Belgian Malinois Size Guide How Big Does a Belgian Malinois Get

How big does a Belgian Malinois get? What’s the average Belgian Malinois size? When do Belgian Malinois stop growing? In this article, we’re going to answer all of these questions and more about the Belgian Malinois size and growth patterns. In fact, we’ve created an interactive Belgian Malinois size chart and puppy weight calculator that you can use to easily predict and track your puppy’s size from birth to adulthood. Let’s get started!

Belgian Malinois
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Our handy interactive puppy growth chart and calculator takes all the hard work out of predicting your puppy’s potential adult size. This helps you to know exactly what you are in for.

Psst! Check Out These Awesome Puppy Things!

The Belgian Malinois breed has won the hearts of millions of people all across the globe. Originally bred as herding dogs, Belgian Malinois are excellent companions and protection dogs. To this day they are often used in police and military service. They’re extremely energetic and intelligent dogs who make perfect pets for active singles and families alike. Although reserved with strangers, the Belgian Malinois is affectionate and loyal to its family. 

Belgian Malinois Size Predictions

In terms of size, the Belgian Malinois is a medium to large sized breed with a strong, athletic build. Although not the biggest breed out there, thanks to their high energy levels, they’re usually not suited for apartment living. As they’re super energetic and need their daily mental and physical stimulation, they will thrive best in a spacious home with a fenced backyard or with a dog park nearby. 

So, how big does a Belgian Malinois get? The average Belgian Malinois size ranges between 40 and 80 pounds in weight, whereas their height is typically around 22 to 26 inches measured at the shoulder. Of course, it’s completely normal if a pup is slightly smaller or larger than the usual breed standards. All dogs are unique and even puppies from the same litter aren’t the same size. However, if your dog is abnormally small or too big, it might be reasonable to consult with your veterinarian. 

Belgian Malinois
Photo by Gerrie van der Walt on Unsplash

In addition to that, it’s important to remind you that the size of your pup is determined by their genetics, gender, their diet, or how much they exercise. For example, over or underfeeding your dog will affect their weight and also growth in puppyhood. For this reason, it’s especially important you feed your dog the right amount of food from the day you bring them home and throughout their life. This supports the puppy’s proper development, reduces the risk of obesity, and puts less strain on the dog’s joints. 

Are There Different Sizes Of Belgian Malinois?

As with any other breed, there can be some fluctuation between the sizes of Belgian Malinois pups. Most commonly, male Belgian Malinois are taller, heavier, and stockier than the females. This is especially common for larger breeds and the Belgian Malinois is no different. 

Belgian Malinois
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Let’s take a closer look at the average Belgian Malinois size chart for male and female dogs:

Male Belgian MalinoisFemale Belgian Malinois
Weight60-80 pounds40-60 pounds
Height24-26 inches22-24 inches
When Full-Grown?13-18 months old13-18 months old

*A dog’s height is measured from their withers, also known as their shoulder blades.

As we can see from the Belgian Malinois size chart above, the difference between males and females can be quite noticeable. A male full-grown Belgian Malinois usually weighs between 60 and 80 pounds, whereas a female full-grown Belgian Malinois checks in at 40 to 60 pounds. In terms of height, males are usually 24 to 26 inches tall and females are slightly shorter at 22 to 24 inches measured from the shoulder. 

Belgian Malinois Size Charts & Growth Patterns – Month Wise 

Like other breeds, the Belgian Malinois grows fastest in the first 6 months from birth. By that time, they’ve most likely reached over half of their adult height. Dogs tend to reach their full height much sooner than their full adult weight. For example, Belgian Malinois puppies reach their full height around or before their first birthday. After that, they will continue to gain some more weight and fill out until they plateau at their full adult weight around 18 to 24 months old. 

Here’s the average Belgian Malinois size chart by age:

Age3 months6 months9 months12 months18-24 months
Weight22-27 pounds41-53 pounds50-64 pounds55-70 pounds60-80 pounds
Height8-11 inches15-18 inches18-22 inches22-26 inches22-26 inches

As we can see from the Belgian Malinois size chart above, they typically reach half their adult weight before they even turn 6 months old. After that, their growth will gradually slow down over the upcoming months, and their growth will be less noticeable compared to the first 6 months. By 9 months of age, they’ve reached almost all of their full height and ¾ of their full adult weight. At 12 months old, the weight gain has considerably slowed down, and usually plateaus around 1.5 to 2 years old. 

Additionally, this is why it’s particularly important that your Belgian Malinois puppy gets the correct nourishment he needs to grow that adorable little body into a healthy adult one. Check out these guides on best dog food for puppies here.

If you’d like to predict your Belgian Malinois full-grown size, make sure you check out our interactive Belgian Malinois size chart and growth calculator. With this handy tool, you can easily track your puppy’s weight from birth to adulthood. Just enter your dog’s breed, current weight in pounds, current age in weeks, and you’re ready to go! 

Belgian Malinois Size: Frequently Asked Questions

How Big Is A Full-Grown Belgian Malinois?

The average Belgian Malinois full-grown size ranges between 40 and 80 pounds in weight and their height is usually around 22 to 26 inches measured from the shoulder. Males are oftentimes slightly larger than females both in height and weight. You can typically expect a Belgian Malinois puppy to finish growing by the time they’re 18 months old. Or in some cases, by the time they’re 2 years old. 

Photo by Luzelle Cockburn on Unsplash

You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two.

A different formula you could use is:

  1. Growth = current weight / current age in weeks
  2. Adult weight = Growth x 52 (number of weeks in one year)

So, for example, if your 12-week old pup weighs 18 pounds. You simply divide the current weight by their age in weeks and multiply the result with 52:

18/ 12 = 1.5
1.5 x 52= 78 pounds

78 pounds would be the expected weight of your adult-sized Belgian Malinois.

Is A Belgian Malinois Considered A Large Breed?

The Belgian Malinois is considered a medium to large sized breed with an athletic build. Although some other breeds in the same size category could do perfectly well in a smaller home, the Belgian Malinois is a very active breed who thrives best in a spacious home with lots of opportunities to roam around and exercise. 


So, there you have it, everything about the Belgian Malinois size and growth patterns. We hope this article has been a helpful resource in understanding the size and growth of this beautiful, majestic breed. 

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