Belgian Malinois Price: A Complete Guide (with Calculator) - PetBudget (2024)

A Belgian Malinois comes with several expenses that a future owner will want to budget. This includes vet fees, training costs, food-related expenses, supplies, grooming and much more. To help with financial planning as a family welcomes a Malinois into their home, we have designed a detailed cost calculator.

A Belgian Malinois puppy is likely to cost between $595-$2,000 with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $4,125 and will be about $1,695/year (or $141/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Belgian Malinois is $27,855.

These figures account for essential expenses, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming costs, license, microchip, and the like. Additionally, optional costs like insurance or dog walking services are not included. If you spay/neuter your dog, enroll in a pet insurance plan, use a boarding facility for one week every year and require a dog walker for 50 weeks of the year, the total cost of ownership is likely to rise to the $76,845 to $161,635 range.

The higher end of the price range is applicable for better quality products and services, particularly if you are living in expensive areas, with the lower end of the spectrum indicating prices in less expensive areas.

Below, we delve into these different costs, offer professional opinions from a dog trainer, a veterinarian, a certified groomer as well as a dog walker and share tips on saving as you raise your Belgian Malinois. At the bottom, you will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your unique situation and requirements to generate a much more accurate, personalized estimate of the cost of owning and raising a Belgian Malinois.

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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

How much are Belgian Malinois puppies?

After reviewing over 170 ads across numerous sources that include the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, our team found the cost of a Belgian Malinois to range from $595 to $2,000, with over 80% of the puppies under 6 month of age for sale falling within this range. This puts the average cost at $1,000, with the higher end of the spectrum being $3,500 for purebreds from reputable breeders.

Adoption, on the other hand, is a much less expensive ordeal, with rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500. If you are actively looking to raise a Belgian Malinois we strongly recommend doing some research and finding the most reputable vendors and/or shelters possible. This will make a big difference in terms of your dog’s health and wellbeing.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A MALINOIS PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 26 best places to find your perfect pet.

This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.

“When purchasing a Belgian Malinois from a breeder, it would be ideal that the breeder has tested the breeding dogs for the following: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

The cost of supplies when welcoming a Belgian Malinois

As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Belgian Malinois easier. This includes items like bowls, collars, toys, beds, shampoo, sanitary equipment to name just a few. Based on prices of over 250 Walmart, Amazon and PetSmart best sellers, essential supplies add up to anywhere between $215-$855 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location.

As your Belgian Malinois grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $95 to $385, with an average of $215. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush).

Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses and other cosmetic or maintenance items. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances.

Looking to save on pet supplies? Check second-hand stores and websites to find great deals.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Training a Belgian Malinois

According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., Belgian Malinois are “extremely intelligent and energetic dogs”. As a result, professional training is strongly recommended. Private lessons will help with crate training and positive leadership and will also be a good opportunity to troubleshoot any training issue that the Malinois can exhibit. Additionally, group classes for basic obedience and leadership purposes are also necessary.

You will be looking at anywhere between $900-$1,200 for 7-9 private lessons and $150-$200 for 5 group lessons, depending on your locality.

Reading a dog training book and educating yourself on dog behaviors and psychology before welcoming the pet will also ease up the process.

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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

“Malinois are good for adults with active lifestyles. They are smart and bond to one person quickly. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation.”

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist

The medical costs for a Belgian Malinois

Experts like licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, agree that dog owners should account for medical expenses in their pet budget. On average, a Malinois owner can expect first-year medical expenses to be around $615. Additionally, spay/neuter and possibly, a gastropexy procedure might be considered. These cost $50-$450 and $200-$400, respectively.

For each subsequent year, expect to spend about $655 to cover trips to the vet, as well as some of the additional medication that may be required, such as heartworm or flea prevention.

Vet cost for a Malinois puppy during the first year

Dr Brooks recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet over the course of the puppy’s first year under your care, with the first session at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and takes care of the puppy’s overall health (physical exams, essential vaccines, fecal examination, flea, and heartworm prevention).

Additionally, she also suggests pursuing heartworm (to prevent development of heartworm disease, especially in the Southeast US where this disease is rampant) and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year, which are likely to cost $60-$120 and $70-$125 for a puppy.

Moreover, your dog may require vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often. ($15-$25 but is sometimes already included with essential vaccines). Influenza medication is required if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for two doses). Finally, Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when hiking, camping or being in the woods or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses).

As the Belgian Malinois begins to grow older, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered, with the price being $150-$450 depending on the clinics in your locality (some charge as low as $50-$100 for the procedure). Generally, spays (female) are slightly more expensive.

Dr Brooks would also recommend a gastropexy procedure for large, deep-chested dogs such as Belgian Malinois. It usually costs $200-$400 and should be performed at the time of their spay or neuter. Gastropexy reduces the risks of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) later in life. GDV is life-threatening and must be corrected with surgery.

Malinois veterinary expenses for subsequent years

Each year after the first one requires one annual trip to the veterinarian. They usually range from $125-$265 at Leslie Brooks’ clinic and include a physical exam, vaccinations, and heartworm test. Blood work could be recommended for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any hidden medical condition and make sure nothing is wrong with the Belgian Malinois.

Dr Brooks also recommends continuing heartworm and flea prevention medicine, which usually fall in the $80-$200/year and $175-$300/year respectively for a dog of this size.

Booster shots for optional vaccines (Lyme, Influenza, Leptospirosis) could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. Finally, fecal examinations may be required in some cases, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost.

Some known Belgian Malinois potential health issues

The table below sums up some conditions that may affect a Belgian Malinois during its life as well as an estimate of the costs to treat them. The information was provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM.

This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment including pain management and physical therapy is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip. Hip dysplasia can affect dogs as young as 1 year of age.

