Love German Shepherd but don’t wish to own one? Don’t worry; we have the perfect alternative for you- Belgian Malinois; it is not a german shepherd. Your eyes are deceiving you. Belgian Malinois are an intelligent, confident, loyal and diligent breed that is squarely built and is known for its trademark head carriage.
They are native to Belgium and one of the four related varieties of the german shepherds. They were raised as herding dogs in the past and now make the perfect protector and watchdog for your family. They are highly energetic and will light up your house with their sky-high energy levels.
There is no reason to deny these lovely pups the pleasure of your company, so without further delay, let’s learn and understand about this breed and its expenses through this accessible and comprehensive guide, so you know what’s it like to be a future Belgian Malinois owner yourself.
How Much Does the Belgian Malinois Dog Cost in India
The Belgian Malinois is trending in India. If you are considering bringing this breed home, you should know the general price range. They cost between INR 50,000 to INR 80,000, but prices can vary depending on demand and availability in your region.
Are Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd the same breed?
Nope, that’s not the German Shepherd; they might fool you with their similar appearance, but the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd are two different breeds.
- German Shepherds often come in bi colours compared to Belgian Malinois, usually found in solid colours or shades of brown.
- Both breeds have double coats, but German shepherds have longer hair slightly.
- They both are considered medium dogs with the same height, but German shepherds are slightly heavier.
- Both are family dogs with loving and caring nature, but German shepherds can be a bit more aggressive.
Can the Belgian Malinois dog survive in India?
Yes, Belgian Malinois can survive in the tropical climate of India without any discomfort or problems. They are easy to train and have high heat tolerance and protective instinct, making them the best four-legged addition to your Indian household.
Factors that Influence the Buying Price of Belgian Malinois in India
Belgian Malinois Age: Buying a puppy vs. an old dog
Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, puppies require a lot of nutrition and medical attention during their growing years. They must be socialized, trained, housebroken, and scheduled. Even though it can take a lot of time and money, the puppy will eventually grow into the ideal adult you desire.
Adult dogs, on the other hand, live shorter lives. They will require more attention and medical assistance as they age and grow more vulnerable to various ailments. Adult dogs, however, don’t need much work because they have already been socialized and trained to become well-suited dogs. They might, however, have set behaviors that are difficult to change or lessen over time.
Perhaps this is the most challenging decision faced by dog owners to buy a puppy or an old dog. Both are viable options, you should choose the one whose needs you can fulfil comfortably. Puppies are sold at higher prices compared to adults, as they have longer lifespan, easier to train and healthy.
Adopting a Belgian Malinois vs. Buying
Some owners do not choose adoption to avoid receiving a traumatized and malnourished puppy. Adoption, on the other hand, helps to save the life of a healthy puppy who has been well cared for and unconditionally loved by the organization. The only drawback is that puppies are quickly adopted when they become available. It can take a while to wait for your perfect pup to become available, make a list of adoption homes, and then check the pup’s health before purchasing.
Buying is much more expensive than adoption, but it doesn’t mean it is easier. You will have to research a reputable licensed breeder selling properly bred and healthy Belgian Malinois puppies, then verify the breeder’s credibility by thoroughly checking the documents and certificates. We recommend taking your time and not buying the puppy in haste.
Breeder Factor
Verifying that the breeder you are buying from is licensed and safe is essential. We’ve listed a few buying options along with things to keep in mind below.
Buying a Belgian Malinois from Puppy Mills (Please don’t go with this option)
Puppy mills are mass dog breeding centres that aim to profit at the cost of breeding unhealthy, aggressive and uncared-for puppies. They produce pups in unsanitary conditions without a nutritional diet and vet checkups. To hide them coy, puppy mill owners sell puppies at lower prices using falsified documents and claims. They will negotiate a lower price instead of offering valid documents or proof. We suggest you be cautious of such breeders. Instead of falling for the attractive low price, ask them for proper licenses, documents and certificates.
Buying a Belgian Malinois from Pet Shops
Pet stores display adorable puppies, leading customers to believe that window shopping for pets is acceptable. However, not all pet shops buy puppies from illegitimate breeders, such as puppy mill owners, who separate puppies from their mothers before 4 weeks and sell them at high prices to make a profit.
We recommend conducting a background check on the puppy by contacting its breeder and veterinarian, as well as verifying documents provided by the owner. Assume the pet shop owner does not disclose any information about the puppy’s history. In that case, something is wrong, and you should not proceed with the sale unless you are delighted.
