The Belgian Malinois dog is one of the best herding dogs you can have. These pups belong to the four herding dogs from Belgium (Mals, the Laekenois, the Groenendael or Belgian Sheepdog, and the Tervuren) and are among the dogs that get confused with German Shepherds the most.
Unfortunately, many dog owners are afraid of the thought of getting a Belgian Malinois due to some fears about the dog’s temperament. Mals are known for being very protective and territorial, which makes some people consider them aggressive.
While this isn’t exactly the case, you might be more fond of the idea of getting one of many Belgian Malinois mixes.
When you get a crossbreed, you’ll ‘dilute’ the genes of a purebred dog. As such, with a proper mate, you can end up having a dog that will have all the best traits of a Belgian Malinois but a temper or even appearance that is more up to your needs.
But how can you know which mixed breed is the best one for you? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! We have gathered a list of the 16 most popular Belgian Malinois mixes you can find while also explaining why mixed breed dogs might be a better choice than purebred ones.
Let’s get right into it!
Belgian Malinois Mixes
Crossbreeds, also known as hybrid dogs or designer dogs, are descendants of two purebred dogs of different breeds.
Unlike mutts you see on the streets, crossbreeds are created with the intentional mixing of two dog breeds to combine their characteristics for a specific purpose.
For example, Poodle mixes are bred to help people with dog allergies get more allergy-friendly dogs they can keep in their homes.
Similarly, most Belgian Malinois mixes are bred to get excellent herding dogs that also have some traits from other dog breeds, such as a smaller size or a friendlier temperament.
Here are 16 mixed breed dogs that have been created for these exact purposes:
1. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix
Photo from: @apollothegspd
Belgian Malinois x German Shepherd dog might sound like a bit unusual mix, as these two dogs are so much alike that one might confuse them for the same dog breed! However, German Malinois are an actual crossbreed, and a pretty common one, at that.
As GSD and Malinois are quite similar working dogs, there won’t be many surprises appearance-wise. You can expect your German Malinois puppy to be tan or fawn-colored with black markings – the black mask is common. This is a large dog with high energy levels that makes an amazing guard dog.
In fact, GSD’s friendly nature can mellow down Belgian Malinois’s somewhat dominant temperament, making him more social and even cuddlier. Just be careful – if your Malinois mix puppy takes up too much of GSD’s behavior, he’ll be prone to separation anxiety.
Another thing to be mindful of is that this crossbreed will shed. The German Shepherd breed has a medium-length coat that is prone to shedding, so that some grooming will be necessary.
2. Belgian Malinois Husky Mix
Photo from: @miniwolf_maligator_crew
The Siberian Husky is a rather familiar dog breed to most. They are friendly, vocal, with striking blue eyes or heterochromia that make everyone look at them in awe.
The Belusky is a crossbreed between Belgian Malinois and this northern breed. Its appearance can vary depending on the pup’s genetics. Some can be gray in color, like Huskies. Others will look like fluffy mals with blue eyes.
One thing is certain – this will be a large dog that won’t be too friendly with strangers but won’t be aggressive.
When it comes to behavior, this pup will undoubtedly have high energy levels and require lots of activity to stay happy. Belusky is a very intelligent crossbreed, so lots of mental stimulation is also essential.
A few things to keep in mind: Belusky might bark, howl, and whine. While this makes him an excellent guard dog, it might be a nuisance for your neighbors. Proper dog training is the key to ensuring your pooch knows when to stay quiet.
Also, these dogs might require lots of socialization. Mals are dominant, while Huskies can be shy around strangers, so this is something to work on.
Finally, expect these pups to shed – a lot. They have a double coat that can be short or medium in length that requires a ton of daily brushing. Otherwise, you’ll find dog hair everywhere!
3. Belgian Malinois Mixed With Pitbull
Photo from: @adventures_of_kodagirl
Not many people would dare to opt for a dangerous-sounding mix, such as the Belgian Malinois x Pitbull dog. While Mals are known for being extraordinarily dominant and strict, Pitbulls are considered one of the most aggressive breeds out there.
