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Malinois Greyhound (Belgian Malinois & Greyhound Mix) Info, Pics

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By Emma Braby

Malinois Greyhound (Belgian Malinois & Greyhound Mix)

Height: 24–28 inches
Weight: 65–75 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Colors: Fawn, mahogany, red, brindle, black, sable
Suitable for: Active families, homes with access to large yards, families with children, multi-dog households
Temperament: Energetic, loyal, intelligent, affectionate, aloof with strangers

The Malinois Greyhound is a beautiful hybrid whose parents are the Belgian Malinois and the Greyhound. The parents are relatively uncommon breeds in America, and their mixed breed pup is even rarer.

We’re going to run you through everything you need to know and help you determine whether you are the right match for the Malinois Greyhound. They’re gorgeous, bright, and loyal but can be too much dog for some families.

They need a lot of exercise, a lot of company, and a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy. They can also be overly protective if not trained well. So, they need an owner who understands the needs of protective dogs.

Divider 1Malinois Greyhound Puppies

puppy malinois
Image Credit: Pixabay, Pexels
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The Malinois Greyhound is a mixed pup, and it’s helpful to learn more about the parents before adopting a puppy. The Belgian Malinois is a livestock herder from Europe who resembles the more famous German Shepherd. They’re the leaner and leggier version, with a differently shaped head compared to the German Shepherd.

They’re increasingly used for their speed and endurance in law enforcement fields. And, without company or adequate exercise, the Belgian Malinois will quickly become unhappy and unruly.

The Greyhound is gentle, independent, and noble. They’re one of the oldest dogs in the world and the only breed to be mentioned in the Bible. They were kept as companion dogs, as well as dogs to catch small prey for their masters’ lunch. They’re very sensitive and do not like to be left alone.

So, combine those traits, and you can expect an energetic dog with hardworking genes. Unless you have an active family that can commit to at least 60 minutes of intense exercise daily, the Malinois Greyhound is not the dog for you.

Because of their high prey drive, you might want to consider keeping your Malinois Greyhound leashed in public. They’ll run away in a second if they detect a squirrel or rabbit nearby, and until they’re trained properly, keeping them on a leash at the dog park is wise.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Malinois Greyhound

1. The Malinois Greyhound Is Lightning-bolt Fast and Super Strong.

Their Greyhound parent is officially the fastest dog breed on the planet. Their Malinois parent has incredible power and tenacity. Combining those traits makes this hybrid hound a force to be reckoned with.

2. The Malinois Greyhound Shouldn’t Live With Rodents.

Given their strong prey drive, we don’t advise getting a Malinois Greyhound if you have pet rodents. They might not be interested in the small animals initially, but they can change their mind at any moment.

3. The Malinois Greyhound Is a Big Softie at Heart.

Although they’re athletic and skillful hunters, Malinois Greyhounds love spending time with humans. After running around the hard and playing games, they enjoy curling up on the couch next to their owners.

Parent Breeds of the Malinois Greyhound
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Malinois Greyhound 🧠

The Malinois Greyhound is very affectionate to everyone in the family. But, like their Mal parent, they can inherit a soft spot for their primary caregiver. Some like this personality trait since it makes them more loyal and usually more trainable. But it can mean that when their owner isn’t at home, they can be a bit sulky. If you have a large family, you might find yourselves fighting over the top dog spot.

They will almost certainly inherit the protective streak of their Malinois parent. Again, some owners like this trait, but most novice dog owners don’t know how to handle it properly. That is why an experienced and firm owner should be the one to adopt them; the meek and mild need not apply.

Their high energy means that they’re always looking for fun and games with their family. They love to play fetch, chase the frisbee, join in on hide and seek, and whatever else you can think of. The Malinois Greyhound is also a high jumper, so if you have a tree and a piece of rope, you can hang it for them to swing on.

Since they’re incredibly intelligent, they’ll pick up commands and tricks in no time. That is one of the reasons their Mal parent is chosen as a canine colleague in law enforcement fields, and they’ll likely share this intelligence, too. They need plenty of interactive games and training sessions to be happy.

Although they need a lot of stimulation, they will snuggle and relax in the evening. Their Greyhound parent loves a good snooze; hopefully, they will, too.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Yes, the Malinois Greyhound is an excellent addition to most families. Their Greyhound genes will soften their intense Malinois personality, which makes them a more adaptable option for most families.

As long as they’re socialized well, they make a great canine sibling for children, and they’re tolerant of their overexcited hands. However, it’s best to supervise your dog when they interact with children, especially if they aren’t part of your family.

When it comes to the Malinois Greyhound‘s preferred living conditions, they need a spacious home with a large, fenced-in yard. Due to their jumping skills, they can leap over a short fence, and it’s best to have one that’s at least 8 feet tall.