Buying a Belgian Malinois from Middleman or Brokers
Research can be tiresome and time-consuming and won’t necessarily lead to a good reputable breeder. To lower your burden, you can hire intermediaries like brokers that help you get in direct touch with the breeder and charge a commission fee between 10% to 20% for their services. Hiring a broker increases your dog’s initial price but saves you from the hassle.
Buying a Belgian Malinois from Reputable breeders
Purchasing your Belgian Malinois from a reputable breeder is one of the most secure options. Nonetheless, it would help if you were wary of false claimants and thoroughly checked your breeder’s documents and the puppy’s health record. Reputable breeders want nothing but the best for their puppies. They will not make the sale unless they are confident that you are prepared to accept responsibility. They offer a warranty and stay in touch after the sale to assist you in becoming a responsible dog parent. Purchasing from reputable breeders is frequently more expensive than other options.
Questions to Ask A Breeder
We’ve listed some questions you should ask your breeder before signing off a deal. A good breeder will answer all the questions and won’t refrain from offering a warranty or help during and after the sale.
- What is the puppy’s temperament?
- Has the puppy been immunised and socialised yet?
- Is the Belgian Malinois the right breed for me? What can you tell me about this breed?
- Do you provide a warranty for return if I face problems with the pup after the sale?
- Can I meet the mother with the whole litter?
- Do you practice with a licence? How long have you been a breeder?
- Do you suggest any diet charts or vaccinations for the pup?
Gender
Choosing between the two genders is essential, yet there are significant differences. No gender is superior to or better than the other. What matters is which gender is more comfortable and most suited to your family’s lifestyle. We’ve outlined the distinctions below to assist you.
- Belgian Malinois males get along with female family members and are excellent defenders because of their natural territorial instincts. They develop slowly and mature at their rate, but they also need many exercises.
- Female Belgian Malinois are excellent pets with a quick maturation rate since they are vigilant, perceptive, and caring. Females can be hostile against strangers and other animals, requiring much exercise in their daily routine.
Male Belgian Malinois are slightly bigger than females and people prefer buying males over females due to their own preferences and it increases their demand leading to higher prices for males compared to females.
Size
A Belgian Malinois takes 13 to 18 months to reach maximum growth. The average weight of a full-grown male is between 60 to 80 pounds at 24 to 26 inches, and females weigh between 40 to 60 pounds at 22 to 24 inches. However, it is essential to know the ideal weight and height of the breed according to its age, ensuring your pup’s well-being and health.
We’ve included the average weight and height chart of Belgian Malinois by age below.
| Age | Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 22-27 pounds | 8-11 inches |
| 6 months | 41-53 pounds | 15-18 inches |
| 9 months | 50-64 pounds | 18-22 inches |
| 12 months | 55-70 pounds | 22-26 inches |
| 18 to 24 months | 60-80 pounds | 22-26 inches |
A Belgian Malinois that confirms to its ideal weight and height is healthy and sold at higher prices compared to unhealthy and undernourished dogs that don’t confirm to their breed’s size.
Mix Breed or Purebred
Let’s say your puppy came from Belgian Malinois parents. If so, it is a purebred; otherwise, it is a mixed breed if one of the parents is of a different species. However, purebred dogs are healthier and less likely to have genetic issues than mixed-breed dogs. Mixed breeds, however, are not always unhealthy. Your puppy’s health is also affected by how the breeder raises them. We recommend that you consider both choices before making a decision. Generally speaking, purebred dogs cost more than mixed breeds.
Bloodline
Standard Belgian Malinois have no ancestral lineage; they are readily available and sold at affordable prices. A Belgian Malinois that carries the bloodline of its parents is sold at higher prices because they inherit traits like obedience, good behaviour, strength and fewer health problems from their ancestors. A Belgian Malinois carrying a Champion bloodline means either both or one of its parents won the ‘Champion’ trophy at reputable dog competitions. Champion bloodline puppies sell at high prices due to their show quality.
Coat Colours and Markings
Belgian Malinois come in several colour variations along with their signature black masking. Fawn, fawn sable, mahogany, red, red sable, black, Brindle and cream are just some of the colours they come in. The rarest colour is Brindle which automatically makes it the most expensive one. If you got for standard colours like fawn, the price would be lower than it is for colours like Brindle that are low on availability and high on demand.
Location
The price of your Belgian Malinois is also affected by its location; if you belong to metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where demand and availability are both high, it will lead to high prices. If you belong from remote areas where demand and availability are significantly low, leading to difficulties in finding the perfect pup. You can also buy from breeders in other states, but the price will increase due to shipping charges.
