Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd Mix: A Comprehensive Guide

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Adult Tan Belgian Malinois Biting Stick on Grass Field
Credit: pexels.com, Adult Tan Belgian Malinois Biting Stick on Grass Field

The Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is a unique and fascinating breed. This crossbreed combines the intelligence and athleticism of the Belgian Malinois with the loyalty and protective nature of the Dutch Shepherd.

The Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is often referred to as a "Malit Shepherd" or "Malit Dutch". They typically weigh between 40-80 pounds and stand between 22-26 inches tall.

Their coats can vary in color and texture, but often feature a combination of black, tan, and white markings.

Physical Characteristics

The Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is a sturdy breed with a athletic build, perfect for jobs that require speed and agility. They can reach up to 26 inches in height.

Their weight can range from 50 to 80 pounds, making them a robust companion. They tend to prefer cooler weather.

Their all-weather coat is a result of inheriting traits from both parent breeds, allowing them to endure various weather conditions. This coat is thick and weather-resistant.

In terms of size, most Malinois Dutch Shepherd mixes reach 21-24 inches in height and weigh 40-70 pounds. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years.

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Care and Maintenance

Credit: youtube.com, Aggressive Dutch Shepherd / Malinois Cross | Prepare Your Dog For Uncomfortable Situations

The Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but regular brushing is still necessary to keep shedding in check.

You should brush your Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix at least three times a week with a de-shedding tool and a regular pin brush to remove loose hair and dirt from the coat.

Bathing only needs to occur every other month or so, unless your dog gets especially dirty, in which case more frequent baths may be necessary.

Keep in mind that this breed doesn't have a bad doggy odor, so you won't need to bathe them as often as some other breeds.

Trimming your dog's nails every few weeks is also important to ensure proper paw health and prevent scratching.

This breed is prone to hip dysplasia and eye conditions, so it's essential to secure pet health insurance to avoid high veterinary care costs.

Credit: youtube.com, Blue the Dog at Five Months Old. Malinois-Dutch Shepherd Cross. Blue Nemesis Dog Diaries #002.

Plan on taking your Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down and prevent destructive behavior.

A tired dog is a happy dog, and regular exercise will make training a breeze.

To train your Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix, break sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher, and use positive reinforcement techniques like praise and rewards.

Proper socialization is also crucial, so take your dog to the park and doggy day care to get them around as many people and dogs as possible.

Regular ear checks, nail clipping, and dental care are also essential for your Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix's health, including bathing every 3 months to prevent tartar and bacteria buildup in the mouth.

Activity and Training

The Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

They need a combination of long walks, fast-paced jogs, in-depth training, and games like fetch to keep them active and engaged. A daily obedience training session can also help stimulate their minds and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Obedience training should start as early as possible and continue throughout your dog's life, with sessions ranging from 15 to 60 minutes.

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Activity Requirements

Selective Focus Photo of a Cute Belgian Malinois Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Selective Focus Photo of a Cute Belgian Malinois Dog

The Mali-dutchie is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved.

They need a long walk, a fast-paced jog, and in-depth training to keep them engaged and active. A game of fetch afterwards is also a great way to burn off excess energy.

Providing a job for your Mali is essential to keep them happy, whether that's carrying a backpack, pulling a cart, or aiding someone with a disability.

Careful training and socialization with a firm leader is key to ensuring your Mali is a happy and well-behaved dog, whether they're a companion or a working animal.

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Training

Training is crucial for Malinois Dutch Shepherd mixes, as they are highly trainable and need intensive training and physical activity to prevent behavioral issues.

These dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so it's essential to provide them with a structured training plan.

Belgian Malinois Dog in Water on Sea Shore
Credit: pexels.com, Belgian Malinois Dog in Water on Sea Shore

You can start training your Mali-Dutchie as early as possible, and continue their lessons throughout their life.

Obedience training is a great way to stimulate their mind and bodies, and can be done daily with just a leash and treats.

Your sessions can range from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on whether you're introducing a new command or refreshing an old one.

The Mali-Dutchie is highly intelligent and responsive, so they need regular stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Using brain games is a fun and convenient way to provide mental stimulation, and can be done indoors or outdoors with minimal materials.

You can play games like treasure hunt, hide-and-seek, and toy tidy-up, which challenge their detective skills and keep them engaged for up to an hour.

Health and Temperament

The Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix is a powerful and energetic breed that can make a great companion for active owners. They have a strong prey drive and high energy levels, so they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Credit: youtube.com, Amazing Transformation | “Snowfire” | Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd Mix

Both parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them highly responsive to positive reinforcement training. They are also loyal and loving, but can be wary of strangers if not socialized properly. A reputable breeder will be honest about the breed's potential health issues and provide health clearances for their parents.

