Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is a Belgian working dog with enormous drive, speed and work ethic, prized worldwide by police, military and dog-sport enthusiasts. It is not a dog for a quiet household: it needs daily training and an experienced owner.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Belgische Herdershond - Groenendaeler Belgische Herdershond - Laekense Herder Belgische Herdershond - Mechelaar Belgische Herdershond - Tervuerense Herder by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 7 examinations:
- 5 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (7)
-
Cerebellar ataxia (CA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SELENOP: c.-6582_*516del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Cardiomyopathy and juvenile mortality (CJM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- YARS2: c.1054G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia 1 (SCDA1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- KCNJ10: c.986T>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia 2 (SCDA2)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ATP1B2: c.130_131ins[LT796559.1:g.50_276
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Belgische Herdershond - Groenendaeler Belgische Herdershond - Laekense Herder Belgische Herdershond - Mechelaar Belgische Herdershond - Tervuerense Herder, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 12/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Cerebellar ataxia (CA), Cardiomyopathy and juvenile mortality (CJM), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia, Hip dysplasia, Spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia 1 (SCDA1) and Spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia 2 (SCDA2). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Malinois needs physical exercise and mental challenge every day, for example through tracking, obedience or dog sports. Its short coat is easy to look after with a weekly brush.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia and Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
A Malinois is fast, alert and reacts strongly to movement and sound. Without clear structure and enough work it may start nipping at anything that moves, spinning in circles or barking on and on. It belongs with an experienced owner who has the time and the will to train with it every day. Choose a breeder who can show the examination results of both parent dogs and who gets the puppies well used to people, sounds and places.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