Certification and Warranties
When you find a breeder, the foremost important thing is documents, a breeder’s license to verify their credibility and medical records to verify your pup’s health. Breeders can present you with falsified documents; we recommend you take your time going through the documents to prevent being scammed.
Yearly Maintenance Cost of owning a Belgian Malinois
You will need to maintain your pet’s health throughout their life through vet checkups, accessories, nutritious food, grooming and much more. All these expenses are essential and can take a significant leap in your savings.
To prevent you from opting for this breed without understanding its future maintenance expenses, we’ve curated a complete guide to help you make an informed decision.
Dog Food Factor
Your most recurring expense will be on dog food, which is essential for maintaining the optimum development of your Belgian Malinois. They need a balanced diet consisting of biologically appropriate proteins, vegetables, ground bones and healthy fats.
- They need 23-25% proteins in their diet, which helps repair tissues and strengthen muscles. They can get protein from eggs, meat, lamb and fish.
- Belgian Malinois need 8-10% fats in their diet, making their coat shiny and suitable for their skin and health.
- Vitamins and Minerals are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping hair and skin healthy.
Home Food vs Purchased Food
Belgian Malinois are active dogs who engage in strenuous exercise. Thus their diet should reflect this. Whether homemade or commercial food, the goal should be to offer optimum growth and development for your pet through a well-balanced diet.
Homemade cuisine, such as paneer, rice, boiled eggs and vegetables, meat, yogurt, and much more, is affordable and easy to prepare. Depending on the brand and variety, a box of commercial food might cost between 500 and 1,000 INR. However, we recommend feeding your pet a combination of both, as relying on one cannot always provide all of your pet’s nutritional needs. You can expect your total monthly food expenses to be between INR 4,000 to 6,000 to fulfill your dog’s nutritional needs.
Portion Size and Frequency
| Age | Grams per day | Servings per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 months | 150-200 grams | 4 servings |
| 4-5 months | 250-300 grams | 3 servings |
| 6-8 months | 300-400 grams | 2-3 servings |
| 8-12 months | 400-500 grams | 2-3 servings |
The diet of a Belgian Malinois should be based on their age, weight and exercise level to calculate how much food is sufficient for their growth. Therefore, it is essential to consult your veterinarian before making a diet plan. We’ve added a rough estimate of portion and frequency in the table below.
Fun Facts of Owning a Belgian Malinois
- Eva Mendes, an actress, depended on her pet Belgian Malinois for support and safety when she had to get a restraining order against a stalker in 2011.
- A Belgian Malinois named Cairo was an eminent part of the operation to take down Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
- Belgian Malinois carry the name of their native city Malines in Belgium, where they were used as herding dogs and protectors of families.
- Two Belgian Malinois starred in the movie ‘John Wick 3 – Parabellum. You would be surprised to know that the actress Halle Berry trained the dogs herself.
Vet Factor
Hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and elbow dysplasia are some of the diseases your Belgian Malinois can get. Therefore, it is essential to schedule routine health checkups with the vet and other procedures like deworming. All these costs are covered in the section below.
Vaccination Cost
Vaccines are crucial because bringing unvaccinated canines home is not recommended, it endangers the dog’s and your family’s health. The Belgian Malinois should receive vaccinations every sixth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth week. Vaccines can be given once or repeatedly, depending on the dosage and conditions. You’ll need to immunize your Belgian Malinois against diseases like canine parvovirus, canine distemper, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza. India’s vaccine prices range from INR 500 to 2,000 per injection. You will need a vaccine schedule that will help you keep tract of the vaccinations and complete them without fail.
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
In India, neutering/spaying operations range in price from INR 6,000 to 12,000 per procedure. Many people hesitate to do these operations because they are concerned that removing your pet’s reproductive organs can cause health issues or infections. On the other hand, a neutering or spaying procedure helps eradicate prostate cancer in males and ovarian cancer in females. Additionally, it aids in preventing both female heat cycles and male spaying.
But let’s say you want your dog to reproduce. If so, you must choose a compatible partner and seek your veterinarian’s advice on the female dog’s health and menstrual cycles to be the proud parent of a healthy litter. But breeding is a tedious task and requires a lot of effort and expense from your end, so we don’t recommend breeding until you are qualified to do so.
Deworming Cost
Deworming/worming is essential to remove harmful health worms from your pet’s body. Removing them is crucial as they could lead to serious health problems such as weight loss, anemia, or diarrhea. You should observe your dog for symptoms such as vomiting, bleeding, fatigue, cough, poor appetite, and worm droppings around the anal area.
