The Belgian Malinois, also known as the Chien de Berger Belge, the Mechelaar, the Mechelse Herder, and the Pastor Belga Malinois, is a breed of dog in the Herding Group. The Belgian Malinois is sometimes mistaken for a German Shepherd due to its similar appearance, but the Malinois has a lighter and leaner build. The dog breed was accepted into the AKC in 1990.