Travelling Internationally with a Belgian Malinois: What Airlines and Countries Allow
Belgian Malinois are increasingly popular as working dogs and family companions. Intelligent, athletic and loyal, they are also a breed that attracts attention at borders – and in some countries, specific legal requirements. If you are relocating internationally with a Malinois, this guide covers the key considerations.
Breed Status: Is the Belgian Malinois Restricted?
Unlike pit bull-type dogs or American Staffordshire Terriers, the Belgian Malinois is not on the restricted breed lists of most major destination countries. Specifically:
- UK: Not listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
- EU countries: Not listed under any harmonised EU restriction; individual EU countries may have local rules (Germany, for example, classifies certain breeds but Malinois are not typically listed)
- USA: No federal breed restriction; some individual municipalities have BSL (breed-specific legislation) that may apply
- Australia: Not listed as a restricted breed at the federal level, though some Australian states require specific handling requirements for dogs imported under commercial or working dog categories
- Canada: No federal restriction; some provinces or cities have local bylaws – Toronto notably had a Pit Bull ban but Malinois are not typically included
Always verify the current position in the specific city or municipality you are moving to, not just the country level.
Working Dog Import Requirements
Some Belgian Malinois owners are relocating with dogs that have been trained as working dogs – in police, military, security or competitive sport roles. Several countries impose additional requirements on imported working dogs, including:
- Evidence of training certifications
- Specific microchipping and pedigree documentation
- Health screening for working dog fitness
- In some cases, prior approval from a government ministry before a trained working dog is permitted to enter
If your Malinois is a trained working dog (IPO/Schutzhund titles, police certification, etc.), investigate the specific import rules for working dogs in your destination country separately from standard pet import rules.
Size and Airline Policies
Adult Belgian Malinois typically weigh 25 to 30 kg and stand 56 to 66 cm at the shoulder. This is solidly in the cargo hold category for international flights.
Because the breed is athletic and strong, the crate you choose must be especially robust. IATA-compliant hard-shell plastic crates of the appropriate size (typically a Kennel 500 or 700) are required. Ensure the door latches are secure and the ventilation meets IATA requirements on all sides.
Temperament and Pre-Flight Preparation
Malinois are high-drive dogs that thrive on mental stimulation. A long flight in a cargo hold is an inherently low-stimulation environment. Ensure your dog is well-exercised before check-in (several hours before departure), and crate-trained well in advance. A dog that is comfortable resting in its crate for extended periods will handle cargo travel far better than one that is crate-naive.
Do not feed within 6 hours of the flight, but ensure water is available through a spill-proof bowl or bottle attached to the crate door.
Documentation
The health and import documentation for a Belgian Malinois follows the same process as for any other dog. You will need a microchip, current vaccinations, health certificate, and (for many destinations) a rabies titre test if travelling to rabies-free or high-protection countries.
See pet documentation checklist for a country-by-country breakdown.