- Three weeks- First dose
- 3 to 12 weeks- every two weeks
- 12 weeks to 6 months- once a month
- 6 to 8 months- once in 2 months
Going to the vet for each deworming can be expensive and time-consuming. However, after consulting with your veterinarian, you can deworm your pet at home using a prescribed dewormer. Depending on your purchased dosage, it can cost between INR 100 and INR 500.
Preventive Medications Cost
Your puppy will face various injuries and diseases that can be easily cured at home with the right medicines.
| Medication | Purpose | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Eye drops | Reduce inflammation or redness in ears | 150-300 |
| Ticks and Flea Powder | Remove and kill parasites from coat | 500 |
| Antispetic spray, cotton and bandages | Treat minor injuries like scratches | 500-600 |
Housing and Confinement Cost
Buying a designated personal space for your pet is essential to provide them comfort and space. Belgian Malinois are medium-sized dogs, so if you are opting for a puppy, you will need a crate which is not only a sleeping bed. However, you will help regulate their bowel movements, making housebreak easier. However, we don’t advise keeping them restrained in crates for long hours as it can adversely affect their health.
If you buy an adult Belgian Malinois, you will need a spacious and comfy dog bed which will cost you between INR 2,000 to 3,000 compared to crates that cost between INR 1,000 to 2,000.
Accessories Cost
Collar and Leash vs. Training Harness
Let’s understand the difference between the two to decide which will work better for you. A collar and leash help you keep your dog under control and prevent them from making sudden movements during walks. But pulling the leash to exert control strains your dog’s neck, leading to neck injuries, whereas a training harness helps you gain control over your pet without putting any pressure on their necks and can even be used while training your pet.
A collar and leash cost up to INR 2,000, and a training harness can cost up to INR 2,500. We recommend choosing the one which gives you more control over your dog, is comfortable for your pet and fits perfectly into your budget.
Toys Cost
Belgian Malinois are playful, energetic and active. They tend to get into destructive behaviour when bored. To avoid this, you need to engage them and what better way than toys?
Toys will engage your pet during idle hours, help stimulate their mental stimuli and decrease destructive behaviour. A toy can cost up to INR 2,000, but it’s up to you to decide how many toys you want your pup to have.
Grooming Cost
Belgian Malinois are one of the easiest dogs to groom with their short hair saving you many trips to the professional. To keep their coat healthy and shiny, they need weekly brushing sessions. You can buy a bristle brush or nifty rubber mitts, it is a one-time investment that costs up to INR 1,500. They shed twice a year during the spring and fall seasons.
Besides this, grooming also includes nail clipping every three weeks but can vary depending on the nail’s growth. Nail clippers can cost up to INR 1,000. They will also need frequent brushing to prevent dog breath and remove plaque buildup from teeth. Dog dental kits can cost between INR 500 to INR 2,000.
You can also opt for professional grooming sessions, which costs between INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 per session but can vary accordingly.
Walker Cost
Walks are essential to a Belgian Malinois daily routine due to their high need for activity and exercise. They will need at least two daily walks. Walking your dog helps from a better bond by spending quality time with them and keeping both of you healthy.
However, if you don’t have the time to walk your dog, you can hire walker services in your area, that can cost between INR 2,000 to 5,000 a month.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
Due to their long history of training as herding dogs, Belgian Malinois has high exercise requirements. They can be your fitness buddy for biking, running, and other sports. They have endless energy, and a simple stroll would not suffice. They require a vigorous activity for at least two periods of 30 minutes each day. Because of their aloof and shy attitude, which can lead to unwanted attacks on strangers or anybody they perceive as a threat, they must be socialized early on.
However, suppose you believe that training and socialising are time-consuming and can be exhausting on top of your already busy schedule. In that case, we recommend hiring a professional to train and socialise your dog. These sessions can cost between INR 5,000 to 7,000 per month.
Treat Cost
Commercial treatment costs between INR 500 to INR 2,000 per box, depending on the brand and variety. Treats help modify negative behaviour, engage your pet during isolation, and provide extra nutrition. One should be cautious of not overfeeding treats as it can affect your dog’s health and increase expenses if you run out quickly. You also need to check in with your veterinarian on which brand and type of treats will be best for your Belgian Malinois pup and don’t lead to future problems like allergic reactions.
