Towards the end of the 19th Century, there were many varieties of sheep-herding dogs that existed on the European continent. While many of these dogs shared similar working abilities, type was quite varied. Fanciers, fearing extinction of many of the breeds, gathered to decide on a set of standards that would be the Belgian Shepherd Dog. While there was little confusion surrounding the structure and abilities of the dog, there was no common ground on what the coat type or colour should be. Therefore, four distinct varieties of the one breed emerged, based on coat-type. They were the Groenendael (known in America as the Belgian Sheepdog), the Teuverian, the Malinois, and the Laekenois (not recognised by the AKC); these varieties were named after the area in which they were most favoured. These energetic, smart dogs fit well into family and need plenty of outdoor activity, and excel in obedience if given the opportunity.

Appearance
Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Malinois is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family. The Belgian Malinois is recognized by its short brown and yellow coat and its black ears, cheeks, and muzzle.

Character
The Belgian Shepherd Dog was developed in Belgium as a herding dog to work sheep. He is enthusiastic and remarkably quick. The Belgian Malinois shows a natural tendency to be in motion. The Belgian was developed for endurance. He must be able to move and tend the flock all day and to guard it from all invaders. In addition to his inborn ability as guardian of the flocks, the Belgian Malinois is an exceptional watchdog and a tenacious and brave defender of his master and family. He is vigilant, and highly responsive to his owner's direction. The Belgian Malinois is alert, intelligent and inquisitive. While he is firmly loyal to those he knows and loves, he typically exhibits reserve with strangers.
 

Temperament
The Belgian Malinois exhibit the qualities inherent to true working dogs: alertness, protectiveness, confidence, extreme intelligence, and affection. This breed excels in obedience and makes a devoted family pet.

Exercise/Training
The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise and training. Its needs cannot be met with a leisurely walk on leash. The Belgian Malinois instead needs a good jog or a vigorous play session, but that alone is not enough for the Belgian Malinois. It must be physically trained daily.   

Color
Due to their history as a working dog (i.e. being bred for function over form) Belgian Malinois can vary greatly in appearance. Most Belgian Malinois with a fawn coat will have white patches on the paws and chest. Darker Malinois do not generally share this trait. The acceptable colors of pure-bred Belgian Malinois are a base color of grey to fawn to mahogany with a black mask and ears, and with some degree of black tipping on the hairs, giving an overlay appearance. The color tends to be lighter with less black agouti or overlay on the Belgian Malinoi's underside, breeching, and inside the legs.

Grooming
The coat of the Belgian Malinois needs weekly brushing, more when shedding. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Malinois shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Belgian Malinois as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Malinois should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.