No mixed breed has a standard appearance, but the German Malinois dog breed has a bigger chance of looking like a combination of both parents.

Since the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois are from a similar location and gene pool, this mix will resemble all Shepherds.

The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix has a wedge-shaped head that comes to a pointed snout.

Their eyes are almond-shaped and medium-sized and are either dark brown or auburn. Ears are medium to large-sized, pointed, and in proportion to the skull.

A German Malinois neck will be thick and muscular, long and clean-cut, and usually in proportion to the head. Withers in the topline is typically higher at the shoulders and start to slope downwards towards the back.

The degree of the slope depends on which parent the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix takes after.

Dogs that take after the German Shepherd parent won’t have a straight back, and the legs will bow to compensate. Malinois pups will have a straighter back and long legs.

A Shepinois will have a long straight tail, but it could either come at the hocks or drag on the ground. Their whole body is muscular and large, including in the forequarters and hindquarters.

This breed will likely have dewclaws, which is a 6th toe useful for running and climbing.

Both the Malinois and GSD are medium to large dog breeds, so their crossbreed is within that range, as well.

This mix has a height of 20 to 26 inches (51 to 66 cm) and a weight of 65 to 85 pounds (30 to 39 kg), with females being a bit smaller than males.

A German Shepherd-Malinois puppy will stop growing and is considered full-grown once it reaches maturity, which is between 16 and 22 months of age.

So, is this a good apartment dog? No, it’s not. Shepanois dogs will not thrive with apartment-living given their size and energy level that they inherited from parents with working backgrounds.

The German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois are recognizable for their intelligence and working dog capabilities.

The high-quality breed standards for both parents means it’s likely your Malinois X pup will inherit confidence, alertness, and high energy.

Female Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mixes are usually friendlier and sweeter, whereas males are more territorial and often urinate to mark their territory.

They are also prouder. Males are more likely to be aggressive and stubborn but make for better workers.

The Malinois X can be a great family pet with early socialization, but due to their watchdog and guard dog intuition and strong prey drive, they are more fit for life on the field than companionship. This doesn’t mean it isn’t possible or probable to find a friendly dog.

It’s recommended to give this breed plenty of mental stimulation with exercise.

The Malinois X loves to run, jump, swim, jog, chase, and walk with their owners, but they prefer to have a job to do rather than indulge in playtime. They are great swimmers and enjoy hiking.

While any dog can be aggressive with the wrong owner, the German Shepherd is more likely to have behavioral issues.

Therefore, the Malinois X can be a dangerous breed without proper training and socialization.

A Shepinois is less likely to be friendly to strangers, other dogs, cats, or five-year-olds. Their high prey drive makes them want to seek out and hunt other animals, which means they are more likely to bark and bite your neighbors.

As mentioned, none of this guarantees that your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mixed dog will become dangerous.

Both parent breeds can be family dog but are more likely to attach themselves to their family. Separation anxiety could develop if you’re not careful.

As a significant positive, the Malinois X has a high trainability and will be able to unlearn bad habits.

First-time dog owners may have difficulty reining them in due to their stubbornness, especially since this breed is more likely to respond to a strict and diligent leader.

The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix has a medium-maintenance double coat and a lot of energy to go around.

Overall, you need to have a lot of free time to give this breed the love and attention they need to stay happy and healthy.

The Malinois X has a high tolerance in cold and hot weather, so you won’t need to shave or trim their coat drastically between seasons.

Shepinois dogs have extremely high energy levels that they require 45 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily.

You can divide this throughout the day by doing different activities because there’s a lot to choose from. Keep your doggo entertained and take her hunting, hiking, running, or make her catch flying discs.

It shouldn’t be limited to physical stimulation, though. Smart breeds who are used to doing different canine jobs will also need to stay sharp, so you have to keep your pet challenged mentally, as well.

After a trip to the dog park and a walk or jog through the neighborhood, you can let your German Malinois cool down and relax while playing some puzzles or interactive toys.

Do you want to hit two birds with one stone? Get your fur buddy join obedience or agility trials.

Watch how this video of this Shepinois named Stella have fun being on the move while bonding with her owner: 

If you’re wondering whether Malinois Shepherds are hypoallergenic, they’re not. They can be considered as moderate shedders all-year-round, but they shed heavily when the seasons are changing.

Reduce the amount of dog hair from your clothes and furniture by brushing your German Shepherd & Malinois cross with a firm bristle brush two to three times a week.

If your Malinois X has a GSD parent with a long coat and inherited it, you should brush daily.

You can expect minimal drooling and odor, which means bathing should only be done when necessary.

Don’t forget other grooming routines like checking and cleaning her ears once a week, brushing her teeth at least three times weekly, and trimming those toenails as needed, especially if your canine friend is not wearing them down naturally.

As a confident dog, the Shepinois will love the thrill of every single workday. After all, they’re one of the finest all-purpose working breeds around. With their large build and affectionate nature – it just makes sense.

They do require plenty of exercise, and training is a crucial part of owning this crossbreed. Not only will you have to worry about destructive behavior, but aggression will be your problem.

With that said, first-time dog owners should steer clear of the Malinois X. They require an experienced handler who can be their alpha and have their stubbornness in check.