Cancer: This really depends on the type of cancer and whether aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments are pursued, or it is decided to just keep the pet comfortable with medications.

Lumbosacral Instability & Degenerative Disc Disease: The lower end of the price range is if the owner elects conservative treatment of pain medication, physical therapy, and/or a dog wheelchair. The high end on the other hand is applicable if surgical correction is pursued.

“Belgian Malinois dogs are at risk of bone and joint abnormalities as they grow and in their old age so it’s best to be aware of this and budget for medications and physical therapy in case that is needed at some point throughout their life.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

Pet insurance price

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report states that the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage is $565 per year for a dog, while accident only plans cost $190. Getting a pet insurance is totally up to the dog owner and can help mitigate the financial risk coming with unplanned medical expenses. Contact pet insurance companies to know more about the coverage and prices.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursem*nts percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

The cost to feed a Belgian Malinois?

Belgian Malinois are big dogs, with large ones growing over the average of 60 lb. (usually 40 to 80 lb.). As a result, puppies tend to consume 190 lb. of dry food on average during their first year. This puts food expenses in the $155-$310 range. Adults typically eat more, close to 280 lb. a year, and therefore will require $140-$450 worth of food every year.

This is based on the recommendations and costs of four popular brands: Purina, Purina One, Blue Buffalo and Pedigree.

You may also want to have some additional treats on hand to help with obedience training or simply please your dog. This can add $125-$715 to your food-related expenses based on prices seen on Amazon, PetSmart, and Walmart.

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

Keep in mind that prices are largely related to the quality of food and treats you buy – if you opt for premium grade products, your expenses are bound to be higher by quite a considerable margin.

Four dog food brands compared

A Belgian Malinois puppy can be expected to eat around 190 lb. of dry food during its first year.

An adult will need close to 280 lb. of food depending on its actual weight, age, and level of activity.

Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. This means that bulk purchases are a viable option and will give you the best bang for buck on the market. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your Belgian Malinois after consulting with your vet to decide which type of dog food would best suit your dog.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Belgian Malinois Grooming

Typically, Belgian Malinois do not require a ton of upkeep and could be groomed at home by their owner according to our dog groomer, Corryne Smith.

Otherwise, she suggests taking the dog to a professional up to 6 times a year, with prices ranging from $45 to $70 for each visit. Taking the dog to a professional groomer is the owner’s decision but will benefit the dog’s health and well-being even for low-maintenance breeds.

Professional dog grooming usually includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling, nail trimming, teeth brushing and eye and ear cleaning. Prices will vary depending on multiple factors, such as dog size, coat condition, health and age, dog behavior and the services requested.

A home grooming kit can be found for $75 on average on Amazon or at Walmart and PetSmart for example.

Additional costs to consider

License

Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on location. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier.

Microchip

Microchips create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50.

Dog walking

Belgian Malinois are energetic dogs and need an outlet to tire themselves out and keep them from becoming frustrated or bored. Dog walkers like Tamaria Reddick would recommend hiring a professional to take the dog out at least once a day if owners do not have the time to dedicate themselves.

Thankfully, finding a good dog walker is easy thanks to apps like Rover and Wag. Expect to be charged $15-$25 for 30-minute group walks and $20-$50 for 1-hour ones. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.

Traveling

In the case of extended travel plans, dog boarding services are available, provided you plan. They usually cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to increase your chance to find availability and get better rates.

If you are on a tight budget, checking with friends or family members to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as bills can add up very quickly.

Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables.

Yearly and monthly cost for a Belgian Malinois

The cost of a Malinois puppy during the first year

On average, using the metrics explained above, we have estimated that the cost of raising a Belgian Malinois puppy for the first year falls in the $2,570 to $6,600 range, with an average cost of $4,125. Most of these expenses will have to be accounted for before welcoming the dog or early during the year.

Some owners will also want to consider the other costs introduced below.

If you choose to spay/neuter your Malinois, buy insurance, board your dog for a week and hire a dog walker every weekday for 42 weeks, your expenses go up quite significantly, rising in the $6,495 to $14,075 range.

Yearly and monthly cost for an adult Belgian Malinois

After the first year, costs of raising a dog do go down. The yearly cost for maintaining a Belgian Malinois falling within the $750-$2,915 mark ($63-$243 monthly).

Once again, if you choose to hire a dog walker 50 weeks during the year and board your dog for another week, your costs are likely to grow significantly. If you add insurance, the cost for each subsequent year ends up being in the $5,025-$10,540 range.

Total cost of ownership of a Belgian Malinois

On average, Belgian Malinois live close to 15 years (usually 14 to 16 years). This puts total expenses, using the figures outlined above, between $13,070 and $47,410, with an average cost of $27,855 through the course of the dog’s lifetime.

With optional services and procedures mentioned earlier the average total cost of ownership could rise as high as $115,280 over 15 years.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget Belgian Malinois cost calculator

The cost of a Belgian Malinois – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a Belgian Malinois puppy?

On average a Belgian Malinois puppy will cost $1,000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $595 and $2,000. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $215 and $855 in supplies when welcoming a large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a Belgian Malinois need training and how much will it cost?

Having a Belgian Malinois professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $1,050 to $1,400. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, crate training, and positive leadership.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Belgian Malinois?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $830 for a Belgian Malinois puppy during the first year and around $380 to $925 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively).

5 – How much food does a Belgian Malinois eat and how much will it cost?

A Belgian Malinois puppy will eat around 190 lb. and an adult close to 280 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $155 and $445 for a puppy and $140 to $555 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a Belgian Malinois be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

Grooming a Belgian Malinois is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $45 to $70 depending on the dog and services needed.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Belgian Malinois, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Belgian Malinois. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.

Related Topics

• Belgian Malinois
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