The Malinois X is a great family dog not only for its temperament but also because of its non-demanding maintenance needs. Besides its great need for physical and mental stimulation, everything else is a piece of cake.
Read on to find out more on how you can take care of your German Malinois.
Food and Diet
The Malinois X is low-maintenance when it comes to food and diet. High-quality dry dog food will do the job of giving the German Malinois the proper nutrition. Make sure that its kibbles contain lots of protein and calcium.
Interestingly, the Malinois X is a dog breed that benefits from a raw diet. That said, you can also give your dog raw meat as a substitute to dry kibble.
The German Malinois is a working dog that has an active lifestyle. Thus, it follows that this dog is a big eater with a fast metabolism and needs three to four cups of food daily.
Free feeding is a bad idea, especially for a big eater like the German Malinois. This dog will overeat, which can result in digestive issues or obesity.
Cleaning and Grooming
Grooming a Malinois X requires a bit of commitment. However, it is not as difficult as one may think.
Though this hybrid has a short or medium-length coat, it is considered a moderate shedder. This is especially true during the spring and autumn season.
To keep shedding manageable, brush your pet’s coat daily using a firm bristle brush. This is also an excellent way to avoid matting and lessen loose fur.
There are times when the German Malinois doesn’t shed as much as usual. When this happens, you only need to brush your dog once or twice per week.
For more tips on how to clean your Malinois X’s coat, check out our article on how to manage shedding for Belgian Malinois. You’ll surely pick up a couple of tricks there!
In terms of bathing, the German Malinois mix does not need regular trips to the bathtub. Wash it only when it becomes visibly dirty or starts to smell.
Bathing the Malinois X more than necessary will strip off its coat’s natural oils.
Training and Exercise
As we know, the German Malinois tends to be aggressive due to its protective nature. This makes this breed a good police or guard dog. However, this also makes the German Malinois an assertive dog that can be difficult to train.
Thankfully, there are many ways to tame this dominant and very active breed. One of the best ways is to socialize them early on. This will make them more obedient and responsive to training.
When training this breed, use the so-called positive reinforcement training. However, it is important to execute this with a strong and firm voice rather than friendly praise.
In terms of exercise, the German Shepherd Malinois is quite demanding. After all, this mix is an active breed with the natural desire to work.
Malinois Shepherds require lots of physical and mental stimulation. Lack of it can result in destructive behavior, like chewing shoes, scratching rugs, etc.
The German Malinois needs about two hours of activity every day. A good workout routine for this dog will be something like a 45-minute walk in the morning, a 15-minute evening stroll, and an hour of intense workout midday.
How Much Does a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Because the German Malinois is a relatively rare breed, expect to shell out a big chunk of cash for this pooch. Usually, this mix costs $1,500 to $2,500. It could cost more depending on the lineage, location, gender, and other factors.
It’s a bit rare to find German Malinois puppies in rescues. But if you do find one, it would cost you just about $100 to $500. Of course, this excludes other costs, like food, dog supplies, equipment, etc.
Here is a detailed list of other expenses associated with owning a Malinois X puppy:
These are just estimates and can vary depending on several factors. The important takeaway here is that owning a German Malinois is a serious financial responsibility.
For more pricing information, read our in-depth guide on the costs of owning and taking care of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. This will give you a better idea of how much a Malinois X will cost.
Places to Find Belgian Malinois GSD Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Photo by @timbergirlss_adventurez (IG)
If you decide to buy a German Malinois, make sure to get one from a trusty source. Buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills is highly discouraged.
On the other hand, when adopting a Malinois X, keep in mind that these dogs may exhibit difficulty or misbehavior. If this happens, consult a professional trainer to ensure your family’s safety around your adopted pet.
Below are some reputable breeders where you might find Malinois X puppies for sale:
Cherry Creek Canine – Cherry Creek Canine is a breeder based in Denver, Colorado. They specifically breed German Shepherds as well as German Shepherd Malinois mix dogs. You can browse through their website and check out their currently available dogs.
Camelot Shepherds – Camelot Shepherds is a Tennessee-based German Shepherd and German Malinois mix breeder. They have been breeding dogs for 18 years now. All their German Shepherds come from working backgrounds, so rest assured that their dogs are fantastic protection canines!
