How Big Do Belgian Malinois Get? [Average Height, Weight & Size]

Belgian Malinois, otherwise known as Belgian Shepherds, is undoubtedly an athletic-looking breed. Sporting a frame that is both muscular and lean. But how big do these dogs typically get, and how long does it take for them to reach their final size? Here is what you need to know.

So, how big do Belgian Malinois get? Belgian Malinois typically reach 22-25″ (56-66 cm) in height, weighing between 53-77 lbs (24-35 kg) at full adult size. Males are generally somewhat taller and heavier than their female counterparts. Either way, they are classified as a medium-sized breed. 

At first glance, it is easy to get the Belgian Malinois confused with a German Shepherd.

At least I did.

Although on closer inspection, you are looking at a distinctly different breed.

Their frame is the clue here. 

They are a lot more compact and even have a slightly different-shaped head.

Nevertheless, this herding dog, originally from Belgium (as the name suggests), is often still working.

They are commonly found as police, military, and protection dogs.

Nevertheless, they are also kept as family companions; due to their intelligent, obedient, and friendly nature.

If you are here, you are likely considering one.

So, do keep reading to find out absolutely everything you need regarding their size. 

Average Belgian Malinois Size

Belgian Malinois are often classified as medium-sized dogs. Although, there is some difference in size among the sexes of the breed:

• A male adult Belgian Malinois will typically stand between 24-25 inches in height, weighing between 55-77 pounds.
• A female adult Belgian Malinois will typically stand between 22-24 inches in height, weighing between 53-66 pounds.

A closer look at these measurements generally makes them comparative in height and weight to Boxers, Beagles, Border Collies, and Dalmatians.

In terms of their physique, they are strong and lean. They have a high muscle-to-fat ratio, making them nimble, agile, and enthusiastic.

They possess a short rectangular body frame, a deep chest, small pricked triangular ears, and a tail that is medium in length.

It naturally follows that this dog has high energy.

They need to put their body to work to remain happy and healthy. And this should go beyond just the casual walk here and there.

We will touch on exercise a bit later.

Regarding their appearance, Malinois has a short, straight hair double coat that is relatively rough to touch but easy to groom.

The harder topcoat and dense undercoat make them well suited to the outdoors, which is likely the result of their working heritage.

At What Age Is A Belgian Malinois Full Grown?

The average Belgian Malinois will reach their full adult size between 16-19 months old. The smaller dogs of the breed will reach their final size first, as it typically takes a few additional months for the breed’s larger dogs to fill out.

Therefore, females tend to stop growing a few months earlier than males, on average.

Of course, it depends on the dog.

Below we will take a look at the respective growth rates of both male and female Belgian Malinois as they age:

Growth Of A Male Belgian Malinois

• The weight of a male Belgian Malinois at 3 months should be between 23 and 27 pounds.
• At 6 months, they will likely weigh between 43 and 52 lbs (pounds).
• At 1 year, a male Belgian Malinois should weigh between 59 and 70 lbs (pounds).

Age	Weight – Low Average (lbs)	Weight – High Average (lbs)
3 Months	23	27
4 Months	30	35
5 Months	37	45
6 Months	43	52
7 Months	46	57
8 Months	50	60
9 Months	52	62
10 Months	55	65
11 Months	57	68
12 Months	59	70
13 Months	60	72
14 Months	63	73
15 Months	63	74
16 Months	63	75
17 Months	63	76
18 Months	63	76
19 Months	63	77

Growth Of A Female Belgian Malinois

• The weight of a female Belgian Malinois at 3 months should be between 17 and 25 lbs (pounds).
• At 6 months, they will likely weigh between 32 and 46 lbs (pounds).
• At 1 year, a female Belgian Malinois should weigh between 42 and 63 lbs (pounds).

Age	Weight – Low Average (lbs)	Weight – High Average (lbs)
3 Months	17	25
4 Months	22	33
5 Months	27	37
6 Months	32	46
7 Months	34	50
8 Months	36	53
9 Months	37	56
10 Months	39	58
11 Months	41	60
12 Months	42	63
13 Months	45	64
14 Months	48	65
15 Months	51	66
16 Months	53	66

As you can see, there can be quite a range in dogs; even between that of the same gender.

For instance, one male Belgian Malinois, may end up being 15 pounds lighter and reach their final size 3 months sooner compared to the largest in the breed.

Spatial Requirements Of Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are not the biggest of dogs, so logically you would think they do not need a lot of space. However, they actually do require quite a bit of space due to their high energy and exercise needs.

While they could live in a smaller home (if provided with enough exercise), they tend to do much better in a larger home.

Besides, its best for everyone.

Otherwise, an owner would need to spent a considerable amount of effort keeping their Malinois occupied, busy, and entertained.

Or at the very least, taking them out for more rigorous movement and activity.

So, a home with a decent-sized yard with an outdoor area to play and other internal living space to let them roam is advised.

For the most part, the more space you can afford these athletic dogs, the better.

For this reason, it is typically not advisable to keep a Malinois if you live in an apartment or smaller home.

With all this being said, just having a big home will not suffice.

They do need to be included in family activities too. 

This is not the kind of breed that you can leave to their own devices.

They need attention.

They are highly intelligent, and paired with their natural energy, must be kept engaged with their owner, both mentally and physically.