How to Adopt a Belgian Malinois in California

Belgian Malinois, also known as Belgian shepherds, are some of the best dogs you can adopt in California. However, it’s important to learn more about the breed before you do so because they may have some personality quirks you’re unfamiliar with. For example, while they’re one of the hardest-working dog breeds around, they’re also quite stubborn. What’s more, while they may be loyal once they bond with you, the bonding process often takes a lot of time.

Also, the adoption process in California isn’t the same as the buying process if you were to go to a breeder. Sure, you save a lot of money, but you have to find a Belgian Malinois that’s available. You also have to pass a small background check and wait for three to five days before you even know if you can bring the dog home. For these reasons, it’s important to be prepared before you even plan on adopting a Belgian Malinois in California.

The good news is that we’re here to make this process a breeze. Read on to learn more about how to adopt a Belgian Malinois in California.

What Are Belgian Malinois Like?

Belgian Malinois are a lot like German shepherds. This is because they were bred for a lot of the same purposes. However, some key differences you’ll notice right away are their slightly long snouts and longer ears. When it comes to their coats, Belgian Malinois often have different patterns than German shepherds as well. We know we’re talking about their appearance a lot, but it’s important not to mistake them for a German shepherd, especially if you’re not adopting through a breeder.

When it comes to their personalities, Belgian Malinois are good dogs. They’re well-behaved and unlikely to be destructive if you spend enough time with them. Belgian Malinois are also great family dogs with socialization and training, and they also tend to be loyal and protective of their families.

You’ll also find that Belgian Malinois are smart, energetic, and easy to train. In fact, they’re often eager to start training and learning new things, so it’s a good way to expend some of that energy and stimulate their curious minds.

What Is a Belgian Malinois Temperament? Belgian Malinois have a relaxed temperament compared to a lot of breeds. They’re eager to please their human companions and love to learn new things. Once you form a bond with a Belgian Malinois, they’re also happy to show affection along with their more playful and unserious side. That said, there are times when a Belgian Malinois can be stubborn or independent, so if you plan on training or walking them, having a routine is critical. Belgian Malinois are also loyal and protective. They make good watchdogs and will keep your family safe. Plus, they’ll alert you to any danger. That said, you should keep an eye on them when interacting with children and other animals because this behavior can lead to accidents.

How Active Are Belgian Malinois? Belgian Malinois are very active dogs. These dogs need a ton of exercise and mental stimulation, so make sure you have plenty of time to spend with them. In fact, we recommend playing with them for at least 90 to 120 minutes of walking, training, and playing daily. Now, you don’t need to hit those numbers for all activities, but you should hit them with a combination of them. For example, you can go for a 30-minute run and then spend another hour playing with and training your Belgian Malinois. A routine like this can stimulate their body and mind. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Belgian Malinois?

Belgian Malinois tend to be medium-sized dogs. Male Belgian Malinois are about 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller at around 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. However, some variations may occur depending on the specific dog, nutrition, and exercise.

When it comes to their weight, Belgian Malinois tend to weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. Males are about 60 to 80 pounds, and females tend to be around 40 to 60 pounds.

What Are a Belgian Malinois’ Grooming Needs?

Belgian Malinois have a few key grooming needs you need to be aware of. First and foremost, make sure you’re frequently brushing them. We recommend doing so daily for the best results. This ensures that they don’t get matted coats. It’s also a good idea to brush them even more frequently during shedding seasons, like fall and spring, when they begin to shed their double coats. You’ll also want to trim their nails often, especially if they’re not wearing down from playing or training.

When it comes to bathing, Belgian Malinois don’t need to be bathed too often. However, if their coat is dirtier than usual, it’s not a bad idea. We also recommend cleaning their ears regularly to prevent infections and brushing their teeth a few times weekly. If you ever feel uncomfortable grooming them, feel free to bring them to a professional for more assistance.

What Are Common Belgian Malinois Health Issues?

Belgian Malinois tend to be healthy dogs, but there are some health issues they can run into. Some of the main areas of concern are bloating and cancers like Hemangiosarcoma. Now, this isn’t your typical bloating after a big meal. No, it’s gastrointestinal distress that needs to be evaluated, or it can lead to stomach, colon, and intestinal problems down the line.