They aren’t happy in small apartments, and even if you take them out for plenty of exercise, they need space to breathe.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

As long as they’re socialized well as a pup, the Malinois Greyhound can get along with other dogs. Because they hate to be left alone, they probably prefer the company of another dog for the times that you cannot be with them.

Remember, before welcoming unknown dogs into a home with a resident dog, you need to slowly introduce them. Just like humans, sometimes dogs just don’t get along.

The Malinois Greyhound will likely inherit the high prey drive of the Greyhound. For that reason, we wouldn’t advise that you invite them into a home with smaller animals or rodents. Your pup might view them as their first initiation challenge.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Malinois Greyhound:

Below, we will run you through the Malinois Greyhound’s other needs to help you decide if they’re ideal for your home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Malinois Greyhound has a high metabolism, and they should eat between 3 and 3 ½ cups of high-quality kibble every day. Although your budget is always an important consideration when picking food for them, you should always buy the best kibble that you can afford.

Because of their high energy, significant muscle mass, and fast metabolism, you should look for a kibble that provides a high protein content. The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends that all puppies need a minimum protein content of 22%, and adults need a minimum of 18%. Anything above this is desirable, especially for a powerful dog like the Malinois Greyhound.

They need a well-balanced kibble that will provide high-quality meat protein, carbohydrates, fiber, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Some owners like to feed powerful dogs like the Malinois and mixed puppies with biologically appropriate diets. However, you need to be sure that it provides the extras they need, such as omega oils, fruits, and veggies.

If you need help formulating a diet for your Malinois Greyhound, you can speak to your vet for expert advice.

Exercise 🐕

The Malinois Greyhound needs an intense exercise routine that will keep their body and intelligent mind stimulated. A brisk walk around the block will not cut it with this dog. They’ll make a great jogging partner, flyball participant, and hiking buddy.

When it comes to their mind, you’ll need to give them challenges to overcome. A great way to do this is through training sessions. Not only will they learn a set of commands quickly, but they also enjoy pleasing you.

As a friendly and energetic pup, they love visiting the local doggy park. It will wear them out and, at the same time, socialize them,

Training 🦮

The Malinois Greyhound will benefit from early obedience training. They will excel at it, but it’s great to start early so they know who the boss is. It’s essential to set the boundaries early.

Their potential to be overprotective means that it’s imperative that you socialize them early. Socialization isn’t just about interacting with other dogs, it’s the process of exposing them to everyday encounters to increase their confidence.

This includes other animals (minus rodents, please), unfamiliar humans, and loud noises. With enough exposure to other people and animals, they can grow into confident pets who aren’t protective or scared in unfamiliar situations.

As a very needy pup who craves human company, it is advisable to crate-train them. This will give them a safe space that they can call their own, which will lower their anxiety. It will also provide you with peace of mind when you have to leave them alone in the house for a few hours, knowing that they will not shred your sofa to pieces.

Grooming ✂️

The grooming needs of the Malinois Greyhound are relatively simple compared to those of many other dogs. They have a double coat that sheds moderately and is usually short. A brush once or twice a week will remove loose hair and keep their coats healthy and clean.

A bath once every 8 to 12 weeks will be sufficient to keep them clean. Be sure not to bathe them frequently because you risk upsetting their natural coat oils. It is advisable to use a gentle and natural oatmeal shampoo because it will be gentle on their skin. Their Greyhound parent is prone to sensitive skin, so it’s better to be safe with a mild shampoo.

Health and Conditions ❤️

As a mixed breed, they can inherit the health concerns of either of their parent’s breeds. For that reason, it’s essential to research the most common conditions below and learn about what signs to look for.

Thankfully, they’re relatively healthy and enjoy a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Minor Conditions
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Heart murmurs
Serious Conditions
  • Eye conditions

Divider 5Male vs Female

When it comes to the male and female Malinois Greyhounds, the main difference is that the males are larger than the females. Their temperament is influenced more by their training, family environment, and upbringing than sex. If you adopt one from a reputable breeder, a male or female Malinois Greyhound will make an excellent companion.

Divider 3Final Thoughts

The Malinois Greyhound is a rare breed, and you’ll undoubtedly be the talk of the town with one by your side. With their Mal head and Greyhound body, some would say that they look strange, but we say they’re uniquely gorgeous.

They’re well-balanced pups, thanks to the gentle genes of the Greyhound and the intense characteristics of the Malinois. As long as you can provide the exercise, mental stimulation, love, and company they need, you’ll find a great companion in the Malinois Greyhound.

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Featured Image Credit: AkikoCampbell, Pixabay

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