The Pitbull Belgian Malinois Mix is a very compact breed and is becoming more and more popular with people who love Pitbulls but who want a more colorful and “cute” dog.
Understanding this unique breed, including its appearance, temperament, and health concerns can help you when making a new dog ownership decision.
We did all the hard research for you to help make this process smoother.
Appearance
The Pitbull Belgian Malinois Mixhas a pretty broad array of different appearances that may change based on their lineage.
You can expect this breed to have that stout sturdiness of the Pitbull most of the time.
Some will have a look more like the Belgian Malinois, with their overall leaner and elegant looks.
You can also expect this breed to have a blended style that mixes both breeds’ traits.
For example, you might notice the elegant and almost gentle stride of the Mal with the muscular and intense look of the Pitbull.
Expect a very alert dog, one that consistently pays attention to everything you say and do.
You might even notice a fairly fawning expression in some, though many pups of this breed have a fairly independent streak that may make them seem aloof.
As for their color, you can expect anything from black, white, brown, fawn, tan, blue, or even mahogany.
These different colors produce a somewhat unpredictable mix.
Some Pitbull Belgian Malinois pups may have a single color similar to the Pitbull.
Others may mirror the Mal and have a more blended coat.
It all depends on genetics and the roll of the dice in some situations.
As for the coat itself, expect either a single- or double-coated feel.
If your dog takes after the Pitbull, they’ll have a single coat, which may make them less difficult to groom.
More Mal-centered pups will have the thicker double-coat common with that breed.
You might see different coats within a single litter, making it important to do a little research before choosing here.
Weight, Size, and Shape
Expect a fairly well-muscled and medium-sized dog that doesn’t get too large.
They should be evenly proportioned and look “normal” compared to other designer dogs.
Their overall height ranges from around 18 to 24 inches tall, at the highest.
They may weigh 35 pounds when smaller and up to 75 pounds when bigger.
Males are larger than females, as is common with most dogs.
Their overall shape is fairly sleek and attractive, with fairly thick bodies that rarely get obese or fat.
Expect this dog to need a lot of exercises to burn energy, though.
Both these breeds typically need a lot of attention and regular workouts to avoid obesity or boredom.
However, these facts are better covered in the temperament section to ensure that you understand them fully.
Temperament
It is important to note that a Pitbull Belgian Malinois may differ heavily in temperament, depending on their overall breeding and genetics.
For example, a shy mother may produce shy dogs, while an energetic and outgoing one produces more extroverted pups.
However, there are a few things that we can say for sure are common with most dogs that come from this lineage.
First, expect a dog that is fairly energetic and very devoted to you.
They love spending time with people and often want to cuddle with you, even if they’re a bit too big for it!
Some might have a tendency to lick or even beg, which can be trained out of them with a lot of tough work.
They may blend very well with families, but are protective and may be uncomfortable with very young children.
Their intelligence makes it easy to train them quickly, as they’ll learn more tricks and guidelines fairly well.
However, it is also important to note that this breed also has a tendency towards naughty behavior if left uncorrected.
Their very intelligence betrays them: they love pushing boundaries and need an assertive owner willing to take a strong lead.
Doing so helps keep them on the right path.
Behavioral Concerns
The biggest concern with this breed is that they can become rather rambunctious and even out of control if you don’t spend a lot of time with them.
They have almost endless energy reserves and need up to two hours of exercise a day to calm down.
You may also need to carefully direct them away from naughty behaviors, such as chewing when bored or jumping on new friends.
Typically, this breed is usually good with strangers, depending on their dominant breed traits.
For example, Pitbull-heavy pups are more likely to be welcoming immediately to new people and want to play and engage right away.
Mal-heavy dogs may be more aloof when meeting strangers.
This trait can be overcome with time but really never goes away with this dog.
In fact, you might find that your Pitbull Belgian Malinois mix is even a little aloof towards you!
They’re not quite like the notorious Husky in this trait.
They do love you and enjoy spending time with you.
However, they just aren’t as overflowing with affection as other dogs.
The Pitbull mix helps to balance this trait and makes this breed a friendlier dog.
Socialization is key to helping break these potential band habits.
All dogs need some socialization with other dogs and people to help them feel comfortable.
However, this breed (particularly when high on Mal traits) needs early and consistent socialization efforts.
Try to pair them up with dogs from the same breed to help them feel more comfortable with this situation.
Health Concerns
Expect this breed to live up to 14 years with little difficulty, though some may only live to nine years.
Shorter life spans may be more common with dogs from certain breeders.
The somewhat random nature of dog breeding, particularly with blended mixes like this breed, may cause some unique situations and potential health concerns that may affect your pup’s life quality.
For example, your Pit Mal needs a consistent and nutritious diet to help improve their bone health and minimize any concerns.
They also need regular exercise and grooming, though they typically only shed heavily during the fall and winter.
Outside these seasons, a simple brush once a week should be enough.
During heavy shedding times, brushing daily may be common.
Expect to bathe them only once a month, though, as their coat rarely picks up foul odors or stains throughout its fur.
Do pay attention to their nails, though, as this breed may experience some foot-related problems if you don’t keep their toes properly trimmed.
When your dog’s nails click on the floor when they walk, it is time to either trim their nails yourself or get an expert to do it for you.
Lastly, brush their teeth twice a week to keep them strong.
Common Health Concerns
The Pit Mal is not excessively obese but can become so in time if you don’t adjust their diet and keep them active.
With a breed this energetic, regular exercise is critical not just for their obesity management but their mental health as well.
Unfortunately, they may also experience several common health conditions that linger across these paired breeds.
For example, they are common victims of hip and elbow dysplasias due to their size.
These joint problems can cause great pain and may require physical therapy and even surgery to manage.
This breed may also develop cataracts, extreme allergies, congenital heart defects (rare, but possible), thyroid disease, and even progressive retinal atrophy (a common condition in many dogs).
Regular vet visits may help minimize any problems, as you can get them checked for common conditions regularly.
Also, make sure that you bring up any potential skin problems, as some Pit Mals may experience rashes, hives, and other concerns if they aren’t properly addressed right away.
Are You Picking the Best Breed for Your Home?
While the Pitbull Belgian Malinois mix may seem like a great option for your home, it is important to make sure that you pay close attention to their unique demands.
For example, their high energy and innate intelligence make them a tough fit in an apartment.
You’re likely not going to have the room that they need to play.
If you do live in an apartment, daily trips to a dog park may be necessary.
It may also be best to skip them if you have very young children, though most should blend easily with older pre-teens and teenagers.