Belgian Malinois Price: How Much for a Puppy?

Part 1: The Cost of a Belgian Malinois

The price of a Belgian Malinois can vary significantly based on its appearance, but typically, you can expect to pay around 8,000 yuan. This breed, known for its short coat, is not only a prestigious and ancient variety but also originated near the town of Mariënheide in Belgium. By the 18th century, the Belgian Shepherd was widespread across Europe, and until the early 20th century, it was commonly used for herding sheep in the nearby regions. As the demand for sheep herding diminished, breeders refined the dogs into four distinct color varieties.

Part 2: Key Points for Buying a Belgian Malinois

Facial Features: A correct face features a clear black mask, covering the upper and lower jaw areas, including the corners of the mouth and eyelids. A mask or glass nose is permissible.

Ears: The ears should be black. Defects in facial color include a lack of a black mask, an incomplete mask, or a head that is entirely black. Insufficient blackness is also a flaw, particularly around the nose, chin, and base of the ears.

Neck and Back: The neck should be round and long enough to maintain an elegant posture for the head. It narrows from the trunk to the head, and the neck line is typically flat and slightly sloped backward. The back line is straight and smooth, extending from the neck to the rump. Common defects include a high rump and steep hips. The upper body should appear solid but not heavy; the chest should be deep but not broad, with the lowest point at the elbows. The abdomen should have a smooth line from the chest to the belly, with a moderate depth that is neither sagging nor tucked up. The common flaw is an insufficient chest depth, and some dogs may exhibit a barrel chest.

Body Posture: When viewed from above, the back should be short and drooping, strong and muscular, rounding back towards the tail. The tail root should be robust, reaching to the hock; during movement, the tail of the Malinois should be carried high and powerfully upwards, not in a sickle shape; dogs with docked or missing tails may lose balance. The most common issue is a malformed tail.

Hair: The hair should be short, straight, and hard, with a dense undercoat that adapts to changing climates. The hair on the head, ears, and under the legs is short. The hair on the neck is slightly longer, forming a mane that resembles a scarf, and extends to the tail and the back of the thighs. The coat should match the body. Deviations from the standard include a lack of undercoat and very short hair, similar to that of a Great Dane or Boxer; hair with noticeable feathers around the ears and on the back of the front legs (long hair that has fallen out of the coat); and curly hair is a defect.

Color: The base color of the Malinois ranges from light yellowbrown to black, with the tips of the fur appearing as if dusted with charcoal or black soil. The face and ears are black. The lower body, tail, and legs are pale yellow, but the fading of the light yellowbrown color on the body is a defect. The color of the coat should not overshadow the dog's structure and temperament; white paws and chest spots are permissible but should not extend to the neck; white spots are defects unless they are on the chest or paws. Discolored fur, white undercoat with black tips, and excessive black overlay forming black spots are defects. White spots on the neck, chest, and feet are defects. Only small white spots on the chest or paws are allowed.

The Belgian Malinois, despite its large size, has a good temperament and no body odor, with hair that is easy to maintain. The only special consideration is that due to the breed's herding instincts and alert, agile nature, it is wellsuited for outdoor guard dogs, capable of easily fulfilling its working desires through ample exercise. If you plan to keep it indoors as a family pet, ensure there is enough spacious area for it to move around.

Tip: For more information on sheepdogs, click on "How Much Does a German Shepherd Cost Per Dog – German Shepherd Dog Price" to read more articles.