Belgian Malinois [key], a breed of medium-sized working dog developed in Belgium at the turn of the 20th cent. It stands from 22 to 26 in. (55.9–66 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 50 to 60 lb (22.6–27.2 kg). The smooth, straight coat is short except for longer hair around the neck, on the back of the thighs, and on the tail. It is brindled fawn in color with a black mask. One of three closely related types of sheepherding dogs from Belgium, the Malinois is distinguished from the other two, the Belgian sheepdog and the Belgian Tervuren, by coat and color only. In addition to being used for its herding abilities, the Malinois has frequently been trained as a police dog. See dog.
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