Belgian Malinois may also develop hip or elbow dysplasia, where the hip or elbow joints don’t grow properly. This can lead to pain and discomfort, so always check a Belgian Malinois’ medical records before you plan on adopting one. You’ll also find that these dogs can develop cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and other health conditions later in life. Always take them to the vet regularly to avoid these issues.

What Is a Belgian Malinois’ Lifespan?

Belgian Malinois have a long lifespan compared to some other medium-sized dogs, especially if they’re healthy. You can expect them to live for 12 to 15 years when healthy or around 10 to 12 years if they have some known predispositions.

Are Belgian Malinois Good With Other Animals or Kids?

Belgian Malinois can be good with other animals and kids, but there are a few caveats. First and foremost, these dogs have a lot of energy and tend to be very protective of their families. This can lead to accidents if they get excited or attempt to protect your child from another animal or family member. For this reason, it’s important to train them and focus on socialization the second you introduce them to your home.

When it comes to other animals, Belgian Malinois can be a little tricky. With training, they are fine, but sometimes they may chase smaller animals around. For this reason, training and socialization from a young age are essential.

Are Belgian Malinois Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

Belgian Malinois aren’t the best choice for first-time dog parents. If you don’t have any experience with dogs, caring for them can be challenging. This is due to their high energy levels, need for mental stimulation, and their stubbornness when it comes to improper training methods.

For these reasons, you may want to avoid the Belgian Malinois if you’re a first-time dog parent, especially if you have other animals or young children.

How Do You Adopt a Belgian Malinois in California?

Adopting a Belgian Malinois in California is a bit of a process, so it’s important to understand each part of that process. The first thing is finding a Belgian Malinois at a shelter, rescue, or foster. Unfortunately, it’s not like going to a breeder, so you’ll have to wait until one becomes available.

Once you find a Belgian Malinois, the process is also different compared to working with breeders. This is because you’ll need a photo ID, and you have to be at least 18 years old unless you have a parent or guardian. Not only do you have to meet these requirements, but most adoption organizations will want to verify your living situation to ensure that the Belgian Malinois is going to a suitable home. Furthermore, most organizations will verify references and want to learn more about your pet’s history as well.

Once the adoption organization approves your application, you can take your new Belgian Malinois. However, it’s important to note that this process can take around three to five days. Then, you can pay the adoption fee and bring home your Belgian Malinois.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Belgian Malinois in California?

You’ll find that the cost to adopt a Belgian Malinois in California is significantly lower than the cost to buy one from a breeder. This is because most shelters only charge an adoption fee, which is designed to offset the cost of things like vaccinations and essential surgeries. For these reasons, most shelters only charge between $50 and $350.

What’s more, many shelters will vary in cost based on the age of the dog – puppies tend to cost less than senior dogs, for example.

How Should I Train a Belgian Malinois?

Belgian Malinois aren’t difficult dogs to train, but they can be tricky if you don’t have enough time for them. This is because you need to spend a lot of time working with them. Otherwise, they may become stubborn or not catch on to what you’re teaching them. For this reason, we always recommend using one of our dog training courses to get started. They will help you learn the fundamentals of dog training to ensure that you and your Belgian Malinois get off on the right foot.

Aside from getting the right course and learning the basics, we have some quick tips you can follow to train your Belgian Malinois properly. First and foremost, you want to use positive reinforcement training at all times. This is a practice where you reward your dog for good behavior without scolding them for bad behavior. Training them this way will prevent them from becoming stubborn or unhappy with the training routine.

Another tip is to schedule a time each day for training. Dogs are creatures of habit, so it’s a good idea.

Find the Right Belgian Malinois in California for You

Belgian Malinois are great dogs, especially if you have the time and patience to train them. That said, it’s important to take things slow with them. Slowly introduce them to family members and other pets to ensure that the socialization process goes smoothly. Then, establish a routine and train them to the best of your abilities.

If a Belgian Malinois sounds like too much work, don’t worry, because German shepherds are similar but a little more moderate when it comes to activity levels and temperament. Once you know which dog you want to adopt, it comes down to finding one in a shelter and starting the adoption process.