Belgian Malinois – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

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. Quick Links 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. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostBelgian Malinois$595 - $2,000$1,000 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. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$250 - $80051$501 - $1,35079$1,351 - $1,90021$1,901 - $2,45017$2,451 - $3,0007$3,000 - $3,5001Total176 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 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. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$10 - $40$20Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $10 - $30 $15ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $50 - $155 $90First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 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). Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$215 - $855$450Subsequent Years$95 - $385$215 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. 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. Training CostRangeAverage CostBelgian Malinois$1,050 - $1,400$1,225 Reading a dog training book and educating yourself on dog behaviors and psychology before welcoming the pet will also ease up the process. "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. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$395 - $830$615Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $450$250Gastropexy (optional)$200 - $400$300Adult Year Vet Cost$380 - $925$655 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. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateHip DysplasiaMedium$500 - $13,000CancerMedium$500 - $10,000Lumbosacral Instability & Degenerative Disc DiseaseMedium$500 - $3,500Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)High$1,500 - $3,000 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. 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. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$155 - $310$225Adult Dog$140 - $450$255 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. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$125 - $715$345 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. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.6$27.78 (Walmart)$166.68Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.12$21.98 (Walmart)$263.76Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.7$44.08 (Amazon)$308.56 An adult will need close to 280 lb. of food depending on its actual weight, age, and level of activity. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.6$22.98 (Walmart)$137.88Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.7$40.36 (Walmart)$282.52Pedigree - Adult50 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.10$44.98 (Amazon)$449.80 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 Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceLarge Puppy35 lb.6$73.99 (PetSmart)$443.94Large Adult35 lb.8$68.99 (PetSmart)$551.92 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. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostBelgian Malinois$0 - $420$210 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 Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 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. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$595 - $2,000$1,000Supplies$215 - $855$450Training$1,050 - $1,400$1,225Medical$395 - $830$615Food & Treats$280 - $1,025$570Grooming$0 - $420$210License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$2,570 - $6,600$4,125 Some owners will also want to consider the other costs introduced below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $450$250Gastropexy$200 - $400$300Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 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. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$3,170 - $8,230$5,240With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,495 - $14,075$9,720 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). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$95 - $385$215Medical$380 - $925$655Food & Treats$265 - $1,165$600Grooming$0 - $420$210License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$750 - $2,915$1,695Estimated Monthly Cost$63 - $243$141 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. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,100 - $3,695$2,260With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,025 - $10,540$7,540 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. Total Cost of Ownership (15 years)RangeAverage CostBelgian Malinois$13,070 - $47,410$27,855 With optional services and procedures mentioned earlier the average total cost of ownership could rise as high as $115,280 over 15 years. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (15 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$18,570 - $59,960$36,880With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$76,845 - $161,635$115,280 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Belgian Malinois cost calculator https://youtu.be/UhAlzTnBBck 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. 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 BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.