Belgian Malinois is an athletic dog that was bred for herding livestock. The breed is quick, nimble, and intelligent, making them versatile dogs suitable for canine sports and all sorts of adventures. But how fast can a Belgian Malinois run?
What’s the running speed of the Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Malinois can run with speeds of up to 31 miles per hour (50 kmh), making them one of the fastest dogs in the world. In fact, the fastest Belgian Malinois recorded in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Coursing Ability Test has a running speed of 31.48 mph. It’s a 100-yard dash where dogs chase after a lure.
While this is quite fast, it doesn’t account for the ability to maintain that speed over long distances. But still, it’s half the speed of the cheetah and comparable to the sprinting speed of the fastest Olympic athlete.
This running speed also makes the Belgian Malinois a great choice for both law enforcement and military personnel.
Can Belgian Malinois run long distances?
Belgian Malinois are bred for both work and companionship, but do Belgian Malinois have the endurance to run long distances?
The quick answer is yes, they have the ability to run for long distances between 3-5 miles. This makes them great running partners in any kind of terrain and in any weather condition.
However, you shouldn’t let your Belgian Malinois run that long at top speed. You can ease them into running long distances by starting at a normal speed. Also, you have to keep them hydrated when going for long runs.
Belgian Malinois can be trained to develop their endurance and grow some muscles so they don’t get injured for long runs. Their age and health condition must also be put into consideration before letting them go for long-distance running.
How much exercise does a Belgian Malinois need?
Being a large and energetic dog, the Belgian need a great deal of activity to keep them happy and healthy. They require at least 60 minutes of exercise per day to maintain their physical and mental health.
One way to provide this is by taking them on long walks or runs each day. If you cannot commit to exercising the dog even once a day, two to three times a week can be effective as well.
For Belgian Malinois that live in an apartment or small home, daily walks and playtime with a human is a good idea to keep their energy levels up.
How do I keep my Belgian Malinois happy?
Belgian Malinois are typically very energetic, playful, and loyal dogs. As a Belgian Malinois owner, it is important to understand their needs in order to keep them happy. Owners should make sure to provide their dog with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and affection.
Lots of people enjoy taking their Belgian Malinois on walks, playing fetch with them, or giving them vigorous petting sessions. However, it’s important to remember that these are just some of the things that Belgian Malinois enjoy—not all of them. Be sure to give your dog plenty of time to stretch out and sleep as well, so they don’t become restless and bored.
Is the Belgian Malinois Hard to Train?
The Belgian Malinois is a dog that many people find difficult to train. Known for their intelligence and high energy, these dogs can be tricky to handle and teach because of their need for constant stimulation. They can be stubborn and hard-headed, which can make training even more difficult for the owner.
One way around this is to take them on long walks or runs before training them for a short period of time as this tires them out and makes them more pliable for training.
Keep in mind that the Belgian Malinois has a high prey drive, so it’s in their nature to chase after moving objects. This can lead to chasing vehicles, children and other dogs. So they need to be addressed to proper training and early socialization.
Success in training relies on having a strong pack leader who has the time and patience to provide training, exercise, and discipline. Without this leader, the Malinois can become bored, tired, and destructive.