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is a platform where breeders can put their puppies up for adoption. They boast of their Animal Welfare and Breeder Accountability Specialist, so it’s guaranteed that you’re buying from a trusty breeder. Visit their website to find Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix puppies.
If you need more options, consider going through our guide on the best German Shepherd breeders and the best Belgian Malinois breeders. Some breeders on these lists also raise and sell Malinois X mixes!
On the flip side, if you fancy adoption, below are some rescues where you might find German Malinois puppies for adoption:
American Belgian Malinois Rescue – The American Belgian Malinois Rescue is dedicated to rehoming purebred and mixed Belgian Malinois. They are based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Check out their website right now, as they have available German Shepherd Malinois mix puppies all the time.
Westside German Shepherd Rescue – This non-profit organization is a Los Angeles-based rescue that caters to German Shepherds and GSD mixes. Make sure you visit their webpage to know their adoption days and hours and contact information. Malinois X mixes are frequently found in this rescue, so keep an eye out!
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions – This non-profit organization aims to save neglected purebred and mixed German Shepherds. They are based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and they exclusively cater to people located in North and South Carolina and Virginia.
In addition to these, look at our guide on the best German Shepherd rescues. Most rescues on that list also cater to GSD mixes, such as the Malinois X.
Alternatively, you can join social media groups for GSD and Belgian Malinois enthusiasts. For sure, many pet lovers will help you find the Malinois X of your dreams!
Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix
You can’t expect a dog to be perfect. There will be upsides and downsides to any pet, just like with the German Shepherd Malinois mixes.
In this section, we will take a look at the pros and cons of owning a Malinois X. Hopefully, this will help you decide whether or not this hybrid dog is for you.
To start, let’s look at some of the selling points of these dogs. Here are some advantages of owning a German Malinois:
Highly intelligent: Thanks to its German Shepherd parent, the German Malinois is a bright, highly trainable dog. They quickly learn tricks, so training them won’t be a challenging feat. That is, of course, if you have already established yourself as a leader to them.
Great guardian dogs: The Malinois X come from parent breeds that were originally trained as guards and herding dogs. Thus, the German Malinois mix has a reliable guard dog instinct! These dogs won’t hesitate to put their lives on the line to protect you and your family.
Low-maintenance: The German Malinois doesn’t have special needs when it comes to its diet and grooming. This is an excellent dog for busy people!
On the other hand, owning a Malinois X is not all rainbows and sunshine. There are also some things that may be deal-breakers for you.
Here are some disadvantages of owning a German Malinois:
Can be aggressive: The German Malinois may show aggression against strangers or smaller animals. Socialize them early and put them through obedience training to minimize this tendency.
Not recognized by the AKC: Because the Malinois X is a mixed breed, it cannot be registered with the AKC. It could often be difficult to trace the origin of each individual German Malinois.
Frequent shedders: While they are relatively easy to maintain, German Malinois are still shedders. They are not suitable for people with allergies as they tend to shed moderately.
Whether or not the pros outweigh the cons depends entirely on your lifestyle and preferences. That said, it is important to consider the aforementioned points carefully before getting a Malinois X.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @thor.malinoisx (IG)
Does German Malinois Shed a Lot?
The German Malinois has a double coat and is considered a moderate shedder. Hence, they need to be brushed every day with a firm brush. This will help prevent matting on your dog’s coat and keep loose fur at a minimum!
Are Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive?
Yes, Belgian Shepherds tend to be aggressive. This is due to their protective nature as guard dogs. However, you can train them to become less aggressive with early socialization.
Are Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. The German Malinois are moderate shedders. Thus, they can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies. They also produce dander which is risky for people with allergies.
Final Thoughts: Is a Shepinois the Right Dog for You?
Belgian Malinois German Shepherd dogs are protective but affectionate dogs. In general, they are fantastic dogs suitable for many kinds of households.
Despite their tendency to be assertive and defensive, these dogs are absolute darlings!
If you can commit to training this dog and providing proper nutrition and care, then you will surely enjoy having a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix in your life.
Comments