What Makes a Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix Great?
The Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix is a perfect crossbreed dog for family families. Both parent breeds have an established history of doing guarding and protective work. These traits, among many, make this designer dog a great choice.
There are several essential considerations when bringing any new crossbreed into your home. Keeping all of these issues in mind will help ensure you make the right choice. Read on to learn more about these great dogs.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix
- May inherit stubborn traits from the Malinois ancestry
- Depending on whether the Malinois or Mastiff side is dominant, maybe a considerable dog
- May drool a lot, which requires extra cleanup
Reasons Why You Should Get a Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix
- Naturally affectionate with the whole family
- Effective guard dogs who will always try to protect their families
- Healthier than many purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity
- Perfect companions for older kids
Appearance, Personality, Coat and Colors, Lifespan, and Traits of a Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix
The Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix has an appearance demonstrating its status as a natural protector. These dogs resemble larger versions of the Belgian Malinois, a famous police dog.
These dogs may diverge from their Malinois ancestors by having the flatter faces associated with Mastiffs. The build is also somewhat larger than that of a purebred Malinois.
These dogs are good-natured and affectionate towards their families, preferring to stay close to everybody. One thing that stands out about these dogs is that they tend to be somewhat wary of strangers. Socialization makes them better around visitors.
The Malinois Mastiff Mix will usually have a coat that is easy to care for. Usually, the coat is short but may have two layers. Grooming needs for these dogs are typically minimal.
Tan and fawn colors usually associated with Mastiffs are typical, although Malinois’s brown and black markings are also typical. Many of these dogs also have a black face mask specific to Mastiffs.
The lifespan of these dogs may vary. One of the traits associated with a Belgian Malinois is a longer lifespan for a large dog, with some living as long as 14 years. Mastiffs, on the other hand, rarely live far past eight or ten years.
A mix between the two breeds may have a lifespan somewhere in between. The quality of your dog’s diet and lifestyle and the presence of any health conditions may also impact how long these dogs live.
These dogs may share some unique traits from their Malinois side. One of these dogs may have ears that stand up, often providing a more alert appearance. Another trait that may come from the Malinois side is a feathery-looking tail.
Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix Puppies for Sale
The Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix is not a common breed mix to find through breeders. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in any case:
- Puppy mills are options to avoid at all costs
- Pet shops are also good to avoid
- Sometimes these dogs come about because of accidental breedings
Puppy mills involve mass-bred dogs, often in inhumane living conditions. Many puppies in these settings have health problems, possibly due to inbreeding. People who sell through puppy mills usually won’t allow buyers to visit with the puppies first.
Although crossbreeds are rare in such settings, prospective buyers will likely want to avoid getting a puppy from a pet shop. Many puppies sold in such settings come from puppy mills, increasing the risk of getting a sick puppy.
Unintended litters from dogs of the parent breeds mating occur sometimes. When such litters are unintentional, the owners of the mother dog may sell the puppies for less than what a breeder might charge.
Occasionally, dogs of this mix might be available in shelters or rescues. The pricing might vary depending on whether the dog is in a non-profit rescue or a municipal shelter.
Grooming Your Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix
A Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix will likely have more modest grooming needs than many other breeds.
In most cases, the grooming requirements are similar or identical to those of a purebred of either breed. Grooming care for these dogs consists of:
- Bathing weekly to every six weeks
- Weekly brushing using a curry brush
- Regular ear cleaning to combat infections
- Trimming the nails and hairs in between the paw pads
- Regular oral care, including tooth brushing
These dogs usually require baths a minimum of every week to every six weeks, depending on the amount of outdoor activity. The dog’s coat should be shampooed twice for complete dirt removal when bathing.
Using a slicker brush every week will help remove dead hairs. When brushing your dog after a bath, you may want to use a slicker brush to help maintain a good coat appearance.
Cleaning your dog’s ears at least monthly will help combat infection risk. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly and trimming the hairs in between the pads helps your dog maintain traction when running.
You may opt to have your vet clean your dog’s teeth or try brushing his teeth yourself. Regular dental care will help your dog retain optimal oral health.
Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix Health Problems
Like any crossbreed, the Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix may develop health problems common to either parent breed. Although being a hybrid reduces the risk of certain conditions common to purebreds, there are some conditions to consider.