While we can argue whether there is any truth to this claim, Pitbull’s nature can, in fact, make Belgian Pit a bit friendlier than its purebred Belgian Malinois parent. Pitties can be very friendly toward humans, and this can calm down Mal’s lack of desire for too much human contact.
Still, this dog will have a high prey drive, so he will do his best as the only dog in your household. Also, you will need to socialize him from an early age. Fortunately, trainability isn’t an issue with Belgian Pits, as they are incredibly eager to please.
Appearance-wise, this dog can look in many ways. Pitbulls come in a wide array of colors, but chances are these pups will come in fawn or black as these genes are common in both parents. Some, however, can even be tricolor or come in some exotic color such as blue!
They likely won’t have a flat face like Pitbulls, but it won’t be elongated as Belgian Malinois’s face. Also, you can choose whether you want to dock their tails and crop their ears or if you’d like to leave them natural.
Also, Belgian Pits will usually be smaller than Mals but larger than purebred Pitbulls. Sometimes, they can even look like muscular Mals with shorter legs!
4. Belgian Malinois Poodle Mix
Photo from: @myboysmurf
Poodle mixes are well-known among allergy sufferers as they produce dogs that shed in a much less amount than the other parent breed. Just keep in mind that we wouldn’t call them entirely hypoallergenic – but no dog is truly hypoallergenic, so you can make up your own opinion about this.
Poodles and Mals are two breeds that are entirely opposite to one another, which is why this mix – known as Malinoodle – can be pretty unpredictable. Not only will you not know how big can these dogs get, you likely won’t be able to predict any physical trait they might have.
These dogs can have short to medium coats, straight, wavy, or curly, moderate to non-shedding. Depending on the Poodle size, they can be large, medium, or small dogs – although they’ll mostly be somewhere in between.
Poodles are very colorful dogs, so expect Malinoodle’s coat color to vary, as well. Still, the fawn will be the most common one.
Poodles are extremely friendly and social dogs when it comes to behavior, and they are also among the most intelligent dog breeds out there! As such, Malinoodle will be a great family member for most people while still staying aloof enough to be a good guard dog, as well.
5. Belgian Malinois Great Dane Mix
Photo from: @sabrestails
Great Danes are among the largest dog breeds out there. However, their behavior couldn’t be friendlier! In fact, they are known as gentle giants due to their mild temperament. Many are even couch potatoes!
As such, Great Malinois won’t have as high energy level as purebred Mals. While they won’t sleep on your couch the whole day, they’ll still require less time outdoors compared to Mals, which is an excellent thing if you don’t always have the time for extensive playtime.
Also, while they will stay friendly, they will still be wary of strangers, so they’ll be able to fulfill their guard dog duties well. Not to mention that their large size won’t make anyone want to get onto your property uninvited!
Yes, Great Malinois are big dogs. They aren’t likely to reach the Great Dane’s size, but don’t let anything surprise you. They might even have a droopy face, just like Danes. Some might even look like Malinois-colored Great Danes!
With this, it’s important to mention that these doggies can drool. While they won’t shed too much, they are unsuitable for people struggling with dog allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois Labrador Mix
Photo from: @xcheriie__photographyx
Labrador Retrievers are among the best family pets out there. These goofy dogs live to make their owners laugh! As such, it’s easy to see why the Malinois x Lab crossbreed can make an excellent combination for beginners.
Malinois Lab is a loving dog with a dominant side. They will stay territorial and keep their high prey drive, especially toward smaller animals or dogs of the same sex. Still, they will remain lovable and affectionate toward their owners and their families.
They can range in color from yellow and tan, but if the parent was a black Labrador, they could even come entirely in a solid black color.
As for their build, they’ll usually look like slightly bulkier Mals, but they shouldn’t differ too much as both breeds are of similar size. However, their coat type and length might vary.
This is another Belgian Malinois mix that is a considerable shedder, so get prepared for some extensive grooming and brushing!
Keep in mind that this crossbreed is very prone to obesity. You need to monitor its food intake closely and make sure it is not eating more than it should.
7. Belgian Malinois Chihuahua Mix
Now, this is a crossbreed you likely weren’t expecting! Chihuahuas are known for being one of the smallest dog breeds out there, and they are quite the opposite of large Malinois.
