Belgian Malinois Pet Insurance | Compare Prices & Policies | Savvy

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Find out all about Belgian Malinois and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 28th, 2023

Price range

$1,000 – $3,500

Height

56–66cm

Weight

25–30kg

Personality

Intelligent, alert, confident

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes – with proper socialisation

Life expectancy

10–14 years

Overview

The Belgian Malinois, originating from Belgium, is a breed with a rich history of herding and working alongside farmers. With its well-proportioned, athletic build, the Malinois exudes an air of agility and strength. Its coat is short, dense and weather-resistant, well-suited to withstand various climates. This breed typically showcases a distinctive fawn to mahogany coat with a sleek, black face mask and ears.

Beyond its striking appearance, the Belgian Malinois is widely recognised for its exceptional work ethic and intelligence. Originally bred for herding, this breed has since proven its versatility, excelling in various roles including police and military work. With a focused and determined temperament, Malinois are highly trainable and thrive on mental stimulation.

As pets, Belgian Malinois demand an active lifestyle. They flourish in environments where they are provided with ample exercise, mental challenges and tasks to accomplish. Families that are committed to consistent training and socialisation will find in the Malinois a loyal and loving companion.

Common diseases and conditions of Belgian Malinois

Hip dysplasia: a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
Elbow dysplasia: similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and lameness.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): a group of genetic eye diseases that can lead to vision loss over time.
Pannus: a progressive eye disease that can lead to vision impairment.
Hemangiosarcoma: this is a highly aggressive form of cancer originating from blood vessel cells, commonly affecting the spleen, heart and liver.

Breed-specific issues:

Malinois excel when they have a purpose and thrive in an environment where they are mentally engaged and their intelligence is put to good use. Without mental stimulation and a job to focus on, they can become bored and potentially engage in undesirable behaviours.

Training a Belgian Malinois requires a firm yet positive approach. They respond best to consistent and patient guidance. Due to their intelligence, they quickly pick up on cues, but they may also test boundaries. Establishing clear leadership and setting expectations early on is crucial.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Belgian Malinois?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Belgian Malinois, including the following:

Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.
Type of insurance you choose: there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.
The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.
Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.
Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.
Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do.
Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Belgian Malinois

Are Belgian Malinois aggressive dogs?

No – while Belgian Malinois are known for their protective instincts, they are not inherently aggressive dogs. Their behaviour largely depends on how they are raised, trained and socialised. With proper guidance and socialisation from a young age, they can be well-adjusted and confident in various situations. It's essential for owners to provide consistent training and positive reinforcement to ensure the dogs understand appropriate behaviour.

Are Belgian Malinois suitable for first-time owners?

No – while Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and trainable, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. This is primarily due to their high energy levels and need for consistent training, mental stimulation and socialisation. Malinois thrive in environments with experienced owners who can provide structured routines, ample exercise and mental engagement. It's important to be prepared for the level of commitment and dedication required to raise a Malinois successfully.

Do Belgian Malinois bark a lot?

Yes – Belgian Malinois are naturally alert and may be inclined to bark when they sense something unusual or when they want to alert their owners. However, early training and socialisation can help manage their barking tendencies. Providing them with mental and physical stimulation can also reduce excessive barking, as a bored or under-stimulated Malinois may resort to vocalising.

How much exercise do Belgian Malinois need?

Belgian Malinois are highly active and energetic dogs that require a significant amount of exercise to stay healthy and content. On average, they should receive at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. This should include activities like brisk walks, jogging, agility training, fetch and mentally stimulating games. Additionally, they benefit from activities that engage their intelligence, such as obedience training and puzzle toys.

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