Insurance Cost
Pet Insurance policies help eliminate high expenditure on medical treatments for your pet and provide damages for loss, theft and third-party liabilities. You need to read the terms and conditions carefully as there are specific exclusions like illness contracted before the policy and injury or disease arising out of unskillful care of the pet. Oriental Insurance, Bajaj Allianz and New India Insurance are some companies offering pet insurance in India.
Travel Cost
Traveling with your pet can be expensive and troublesome due to the additional responsibilities, but it is a wonderful experience. You will need to carry their documents, medical records, travel carrier, and dog food and find dog-friendly hotels for your stay.
When traveling by plane, there are certain guidelines and policies to follow before the travel. Domestic flights can cost up to INR 20,000, whereas international flights can cost anywhere between INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000; depending on the airline, the distance and weight of your pup’s prices might differ according to different airlines.
Daycare Cost
Daycares are excellent drop-off locations for your dog when traveling or working long hours. Daycare facilities offer a secure setting, a play area, and activities stimulating the body and mind; some even groom your pet for you. Commercial daycares are more expensive than in-home dog daycares. It will take some time to locate a daycare where your pet is happy and at ease and where you feel secure leaving your pet. Depending on the services provided, daycare costs might range from INR 500 to INR 2,000 per day.
Registration Cost
It would help if you got your pet registered with the official bodies in India by paying a one-time cost of registration fees which varies for members and non-members. We’ve mentioned the registration fee costs for members and non-members in the table below.
| Single Dog Registration | Members Fee | Non-Members Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Both parents having INKC registration | INR 500 | INR 400 |
| One or both parents KCI registered or imported from another club | INR 500 | INR 400 |
| Parents Unknown | INR 1,000 | INR 800 |
Miscellaneous
Other than the accessories mentioned above, your Belgian Malinois will need food and water dish bowls, a name tag for their collar, dog food storage container, clothes for winter, measuring cup and poop cleaner.. All this will cost you up to INR 2,000.
Hidden and Related Costs of Belgian Malinois Puppy Ownership
Although we can presume that you have all hearts for owning Belgian Malinois if you have read this far, they won’t develop just out of love. It would be helpful if you could be patient, empathetic, and always look for a constructive way to change their bad habits. While raising a dog takes time and a lot of physical and mental energy, it is comparable to parenting a child because the reward is a healthy dog that will love you no matter what.
Essential Things to Consider Before Buying a Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is not a perfect dog and will be challenging to raise due to several habits and traits mentioned below.
- High exercise- Belgian Malinois are athletic dogs that need high amounts of activity daily to keep them healthy and active.
- Aloof- They can act cold or suspicious around strangers due to their protective instinct. They will need early socialisation to prevent any future threats.
- Aggressive- Belgian Malinois can get aggressive and destructive when bored, left alone or not given proper exercise or nutrition.
Benefits of Bringing a Belgian Malinois Puppy At Home
Apart from all the love and affection Belgian Malinois bring with themselves, they do have several other benefits for how they can be your next perfect family member, as listed below.
- Intelligence- Belgian Malinois is an intelligent breed that loves and takes pride in its work. They have served alongside the military and police due to their intellect.
- Low grooming needs- They have minimal requirements; thanks to their short coat, they only need occasional brushing.
- Protective- They have a natural protective instinct, making them great protectors of their family members. They use good judgement before responding to any situation of danger or threat.
FAQs
Are Belgian Malinois friendly with children?
Belgian Malinois are affectionate and loving towards kids and even indulge in games with them. They are protective of kids against any possible threat.
Is Belgian Malinois suitable for first-time owners?
They might not be the best option for first-time owners due to high exercise requirements and needs a lot of guidance and training to be well behaved around people and animals, which can be demanding for first-time dog owners.
Can I leave Belgian Malinois alone for long hours?
They can adjust to being alone for a few hours, but for a prolonged period, it might lead to bad habits like barking, chewing and other destructive traits due to boredom and frustration,
What is the lifespan of Belgian Malinois?
The lifespan of Belgian Malinois highly depends on their diet, exercise and lifestyle. They generally live up to 12-15 years of age. However, They can live longer if properly cared for and provided adequate nutrition.
Is the Belgian Malinois dog dangerous?
Belgian Malinois are loving dogs, but they do tend to be aggressive. It can be because of genetic traits or lack of training and socialisation by the owner. The resolution is simple, train and socialise your Belgian Malinois in the early years, use positive reinforcement instead of negative and spend quality time with your dogs.
Summing it Up
We hope you now have more substantial insight into the breed and its positive and negative characteristics. We also hope you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a dog. We do, however, hope that you will experience the enduring happiness this breed will bring into your home, along with its adorable barks.