This is why a Malchi is a rare mixed breed dog. Breeding two dogs that are so different in size is risky, and there are many ways in which this process can go wrong. Still, a few of these rare dogs exist.
There isn’t much available information about the appearance of these dogs. Most should look like small Belgian Malinois. Some might keep the apple-shaped head Chis have or their erect ears. However, there shouldn’t be too much Chihuahua noticeable in the appearance.
The biggest issue with Malchis comes with their temperament. While Chihuahuas are small dogs, they are known for their feisty character. Some Chis are outright aggressive, but fortunately, their small size ensures they are not a genuine danger.
However, when you combine the Chihuahua’s fiery character with Mal’s lack of intuitive social skills and territorial behavior, you can get a troublesome dog that can be difficult to keep under control.
No matter what side they pick up on the most, these dogs are bound to have some characteristics that require a significant amount of dog training and socialization. They will bite and gnarl and everything, and they won’t be fond of strangers.
Not just that, but if they are anything like Chihuahuas, they’ll be very affectionate but very jealous towards any other pet you might have.
While this isn’t too big an issue with a small Chi, Malchi can be significantly larger in size, so you’ll have to find a way to keep their temper under control.
Still, one thing is certain: Chihuahuas have a very long lifespan. It isn’t unknown for them to live more than 15 years or even reach 20 years of age! This means Malchis, too, are usually very healthy dogs that will stay with you for a long time.
8. Belgian Malinois Akita Mix
Akita Inus and Belgian Malinois are two very distinct breeds, despite both being large dogs. While Malinois come from Europe, Akitas come from Japan, so their heritage is entirely different.
The best side of this is that this means the Akita Belgian Malinois mix is a healthy dog, as it’ll have lots of various genes, making it highly unlikely for any genetic disorder to express itself.
In fact, this combination is more common than you’d think. Many of these pups will look like fluffier Mals with an upturned, curled tail Akitas have. Despite their somewhat longer coat, these dogs will still look fierce.
Once again, the problem arises with the dog’s temperament. Akita Inus are known for being calm dogs that aren’t too fond of human interaction. They are intelligent, independent dogs that won’t do too well with strangers.
While they won’t be too temperamental or aggressive, these dogs require lots of socialization and training. Even so, many will never get used to interacting with strangers.
As such, they will behave their best in homes where they are the only pets.
9. Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix
Photo from: @sweetlifeofthe_gaybishops
Mastiff-type dogs are some of the most prominent canines themselves. As such, a Mastiff Belgian Malinois mix will be an intimidating sight.
These pups usually look like larger Mals with a flatter face. As both parent breeds have a black mask, the puppies will likely have it, as well.
The Mastiff is a good family dog despite its size as it is very affectionate and good-natured. These giant dogs are dignified and protective, which, in return, means that a Mastiff Belgian Malinois mix will make a fantastic guard dog.
This affectionate side can mellow down Mal’s temperament, making them more likely to want to stay close to humans. However, they will still be wary of strangers, as their only concern is to keep their owners safe.
Also, while they are well-mannered, these are not dogs for beginners or families with small children. Due to their large size, they can be challenging to control, and even the best-behaved dog of that size might knock a child over.
Not just that, but these pups will drool, so they are not suitable for people fighting dog allergies.
10. Belgian Malinois Terrier Mix
Photo from: @our_pup_opal
A Belgian Malinois Terrier mix is a crossbreed with a Fox Terrier. This is a medium to a large dog that can be very powerful, so it is best left in the hands of experienced dog owners and trainers.
As Fox Terrier looks nothing like Belgian Malinois, there is hardly any way to predict how your Belgian Malinois Terrier mix will end up looking. Most will have curly hair and a parti pattern, but fawn will remain their base coat color.
Also, they will rarely stay the size of a Terrier, but they are also unlikely to be as large as Mals, which is why they are primarily medium-sized.
This is a dog filled with energy! You’ll need to spend a lot of time playing with them and training them to keep them from developing some behavioral issues.
These are protective, affectionate dogs that might be prone to separation anxiety. As such, they are not the best choice for people who work long office hours.