Some potential health issues to watch out for include cancer, heart problems, hypothyroidism, bloat, deafness, eye problems, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. A healthy Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix can live up to 12-14 years with proper care and attention.

Health

As you consider bringing a Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mix into your family, it's essential to think about their potential health issues. A reputable breeder should offer a health guarantee on puppies and be honest about health problems in the breed.

Dutch Shepherd Belgian Malinois Mixes might be prone to various health issues, including Cancer, heart problems, hypothyroidism, bloat, deafness, eye problems, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia.

Malinois Dog Standing on Brown Field Under Blue Sky
Credit: pexels.com, Malinois Dog Standing on Brown Field Under Blue Sky

A healthy diet and regular exercise can go a long way in preventing some of these issues, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks. If you're considering this breed, make sure to ask the breeder about the health clearances of the parents.

Some common health issues in Malinois Dutch Shepherd mixes include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cryptorchidism, Atopy, Retinal Dysplasia, Pannus, Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, and Degenerative Myelopathy.

Here's a breakdown of some of the potential health issues in this breed:

Overall, it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

The Temperament

The Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is bred for its fantastic working temperament, thanks to its intelligent and highly trainable parent breeds. Both the Malinois and Dutch Shepherd are known for being obedient and loyal.

This mix is incredibly energetic, so be prepared for a dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They have a high prey drive, which means they'll love chasing after toys or playing fetch.

Adult Black and Brown German Shepherd Lying on Floor
Credit: pexels.com, Adult Black and Brown German Shepherd Lying on Floor

If socialized properly, this breed gets along well with other animals, but they do require attention and interaction from their human family. They're not the best fit for owners who are away from home for long periods of time.

One of the best things about this breed is their ability to respond well to positive reinforcement training. With patience and consistency, you can teach them to be rather affectionate and enjoy spending time with you.

Family and Compatibility

In multi-dog households and farms, this Hybrid breed gets along with other dogs just as well as kids.

Their friendly nature makes it easy for them to get along with humans of all ages, even kids. Their hunting and herding nature means they don't always get along with cats and other small animals, as they're seen as prey.

They need to be introduced to the cat at a young age and start socializing with other animals as soon as possible. Supervision is crucial when spending time around smaller animals, and separation should be a priority if supervision isn't possible.

Tan Belgian Malinois Beside Tire on Grass Field
Credit: pexels.com, Tan Belgian Malinois Beside Tire on Grass Field

Their size and excitable personality can become dangerous for younger children when there is no adult supervision around. Obedience training right away and supervision until it's clear they understand their boundaries are essential.

They need to get plenty of outdoor exercise during the day to ensure respectful behavior while indoors.

Puppies and Introduction

If you're looking to bring home a Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix puppy, you should know that they can be found in breed-specific shelters. However, if you're set on buying a hybrid dog, make sure to look for breeders that health test their breeding dogs.

The Mali-Dutchie puppy costs between $500 and $1,800, depending on the parent's pedigrees. This price range is a significant investment, but it's essential to consider the high energy level and need for regular exercise that comes with this breed.

The Mali-Dutchie weighs between 60 to 65 pounds and requires daily mental and physical stimulation to keep their brains and bodies busy. Without it, they may turn to destructive behaviors.

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Puppies

Credit: youtube.com, Introducing a Puppy to the Pack

You can find Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix puppies in breed-specific shelters, which is a great place to start your search.

If you're set on buying a hybrid dog, look for breeders that health test their breeding dogs.

Ask to see the conditions the dogs are kept in and to see the parents, if possible, to ensure you're getting a puppy from a reputable breeder.

The cost of a Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix puppy can range from $500 to $1,800, depending on the parent's pedigrees.

Introduction

The Mali-Dutchie is a hybrid pup that combines the genes of the Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd, making it a bright and eager-to-please breed.

This high-energy breed weighs between 60 to 65 pounds and requires regular mental and physical exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their high energy level is due to their herding instincts and the fact that they belong to the herding group, which means they need to work and tackle challenges regularly.

Without daily stimulation, they may turn to destructive behaviors, so it's essential to keep their brains and bodies busy with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dutch shepherds and Belgian Malinois the same dog?

No, Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are distinct breeds, despite sharing a common gene pool and similar origins. While they share some physical and historical similarities, they have unique characteristics and differences that set them apart.

Maxine Hermann

Senior Writer

Maxine Hermann is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with readers worldwide. With a keen interest in canine breeds, Maxine has established herself as a go-to authority on Hungarian dog breeds and their characteristics. Her articles offer a unique blend of informative content and engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to readers of all levels.

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