Several people have heard of Belgian Malinois. Even more people are familiar with German Shepherds. Unfortunately, their mix, the German Malinois, is almost unheard of.
Hopefully, this would not be the case for long as this hybrid is incredible in its own right! If you are a dog owner looking for a perfect combination of designer and working, the German Malinois might be the ideal pet for you!
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What is a German Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix?
Malinois German Shepherd Mix is referred to as German Malinois, Malinois X, or Shepinois. It is a designer dog with brilliant energy. This hybrid is a new mix that combines a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois.
This breed came out as an intelligent, energetic, and good-natured family protector. They are smart and hardworking dogs that could also work on several police tasks.
The Malinois X is pretty rare. Belgian Malinois puppies and German Shepherd puppies are common and easy to find. The same cannot be said for their offspring and crossbreed.
For this very reason, German Malinois are pretty pricey. You can expect the rate to fall around $1000.
The Origin of German Malinois
There is little information about the German Malinois. This is despite having tons available about its parent breeds. Mostly, anyone can find about the history of its parentage.
The Belgian Malinois goes way back to the 1800s. They originated from Malines, Belgium—hence their name. This dog is the most popular breed amongst the 4 Belgian shepherding species in the area.
The Belgian Malinois resembles German Shepherds in appearance. It is the main reason why they were bred to get the German Malinois.
Although the Malinois X parent breed was originally for shepherding tasks, they also excel in various military and police tasks. Those include being guard dogs, service dogs, and partners for search and rescue.
They also do well in tracking, obedience competition, sledding, and therapy. The American Kennel Club recognizes this parent breed.
German Shepherds were from Germany and came around the 1800s. They do various shepherding activities, guarding, and hunting. This parent breed is also valued as a service and guide dog for the disabled. The reason is that they are intelligent and observant animals with sound judgment.
These dogs are trainable and obedient. It makes them perfect for herding tasks and military and police work. They are faithful companions and guardians of homes. Like the Belgian Malinois, they are also recognized by the American Kennel Club.
When German Shepherds arrived in Belgium, hybrids between them and Belgian Malinois started. Around the early 1900s, a perfect combination among shepherd dogs was born. They were predominant of the German Malinois, and further subtypes were born after.
The Appearance of A German Malinois
This dog takes after the physical characteristics of either or both its parents. It also has a wedge head shape and a pointed snout.
The Malinois X’s eyes are almond-shaped and medium in size, either auburn or dark brown. They have pointed ears that are proportionate to their flat skull.
This hybrid has a long, clean-cut neck that is thick and muscular. The slope of its back depends on which parent breed they take after more. Malinois has long legs and a straighter back. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd has a not-so-straight one with legs that bow to compensate.
The German Malinois weigh between 65 and 85 pounds and can stand between 20 and 25 inches tall. Their short, double-layer coat is harsh, coarse, and rough. Their fur is usually straight and flat, with its coat length varying from long to short.
Some will have longer hair around their neck. It gives the dog the illusion of a collar—a trait they inherited from their Malinois side. They also vary in coat color. The standards are black, brown, fawn, white, tan, and blue.
German Malinois Breed Temperament
The German Malinois is an excellent family dog. They are fun-loving, hardworking, and highly devoted dogs that can fit into your lifestyle. Aside from being level-headed, this dog is also energetic, protective, loyal, and demanding. They crave attention and affection most of all.
This mix is also intelligent, making it easier to train. It also helps that this dog is eager to please. This breed may appear stand-offish to strangers at first — they will only show affection once they warm up to someone.
They are protection dogs that can guard and defend when needed. In fact, they are not afraid to fight and snarl at someone they see as a threat to themselves and their family. This, however, makes them aggressive at times.
If they started socializing at a young age, they would have no problem getting along with children and other household pets. If that is not the case, keep a close eye on your dog whenever they are around young children.
This hybrid is territorial. They could be less tolerant of kids due to their hunting instincts and intense herding. If trained well, they will be a healthy blend of a loving companion and a working dog at home.
Health Issues and Concerns
Your mixed breed can suffer from various health complications throughout their lifetime. Be sure to take them on regular check-ups to ensure that nothing is wrong.
Of all the health issues your hybrid could encounter, ear infections are one of the most common. They are also prone to degenerative myelopathy, swelling, and allergies.
Other health issues the German Malinois can suffer from are:
- Bloating
- Hip Dysplasia
- Anesthesia Sensitivity
- Eyes Diseases
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Hemophilia
- Physiological Leukopenia
- Polyneuropathy
- Megaesophagus
- Heart diseases
- Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Exercise and Activity Requirements
A Malinois X is an energetic canine. It inherited its high energy level and activeness from its parent breeds. Being an active breed, it will need tons of physical exercise and mental training.
Simple routine walks would not be enough to meet its needs. Insufficient activity will leave your hybrid restless.
You can use your backyard fence or a nearby park for its exercise. A game of fetch or frisbee could help them burn off their energy. Couple that with activities that use mental stimulation to keep your hybrid in tip top shape.
German Malinois Maintenance
This hybrid dog is pretty high maintenance. You will need to brush the dog’s coat at least twice or thrice a week for most months since both of its parent breeds shed. Use a firm-bristled brush that removes loose hair and keeps its coat healthy and shiny.
Bathe your dog only when needed, which is when they are dirty or smelly. Frequent baths can remove too much of its essential oils. You would not have to worry about drooling and smell levels as they are pretty low with this breed.
Check and clean their ears daily. This breed develops too much earwax. It sometimes leads to ear issues such as infections if left alone. Brush their teeth thrice a week too.
Food and Diet
Aside from being medium-to-large in size, this dog breed is also an active creature. It means they need the right amount of nutrients to remain healthy. They would need the proper amount of healthy fats and protein.
You can expect your hybrid to eat anywhere from 3-5 cups a day. Feed your dog based on its activity level, sex, and age. Specifically, choose dog food for large dogs. You may also ask to consult your veterinarian for a recommendation.
Conclusion
The German Malinois is a fantastic hybrid that is both a working and family dog. These dogs, however, take on both the best and worst traits of their parents. Make sure that you consider everything before taking one in. That includes your family, their temperament, exercise routine, possible health issues, diet, and more.
This breed is interesting and can bring a lot of fun to your home and life!
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