11. Belgian Malinois Cane Corso Mix
Photo from: @zeusallmighty2020
Cane Corso belongs to the Mastiff-type dogs, making it very large. In fact, this is one of the breeds with the most powerful bite in the canine world, as it can bite more potently than a lion! This alone is enough to let you know that a Belgian Malinois Cane Corso mix is a dog you don’t want to mess around with.
These are very large dogs that will usually come in fawn with a black mask or solid black coat color. However, they can come in any Cane Corso color out there. Their cheeks can be droopy, which also means they will drool a lot.
This might easily be the best guard dog you can find. A Cane Corso Belgian Malinois mix will fulfill this duty without a flaw.
However, this also means these pups can have some temperamental problems, as they won’t like having strangers around. Socialization and long training hours are the keys to making sure your guests and passers-by are safe.
12. Belgian Malinois Corgi Mix
Photo from: @georgiethecorgii
Corgis are among the cutest dogs out there. They are also very challenging to connect with Belgian Malinois, but this crossbreed does exist.
Like most Corgi mixes, these pups will usually look like Belgian Malinois with large, erect ears, upright tails, and short legs. In fact, this can make an adorable combination!
Corgi’s friendly nature also means these dogs are much more likely to tolerate strangers compared to purebred dogs. They are barkers, but they won’t bite, and they’ll try to appear intimidating more than they truly are.
At the same time, they’ll make great guard dogs, as they’ll alert you of everything! Just make sure to think of a way to apologize to your neighbors – these are loud dogs.
Also, you’ll still need to socialize them, especially as Corgis can be territorial and jealous. However, with proper training and upbringing, they can do really well with other pets, which is a good thing.
13. Belgian Malinois Greyhound Mix
Photo from: @pfchambers82
The Greyhound is an ancient dog breed that has been around since the days of the Pyramids. They are friendly dogs, which makes them compatible with Belgian Malinois, as a Greyhound Belgian Malinois mix is a social dog that won’t have too many problems with strangers.
This crossbreed will usually look like a slim Malinois with elongated legs. A black mask should always be present, as well as black ears. The rest of their bodies will usually be fawn or tan.
Some Greyhound Belgian Malinois mix puppies might be shy around strangers, but none should be aggressive. Even barking is rare behavior for this amazing crossbreed.
Still, there are two things to keep in mind: This is a high-energy dog that will need at least an hour of heavy exercise each day to get rid of that high stamina. Otherwise, they can become destructive and ruin your furniture, carpets, or walls.
Second, these are very affectionate, people-loving dogs. While this makes them fantastic family dogs, they are very prone to separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for too long.
14. Belgian Malinois Dutch Shepherd Mix
Photo from: @dutchshepherdfan
Both Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois belong to herding dogs. This means that a Mali-Dutchie is likely the best herding dog out of all Belgian Malinois mixes we’ve listed.
These two dogs look very similar when it comes to their build and coat type. In fact, the most significant difference is the coat color, as most Dutch Shepherds come with a dark brindle coat.
As such, Mali-Dutchies can often have a fawn brindle coat or be chocolate-colored. A black mask is mandatory, as both breeds have it. Sometimes, they might have longer coats and fluffier tails than Belgian Malinois, but the difference isn’t significant.
When it comes to their temperament, Dutch Shepherds are much friendlier compared to Belgian Malinois. As such, they can make amazing family pets, and the same might be true for Mali-Dutchies.
Most Mali-Dutchies will be friendlier than purebred Belgian Malinois, and they’ll be great friends with kids.
However, as both parent breeds are very active, this isn’t a good beginner dog. He requires lots of daily exercises, as well as strict, extensive training. Otherwise, Mali-Dutchie can become destructive – although he isn’t known for being aggressive.
15. Belgian Malinois Doberman Mix
Photo from: @zeke_thebelgiandoberman
Doberman Pinscher is another well-known dog breed that is usually bred to be a guard dog. As such, a Doberman Malinois mix, also known as Dobernois, is an extraordinary watchdog and personal protection dog.
There isn’t a strict rule as to how these dogs should look, as both breeds have very different patterns. However, their coat should be a combination of tan, fawn, and black color, and the presence of most other colors can indicate that there has been another dog breed added to the mix.
