The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent breed that is extremely loyal & devoted to their family. 

The Malinois does best with a family who has the time to give them regular exercise, regular mental stimulation, and space to really stretch their legs (run) at least once a day. They do not do well locked up all the time. They like to be with their people and doing something. They are very intelligent and get bored easily. They are extremely loyal and need socialized, you don't want their protective instinct to become aggression from a lack of exposure. They are not recommended for first time dog owners, or with homes with small animals because they have such a high prey drive. 

Malinois have a strong desire to work, will do anything you ask of them, and trainability is high. A danger of owning a malinios is that they could be injured, and you would never know. They are popular with the military and police force because of their focus, agility, speed, and overall personality. They aim to please, and they excel at everything. Protection work, scent work, herding, agility and obedience competitions, just to name a few. They are an extreme breed that require entertainment. They do best when given a job to do.

The Malinois is 1 of 4 types of the Belgian Sheepdog. Originally bred for herding, the Malinois was developed late 1800s in Malines, Belgium. They have a trade mark black mask, and come in a variety of colors ranging from rich fawn to mahogany. Some other colors such as black, are not recognized by the AKC. 
Females are 22-24" and 40-60lbs. Males are 24-26" and 60-80lbs. With a life expectancy of 12-15yrs. 

When not given proper training and attention (entertainment, exercise, mental stimulation), destruction of your property - digging, chewing up things in yard, escaping your yard, etc., and destruction of your home - tearing apart furniture, ripping up carpet, chewing on kids' toys, your shoes, your table and chair legs, etc., are common. 

This breed is BRED TO BITE. You don't get this dog then take it to a dog trainer and ask them to make it stop biting. I repeat, BRED TO BITE. Do I really need to say it again for the back row? BRED TO BITE. They need toys of their own to destroy, training, a job, mental and physical exercise. Someone who will love them just as much as they will love you. They are a physical breed, love intensely, and they play hard.