- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Known for their intelligence and loyalty, the Belgian Malinois is a versatile pup suited for many different lifestyles. Serving as everything from active family companions to diligent working police dogs, Malinois can be great additions to a pet parent’s life.
But the initial cost of purchasing a Belgian Malinois is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expenses associated with their care, training, and health needs—so it’s good to be prepared.
At a Glance: Belgian Malinois Breed Traits and Temperament
Given their smart, obedient, and protective personalities, it’s not surprising that Belgian Malinois are a popular choice for law enforcement and military jobs. Malinois are often employed to detect drugs and bombs and assist in search and rescues.
As a working breed, Malinois tend to thrive on companionship and need lots of exercise. They’re best suited for active families who can provide lots of attention and physical outlets. A healthy Belgian Malinois is likely to live between 12 and 15 years.
Costs of Buying or Adopting a Belgian Malinois
As with most dog breeds, buying a Belgian Malinois from a breeder is far more expensive than adopting one from a rescue. With factors like lineage and location impacting the price tag, pet parents can expect to spend from $600 to upwards of $2,000 for a Malinois puppy.
Adoption from a shelter or rescue is a much more affordable option, ranging from $50 to $500. The more expensive end of the spectrum may include some preventive care, such as vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering.
Belgian Malinois Costs: First Year to Adolescence
Belgian Malinois are puppies until about 6 months of age, when they hit their adolescent stage. Below are the expenses that are typical of Malinois puppies in their first year, with costs varying depending on your location as well as the specific services and items you choose.
| Item | From | To |
| Initial vaccinations and preventive care | $375 | $1,085 |
| Microchipping | $60 | $80 |
| Spaying/neutering | $340 | $1,500 |
| Dog care basics | $120 | $1,460 |
| Food* | $276 | $828 |
| Treats | $120 | $240 |
| Grooming | $300 | $500 |
| Training | $200 | $1,000 |
| Annual Exams** | $280 | $440 |
| Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
| Annual Cost | $2,407 | $8,213 |
*$69 per 24-lb. bag, every 1 to 3 months at 1 cup to 3 1/4 cups of kibble per day
**$70-$110 per visit, at 4 visits
Ongoing Expenses for Adult Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois usually hit full growth by the time they’re 1 year old, though they shouldn’t be bred until at least 18 months of age. Below are typical expenses pet parents can expect to spend on their adult Malinois. Note that prices will vary based on your location and specific services and items you choose.
| Item | From | To |
| Annual vaccinations and preventive care | $270 | $615 |
| Annual exams | $70 | $110 |
| Food* | $662 | $1,145 |
| Treats | $120 | $240 |
| Grooming | $300 | $500 |
| Dental care | $300 | $2,500 |
| Other supplies | $125 | $410 |
| Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
| Annual Total | $2,183 | $6,600 |
*$69 per 24-lb. bag, every 22 to 38 days at 2 1/2 cups to 4 1/4 cups of kibble per day
Possible Expenses for Senior Malinois
Belgian Malinois reach senior status around 9 to 10 years old. Because older dogs often develop more health conditions and problems as they age, pet parents will likely spend more on vet care at this stage of life, with other expenses remaining fairly constant.
A common ongoing expense for a senior Malinois is bloodwork, since regular testing ensures medications are working correctly. Blood work typically costs between $100 and $200 per vet visit.
Because of ongoing and additional costs like these, it’s worth considering purchasing a pet insurance policy when your dog is young—before pre-existing conditions come into play—or starting a pet savings account.
Belgian Malinois Costs: Common Health Conditions
Belgian Malinois are prone to several health conditions common to dogs their size. These issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cancer—specifically, hemangiosarcoma.
Here’s what Malinois parents may expect to pay to treat these problems:
- Hip dysplasia: Between $1,700 and $4,500 for surgery
- Elbow dysplasia: Between $1,500 and $4,000 per elbow
- Hemangiosarcoma: Between $500 and $5,000 for diagnosis and surgery, potentially hundreds to thousands per month for chemotherapy or drug treatment after diagnosis and surgery.
Pet parents should keep in mind that vet prices vary depending on geographic location and the kind of clinic or practice you choose.
Belgian Malinois Costs: Dog Training
Because of their intelligence and work ethic, Malinois are typically an easy breed to train—though they can pick up bad habits just as quickly as good ones if pet parents aren’t careful. For this reason, Malinois dogs need plenty of structure.
Training needs can vary depending on a Malinois’ background, so pet parents should find the type of training that their pup responds best to. That might mean group classes with lots of other puppies for social time, or it might mean one-on-one training with a pro.
- Obedience training school: $500 to $1250 per week
- Group classes: $30 to $80 each
- One-on-one training: $45 to $120 per session
If you’re interested in offering your Belgian Malinois patrol training—which includes obedience, agility, evidence searches, and building searches—the cost may range from $12,000 to $15,000 per dog.
Saving for Unexpected Costs
Being a pet parent often comes with unexpected costs that are tough to plan for financially. This includes things like:
- Emergency vet bills due to an accident or illness
- Boarding fees, due to a planned trip or unexpected family emergency
- Dental care, including treatments and preventive care
How dog insurance can help
Surprise vet bills can end up costing hundreds or even thousands in vet bills. A pet insurance plan can help manage the burden of unexpected costs, and signing up when your Malinois is young increases the chances that health conditions will be covered down the road.
Unsure if pet insurance is worth it? Check out our guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet.