Some might have floppy ears, and it is up to the owner to decide whether to have them cropped or let them be.
Fortunately, Dobernois will have a slightly lower pray drive compared to a purebred Malinois, so they can do well with other pets and animals – just make sure your pooch is appropriately trained, as the hunting dog instincts can still be there.
These are intelligent dogs eager to learn tricks, but you’ll need to spend lots of time training them as they can be stubborn at times.
They’ll also require plenty of exercises, as their energy levels are relatively high.
16. Belgian Malinois Golden Retriever Mix
Photo from: @association_ama
The only dog friendlier than a Labrador Retriever is a Golden Retriever, which makes Golden Malinois amazing family dogs that will also protect your home – most of the time.
These pups usually look like fluffier and thicker Belgian Malinois, but sometimes their ears can be floppy, as well. The black mask will be present most of the time, but the base coat can vary from light gold to fawn color.
This is a friendly yet alert dog that will warn you in case there is a danger approaching, so you can feel safe around them.
At the same time, they’ll make superb companions for your children, so they can be friends with all your family members.
Are Belgian Malinois Mixes Better Than Purebred Dogs?
When considering whether you want to buy a Belgian Malinois mix or a purebred Belgian Malinois, there are a few things you need to know.
First of all, no crossbreed is recognized by any major kennel club. You won’t be able to register your Belgian Malinois Lab mix with the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), or any other reputable kennel club that is recognized within the show ring.
This won’t have any significant consequences, except that you won’t be able to participate in conformation shows. However, as you were likely looking for a pet-quality dog anyway, this isn’t a huge issue.
Also, mixed breed dogs are very hard to predict, both in appearance and personality-wise. There is a large combination of genes possible, and even the most experienced breeder won’t be able to tell you with certainty how a puppy will behave or look.
A general estimation can be made that a Belgian Malinois mix will end up looking like a perfect combination of his purebred parents, but at the same time, there are slim chances that he will look almost entirely like one or the other.
Crossbreeds don’t have a proper breed standard like purebred dogs have. This is why they aren’t as regulated as, for example, Belgian Malinois.
This is the main reason why many people don’t want to risk getting a mixed breed puppy.
Not just that, but some Belgian Malinois lovers will argue that creating crossbreeds is ruining the breed’s lineage and standard. They think that there is no need to change something that is already good and that the breed’s quality will only be ruined by mixing it with other dogs.
At the same time, there are many advantages to getting a Belgian Malinois mix instead of a purebred puppy. They are:
Hybrid Vigor
First and foremost, all crossbreeds have something that is called hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor ensures mixed breed dogs are healthier than their purebred counterparts as they have a wide variety of genes, decreasing the chances of hereditary health conditions.
Sure, a crossbreed can still have any health issue of its parent breeds, especially if both parents are prone to a specific condition. However, the chances of ending up with a healthy dog are much higher compared to buying purebred dogs.
They Get The Best Of Both Worlds
By choosing a mixed breed dog instead of a purebred one, you can eliminate some flaws a breed has. For example, by mixing a friendly Labrador Retriever with an overly protective Belgian Malinois, you can get a dog that will have all the sheepdog qualities you require, while also being a lot more social than purebred Mals.
Or maybe you want to get an excellent guard dog that will still do a fantastic job in his herding duties but find Belgian Malinois to be too big for your house and living conditions. A Belgian Malinois Corgi mix might be perfect for you.
They Are (Usually) Cheaper
Purebred dogs are often very expensive, especially if they come from reputable breeders. This is partly because they come with all the necessary papers, registration, and pedigrees.
While some crossbreeds tend to cost much more than their purebred counterparts, most will be on the cheaper end of the range. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Belgian Malinois mixes are usually the better option.
Health Problems Of Belgian Malinois Mixes
Owners can expect genetic problems in purebred dogs. Certain dog breeds are prone to specific issues, and things only get more complicated if you buy from unreputable breeders who don’t conduct proper health tests on their dogs.
Fortunately, with crossbreeds, things get a bit easier. They have something hybrid vigor, which allows them to have lesser chances of developing severe health complications.