Some of the conditions that these dogs may develop include:
- Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, which contributes to weight gain and hair loss, among other symptoms
- Eye conditions, including the incurable Progressive Retinal Atrophy and cataracts, which are surgically correctible
- Epilepsy, which may result in seizures or other neurological signs
- Elbow or hip dysplasia, a painful dislocation of the affected joint
- Bloat or gastric torsion, the air in the abdominal cavity that can make the stomach twist
The Belgian Malinois is usually a healthy breed. Most of these dogs come from lines bred for quality.
Mastiffs are also healthy in most cases. However, dogs that are a mixture of these breeds can develop any of the conditions previously mentioned.
Keeping your veterinarian’s recommended schedule for care is one of the best ways to catch any problems before they become too serious. An annual wellness exam is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy.
Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix Food Requirements
A Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix will have different food requirements from most other breeds you have had. There are some essential things to remember.
One of the reasons for larger kibble pieces in food for big dogs is to slow down the dog’s eating speed because of the metabolic rate. Large breeds burn fewer calories per pound because of slower metabolism. Dogs may also be less likely to bloat.
When these dogs are still growing during their first two years, puppy food for large breeds is essential to ensure a healthy growth rate. Puppies who gain too much weight while increasing might be more likely to have arthritis.
Grain-free food, while popular, has been controversial among pet owners because of possible links to dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition is a type of heart failure that might be serious.
Many pet experts recommend against using grain-free food unless recommended by a vet. Ingredients linked to heart problems you may want to avoid include:
- Potatoes
- Lentils
- Peas
- Legumes
During the puppy stage, dogs need more protein. Once fully grown, on the other hand, large dogs require a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. If a food is advertised as nutritionally balanced or complete, it’s a good choice.
Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix Exercise Requirements
The Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix may require more than 60 minutes of exercise recommended for other Mastiff mixes.
As much as 80 minutes of exercise might be for these dogs. As a crossbreed, one breed may be dominant over the other regarding exercise needs. Planning on increased exercise requirements is always a good idea.
These dogs often like to run when something catches their attention, and you don’t want your dog in the street. These dogs will enjoy the opportunity to frolic off-leash. However, any activity with the dog’s loss should be in a fenced yard.
Another way to give your dog off-leash exercise is to take him to a local dog park. Dog parks are a better choice if your dog has been trained. With a well-trained dog, you can minimize problems with other untrained dogs.
Jogging is an excellent alternative to walking to meet these dogs’ exercise needs. A strong harness or head collar will help maximize your control over the dog. You may also consider a bike attachment for your dog.
The intelligence and trainability of these dogs make them excellent obedience and agility dogs. Although you will need to take the time to train them, the rewards are worth the effort that you put in.
Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix Training
It’s important to remember that a Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix that a Malinois has many traits in common with other breeds, like Shepherds.
Early socialization affects how well these dogs adjust to new people and situations. Taking your puppy to dog-friendly public areas after being vaccinated and introducing him to different people is always helpful.
These mixed breeds learn best in situations where they can maintain their focus. Reward-based training is an excellent way to accomplish this. Incorporating playtime into training sessions is a great way for these dogs to learn commands.
Redirection is a better tool to use when your dog misbehaves instead of punishment. Showing the dog what you want him to do has a better impact. These dogs are often sensitive to harsh treatment.
Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix and Families
The Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix has many family-friendly traits, including affection and protectiveness. However, they differ from other Mastiff mixes in one way.
Malinois ancestry contributes to the dog requiring a lot of mental stimulation. Children usually get along with these dogs best because of the dog’s large size.
These dogs have several traits that make them ideal as service dogs. These do Families that are very active will provide these dogs with happy lives. gs are also good choices for adults who live alone. However, these dogs may not be good choices for elderly or disabled adults, with one exception.
Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix and Other Pets
The Belgian Malinois Mastiff Mix is not necessarily good with other pets. Although Mastiffs are generally good with other dogs, the Malinois has not been bred as a “team player.”
When your dog is a mixed breed, and one breed is accustomed to working with a handler and has minimal interaction with other animals, he may not get along with other dogs. Attempts to dominate other dogs are often typical.
Careful introductions are in order when these dogs share a home with other dogs. Your Malinois Mastiff Mix must understand that the new dog is not a threat. In most cases, the dogs will accept each other when given enough time.
Cats are another matter where this breed mix is concerned. The Malinois part of the dog’s ancestry contributes to a strong herding instinct.
Encounters with cats can become unpleasant very quickly. These dogs usually see cats as something to chase rather than something to protect. Bringing a cat into a home with one of these designer dogs may not be wise.
