Malinois Dutch Shepherd Mix: Crossbreed Info & Care Guide

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Crossbreeds and hybrids have become very popular in recent years. Most of the popular mixes include Poodles with other dog breeds. Those types of crosses end up with Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, or Cockapoos. However, some crosses are aimed at creating the ultimate working dog, which is why the Malinois Dutch Shepherd cross happened. This dog is insanely athletic, so if you’re looking for a cuddly, slow-paced dog, this is not the right choice for you. Here’s what you should know about the Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix.

What type of dog is Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix?

The Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix is a crossbreed. That means it is created by crossing two pureblooded dog breeds with the goal of passing the best characteristics to their offspring. However, crossbreeds come with some downsides. It is impossible to know what the puppy will look like and which character traits they will inherit. Genes are unpredictable, and it’s impossible to know how they’ll pair.

What should a Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix look like?

As we mentioned, it is impossible to predict how exactly a mixed puppy will look like. The good thing is that these two breeds share some common characteristics, so future puppies shouldn’t inherit unexpected traits, like flappy ears or a flat face. Most Malinois Dutch Shepherd mixes reach 21 - 24 inches and weigh 40 - 70 pounds.

Coat type

One of the defining traits of any dog breed is its coat. Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Malinois have somewhat short coats, with Dutchies having slightly longer coats. Their coats are thick and weather-resistant. It is expected that a Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix inherits their parent’s thick coat with a length between the coat lengths of their parents.

Coat color

Another defining trait of pureblooded dog breeds is their coat color. Dogo Argentinos are always white with possible patches, Golden Retrievers come in various shades of golden, and Labradors have three possible coat colors. When it comes to crossbreeds, there are no rules about coat colors or patterns. They can inherit all possible coat colors and patterns from both parents, so predicting them is impossible. The Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix can have all of their parent’s coat colors.

The temperament of the Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix

The Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix’s looks are important, but this crossbreed was made with a different goal - fantastic working temperament. Both parent breeds are among the best police and military service dogs. They are intelligent, obedient, highly trainable, insanely energetic, and loyal. If the crossbreed breeder breeds two dogs with those temperaments, you can fully expect the offspring to share these characteristics.

Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix health

One of the most significant advantages of crossbreeds should be their health. Many crossbreed breeders claim their dogs have “hybrid vigor,” which is a theory that applies to mixing different types of plants. They have adapted that theory for dogs and wholeheartedly claim they create healthier dogs. The only way to create healthy dogs is to breed healthy parents. Unfortunately, due to the lack of crossbreed clubs and oversight, those breeders often use dogs with questionable health. If the parents are healthy, you can expect a Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix to have a lifespan of 12 - 14 years. Some of the health issues vets noticed in this crossbreed are;

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cryptorchidism
• Atopy
• Retinal Dysplasia
• Pannus
• Bloat
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Degenerative Myelopathy

Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix care guide

If you are looking to become a Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix owner, you should know how to take care of them properly. One of the things we would advise you is - don’t buy a crossbreed. Look for breed-specific rescues and see if they have this specific mix that needs a home. Getting a dog from uncontrolled sources is risky, and you can end up with loads of vet bills. Here are the essential things Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix’s care guide consists of;

Nutrition

The first thing all dog owners should look out for is proper nutrition. The dog’s health can be severely impacted by low-quality food. Make sure you pick the best possible dog food that will support the dog’s development, immune system, and overall wellbeing.

Grooming

Many dog owners think grooming is reserved for show dogs. However, it is crucial for the dog’s health. The Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix doesn’t require that much brushing, but you should regularly check their ears, clip their nails, bathe them every 3 months, and take proper dental care. Tartar and bacteria buildup in the dog’s mouth are silent killers.

Training

This is one of the top priorities for Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix owners. These dogs are active and highly trainable, which means they need intensive training and physical activity. If you fail to provide that, the dog will most likely develop behavioral issues. You can always ask for a professional trainer’s help.

Socialization

These dogs can have aggressive tendencies, which is what you’d want to see in police and military service dogs. However, the dog should know when and how to react. That can only be achieved with proper socialization. Make sure the dog is exposed to different sights, sounds, situations, other dogs, cats, and people. That’s the only way to make sure your dog will develop into a balanced, well-behaved dog.

Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix puppies

We already mentioned you should look for this specific mix in breed-specific shelters. However, if you are absolutely adamant about buying a hybrid dog, you should know how to do it safely. Look for breeders that health test their breeding dogs. Ask to see the conditions the dogs are kept in and to see the parents, if possible. The Malinois Dutch Shepherd mix puppy costs between $500 - $1.800, depending on the parent’s pedigrees.

World Dog Finder team