However, this doesn’t mean they are immune to health issues. Quite the opposite – theoretically, they can inherit any health condition their parents have, especially if both parent breeds are prone to them.
For example, Mals are rather prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. These are orthopedic conditions that can lead to arthritis. As such, it’s essential to look for a breeder who breeds dogs that have PennHIP or OFA certification.
Also, they are prone to several eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. For this, your breeder should also have the Canine Eye Registry Foundation eye clearance.
You can check all of this by looking at the Canine Health Information Center Program (CHIC) website. A breeder needs to have all of the abovementioned health clearances in order to achieve CHIC certification.
As such, it’s essential to buy from reputable crossbreed breeders who have all these necessary certifications for both parent breeds, especially when the other breeder is prone to similar health problems. The most considerable risk of this has the German Shepherd, which resembles Malinois in more ways than just in appearance.
It’s important to note that a dog being checked by the vet and having genetic clearances is not the same. A good breeder needs to have both. A vet checkup indicates that the dog is currently in a good state. Genetic testing means that he doesn’t have the genes for hereditary conditions that might appear at any point in the dog’s life.
How Much Does A Belgian Malinois Cost?
A price of a purebred dog can vary greatly, depending on whether you want a young puppy from a backyard breeder, a dog that the vet has checked as he is sold at a reputable breeder’s, or a trained protection dog with a certificate.
In general, a pet-quality Belgian Malinois can cost up to $2,500. However, if you want a trained adult dog, you can expect these prices to go as high as $65,000!
This is because these pups require specialty training which can last for up to a few years, and a professional dog trainer isn’t cheap.
What Does This Mean For Belgian Malinois Mixes?
The price of a parent dog highly influences the price of a crossbreed. Some mixed breed dogs will cost more than their purebred parents, although most will cost less.
However, the initial price isn’t the only thing that you’ll need to spend money on. Your Belgian Malinois mix will require high-quality dog food, a strong dog collar and leash, and proper dog toys and brushes for grooming. Fortunately, most can be found at an affordable price on sites such as Amazon.
There are also some optional costs that you can expect with these dogs:
• Professional obedience training with a dog trainer is usually a necessity when you’re dealing with a dog who has Malinois genes. This will usually cost you $30 to $80 per group class.
• Malinois don’t need to be groomed by a professional groomer, but this is something you might want to provide to them. Fortunately, most mixes will require yearly groomer visits that shouldn’t cost you more than $100. However, if they are crossbreed with a long-haired breed, you might need to take them more often.
• If you’d like to pay for protection training, this will cost you a lot more – full training classes can cost $20,000! Still, most Belgian Malinois mixes are not bred for this type of training.
• Even if you don’t think pet insurance is vital for a crossbreed, we would still suggest you pay for it. You can never know when a health problem might occur. For a price that is usually less than $100 a month, you can make sure you have the funds you need in case your pup gets sick.
As you can see, the cost of Belgian Malinois mixes highly depends on the parent breed’s price, and how expensive they are to maintain. Your dog will usually require a combined amount of care as both his parents, so you can make a close estimation according to that.
Are Belgian Malinois Good Dogs?
There is much prejudice when it comes to Belgian Malinois dogs. Some people would call them unfriendly, aggressive, or even outright dangerous.
However, all of this comes from a lack of understanding. Not everyone is able to understand these glorious dogs and the instincts that are behind them.
In fact, Belgian Malinois can make fantastic family dogs! Still, they require plenty of socialization and dog training for you to hold their temperament at bay, and this is why they are not a good option for first-time owners.
However, if you’d really like to have a Malinois but are not sure whether you’ll be able to handle this great breed, a Belgian Malinois mix might be a better choice.
These dogs can fix the challenging traits Malinois have, making them be great dogs. Some can even be an amazing choice for beginners and people who don’t have that much experience with large breeds.
Some Belgian Malinois mixes can even be allergy-friendly, making them suitable for people struggling with allergies.
As such, Belgian Malinois can be amazing pets, especially mixed breed ones. When you choose a crossbreed, you can select a dog ‘designed’ according to your needs.
One thing that’s important to keep in mind is this: No two dogs are alike, especially when they are mixed breed. However, with proper training and some love, every dog can be the best dog possible.
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