Grooming the Belgian Malinois
Grooming the Belgian Malinois
COAT
The Belgian Malinois has a comparatively short, straight coat that is hard enough to be weather resistant, supported by a dense undercoat. The coat is very short on the head, ears, and lower legs. Hair is slightly longer around the neck, forming a subtle collarette, and on the tail and backs of the thighs. The coat should conform closely to the body, never standing out or hanging down. This is a functional working coat designed for endurance, protection, and efficiency rather than ornamentation.
CHARACTER
Correct temperament is essential to the working character of the Belgian Malinois. The breed is confident and alert, exhibiting neither shyness nor unwarranted aggression in new situations. While often reserved with strangers, the Malinois is deeply loyal and affectionate with its people. Naturally protective without being overly aggressive, the Malinois possesses a strong desire to work and is quick, responsive, and highly driven when given direction.
RECOMMENDED CINDRA GROOMING PRODUCTS:
| Problem | Solution |
| Detangling / Dematting | Apply full strength Moisture Plus liberally to the mat. Wait 15 minutes. Pull mat gently apart with fingers or comb. |
| Dry, damaged coat | Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally. Wrap in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes. Shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse thoroughly. |
| Increase undercoat | Line brush daily with Maxicare as soon as the dog is finished shedding. |
| Showing on a hot, dry day | Use Maxicare as your only coat dressing. |
| Showing without full undercoat | Texturizing Mist (diluted 50:50 with water) while line brushing will hold coat up long enough for judging. |
| Extra volume | Super Coat (diluted 50:50 with water) while line brushing. If very humid, substitute Texturizing Mist . |
| Shedding around the house | Spray with Maxicare and brush daily, reaching down to the skin. Nothing will prevent shedding completely—this is a normal and necessary process for double-coated breeds. |
How to Groom the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a high-drive working dog with a coat built for function, not decoration. Grooming should support skin health, manage shedding, and preserve the coat’s tight, efficient structure. Over-conditioning, heavy products, or excessive trimming work against the breed’s natural coat type.
Brushing and Coat Maintenance
Despite its short coat, the Belgian Malinois sheds consistently and experiences seasonal coat blows. Regular brushing removes loose undercoat, stimulates the skin, and reduces shedding in the home.
- Brush 2–3 times per week during maintenance periods
- Brush daily during seasonal shedding cycles
Use a rubber curry or slicker brush for surface coat, followed by a fine-tooth shedding tool or undercoat rake as needed. Lightly mist with Maxicare to improve brush glide and prevent coat breakage.
Bathing the Belgian Malinois
Malinois do not require frequent bathing unless actively working, training outdoors, or exposed to heavy dirt. Most dogs do well with bathing every 4–6 weeks, more often during shedding seasons.
Use Cindra Texturizing Shampoo to cleanse without softening the coat excessively. Follow with conditioner only when the coat feels dry or stressed.
Drying and Skin Health
Allowing moisture to remain trapped in the undercoat can lead to odor, irritation, and tight shedding. Towel dry thoroughly, then air dry or use a low, controlled dryer if available. Avoid high heat.
Trimming and What to Avoid
The Belgian Malinois should not be shaved. Shaving does not reduce shedding and can permanently disrupt coat regrowth and thermal regulation. Trimming is limited to nails, feet tidying if needed, and general cleanliness.
The Cindra Touch
At Cindra Grooming Products, we formulate our USA-made grooming line to support working breeds like the Belgian Malinois—dogs whose coats must perform under pressure. With proper brushing, smart bathing, and coat-safe conditioning, your Malinois can maintain a healthy, resilient coat year-round without compromising function.
For more information on the breed, check out our Belgian Malinois Breed Information
And our Blog : Do Malinois Shed?