The Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross can produce a wonderful dog, combining the best characteristics of both parents.
This hybrid will have the intelligence and many talents of the Malinois, but with a sweeter and more sociable character, inherited from the Golden Retriever.
In this article, we will explore the appearance, character, activities, training, diseases, feeding, grooming, and reasons for choosing this extraordinary crossbreed.
Appearance
Generally, these dogs tend to have a medium-large build with well-developed muscles.
This cross has a thick and shiny coat, usually in brown, fawn, or black, but they can also have a combination of these colors.
They also have erect ears, dark eyes, and an elongated muzzle, and an athletic structure with long and strong limbs.
Sizes
Height: 51-66 cm
Weight: 25-40 kg
Character
The Golden Retriever is known for being a sociable and friendly dog, while the Belgian Malinois is a highly intelligent and loyal working dog.
As a result, the Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross is generally a dog that loves to be involved in activities and adapts well to an active family.
They can be used as working dogs, for example in a search and rescue unit, as guide dogs, as companion dogs, or as guard dogs.
In general, the Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois cross produces very active, energetic, and playful dogs.
They are also very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, although they tend to have a single human reference.
However, they might not be suitable for those looking for a docile and calm dog, as they require a certain amount of physical and mental exercise to avoid unwanted behaviors.
Ideally, they should be given professional training, and if you have the time and resources necessary to take care of this dog, you can obtain a faithful four-legged friend with great courage and immense loyalty.
Activities
The Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross is an energetic combination and requires adequate physical activity to maintain mental and physical well-being.
They love long walks, outdoor activities, and interactive games. They are particularly suited to sports like agility, tracking, and obedience.
And thanks to their athletic structure, they can really excel in more complicated activities, as they run fast and jump long distances.
Training
Being extremely intelligent and eager to learn, the Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross responds positively to training.
They have a great capacity for concentration and are ready to face mental challenges and special training.
With positive and consistent training methods, they can achieve remarkable levels of obedience and trainability.
The Malinois is one of the preferred breeds among dogs working in the military or special teams.
The Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross also have the great talent of the Golden in swimming and will surely be a dog with great talents.
But professional training is recommended, which the owner must also follow, to ensure complete control over the dog.
However, you can start with basic commands, which will allow you to manage the dog well from a puppy:
Diseases
The cross between the Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever can inherit some genetic diseases common to both breeds, including:
Hip Dysplasia: a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing pain and difficulty in movement.
Elbow Dysplasia: a malformation of the elbow joints that can cause lameness and pain.
Eye Problems: both breeds may be predisposed to eye diseases such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and retinal degeneration.
Heart Problems: some heart diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis may be present.
Hypothyroidism: a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that can cause metabolic issues, fatigue, and weight gain.
It's important to conduct regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health and adopt proper health management.
Always consult a veterinarian for an individual assessment of your dog and for specific advice on disease prevention and management.
Feeding
A balanced diet suitable for the nutritional needs of your Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross is essential to keep them healthy.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the quantity and type of food best suited to meet their specific needs.
But know that these dogs are very active and need to be fed high-quality animal proteins in the right quantities.
Both breeds tend to have joint and mobility issues in old age, and quantities should be controlled to avoid weight gain.
To understand how to feed your dog in the right amount, read here!
Grooming
Grooming the Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross requires regular attention.
Their coat can vary, but usually, it's thick and requires frequent brushing to remove dead hair and prevent tangles.
Grooming should also include ear cleaning and nail checks.
Moreover, this dog might need a couple of stripping sessions a year to avoid excessive accumulation of dead hair in the coat.
If you want to know how to groom the dog at home, perhaps we can help: here's a practical guide that will explain the basics in a few simple steps:
Dog Grooming: how to do it like true professionals!
Why Choose It
The Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross is ideal for those looking for an intelligent, protective, and affectionate dog.
The combination of these two breeds offers a unique mix of characteristics that make them great family companions and potential working dogs.
With the right training and socialization, they can excel in various activities such as obedience, tracking, and protection.
In Conclusion…
The cross between the Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever is a fascinating combination of appearance and character.
These hybrids are energetic, intelligent, and affectionate dogs, but require proper health management, training, and attention to their overall health.
And this point cannot be overlooked: the strong protective and defensive instinct of the Malinois, if inherited, could make the dog rather wary of strangers, and consequently, it will be necessary to maintain control in any situation.
If you are ready for a loyal and versatile companion, the Belgian Malinois and Golden Retriever cross might be the perfect choice for you.
Want to know about other Golden Retriever crosses?
Try these:
Rottweiler and Golden Retriever cross
Golden Retriever and Pitbull cross
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and Golden Retriever cross
German Shepherd and Golden Retriever cross
But we have many others! You can find them all on Khani.co.uk!
Disclaimer
These dogs are crossbreeds without recognized breed standards, and therefore physical and character traits can vary significantly from one specimen to another. The images in this article represent only one of the infinite possibilities that can originate from this cross, and are therefore not indicative of the future appearance of the puppy.
