Belgian Malinois have a short, waterproof coat, making them easy to care for. In general, little more thanbasic groomingis necessary. Official Standard of the Belgian Malinois General Appearance: The Belgian Malinois is a well-balanced square dog, elegant in appearance with an exceedingly proud carriage of head and neck. Add some food to your Mals diet that increases the amount of calcium it gets such as a tablespoon of plain yogurt or no-fat cottage cheese. But, in general, Belgian Malinois tend to have a slightly higher energy level than German Shepherds. When she's not taking care of her puppies she enjoys playing, running, snuggling, socializing, and walking. The breed's coat is short and hard with a thick undercoat. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training. The Belgian Malinois is an enthusiastic and quick dog with a natural tendency to be in motion. These strips are really light in weight, a great thing that can secure your Mals ear in place without weighing them down. But its popularity rose again in the 1960s. Ultimately, they want nothing more than to spend as much time with you as possible. It is very important that they have sufficient calcium in their diet since enough calcium will help the ears develop properly. The Malinois, or Belgian Malinois, is one of four Belgian sheepdogs that originated in the North of Belgium in the 1800s. There are a few different reasons why your full-grown Malmay have floppy ears. This dog is demanding and needs an experienced owner. His ears as well. link to Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? Improper nutrition or insufficient calcium early in your dogs life, as well as worms and other parasites that may rob your puppys body of nutrition, can also result in ears not growing properly. Smart and easily trained, the ever-popular German shepherd is quite active and likes to have something to do. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-leader-1-0'); If you are looking for a more natural way to include Glucosamine in your Mals diet then whole food might be a good choice : If you feed your Malinois with raw food, the whole food option wont be a problem but if your Malinois is eating only dry food for dogs, try to switch at least 10% of dry food to whole food. Floppy ears in Belgian Malinois dogs are usually a question of genetics or poor diet. Belgian Malinois, breed of herding and working dog developed in the Malines area of Belgium in the 1800s. The Belgian Malinois can live in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. This is not a desirable breed characteristic, but if your puppy has unknown or questionable breeding, it may not come as a surprise that the ears do not grow erect as they should. Temporalis muscle we have already mentioned in this article is highly involved in chewing. Unless you are specifically working in a protection sport, you do not need to give your Belgian any protection training, as it will come naturally to them. The AKC outline that white markings are considered a fault except when found on the tip of . Belgian Malinois Ears (Your Complete Guide) - Paws and Learn 2 Males and 3 Females. If they are not, they need a little help from your side. This spotlight is both beneficial and detrimental. Typically ear infections do not go away on their own. Their facial masks and their ears are largely black in color, while the underparts of their body, tails and breeches are light fawn. When this should happen? Ears should stand up as soon as the teething process is finished. While this can certainly have its benefits, it can also make it difficult to have guests or strangers come into the house. If your Mal puppy has had erected ears at some point and then they both or only one ear has drooped, most probably the reason is the development of Frontalis and Temporalis muscles on top of its head. Strong head muscles, especially Temporalis muscle will ensure your pets ear stand up. Good With: Kids, other dogs, cats Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. This is important to make sure that you dont end up with wrinkles in the ear at the end. The Belgian Malinois excels not only in herding, but also in protection and law enforcement; drug, bomb, and gas detection; search and rescue; tracking; obedience; sledding; agility; and therapy assistance to disabled, ill or elderly people. Overshot and undershot . Two of the most common reasons areear infectionsandcollagen deficiencies. Belgian Malinois were first bred near the city of Malines in Belgium, where they got their name. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. You canuse tape like this. Some things they love include herding, agility, search and rescue, and tracking. The basic coloring is a rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance. In 1959 the Belgians separated into the three AKC breeds recognized today, sheepdog, Tervuren and Malinois. Here are some things that you can do to set your puppy up for success. Energetic companions, thoughtful protectors, and just plain good dogs, Belgian Malinois have an outstanding reputation in the canine community. | When & How To Help, Why Do Police Use Belgian Malinois? A Belgian Malinois should live to be 12 to 15 years. Belgian Malinois are predisposed to elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, both of which are hereditary structural joint conditions. The Belgian Malinois is one of the varieties of the Belgian shepherd. American Kennel Club. Belgian Malinois Facts - Wisdom Panel Dog Breeds Walks are simply not enough for this breed. Size variations are extensive, with dogs ranging from 40 to 80 pounds. 7 Belgian Malinois Facts - American Kennel Club In one sense, it shows the true ability of the breed to be an outstanding and reliable working dog. It is normal for a Belgian Malinois puppy to have floppy ears. They should be fully erected at the age of 8 months. Disclaimer: This blog and all its content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional pet medical advice. In general, this breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please. Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. When this happens, the chances are good that the ears will eventually become erect, so you can set your worries aside if your pups ears have gone up and then gone back down. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. This method was described by Susan Barwig in the German Shepherd Book. In that case, you cannot do anything. Categories Belgian Malinois, Medium & Large Breeds. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Before bringing home a Belgian Malinois puppy, make sure your breeder had the pups parents tested for these conditions. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your pet. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. An early period trauma can also be the cause. However, there are a few key differences between them. German Shepherds have slightly longer fur with a black and tan or black and silver coat and a black saddle of fur over their back. Collagen deficiencyis a medical condition that can cause floppy ears solely because the ears are unable to stand on their own. Whats the difference between Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherds? The lips are thin, tight and strongly pigmented black. Thank you. Put a cotton ball in the ear canal in order to prevent any adhesive from getting in your dogs ear. Owner tricks and tips to help your Belgian Malinoissears stand up faster. Proper care and a high-quality diet will ensure your puppy develops as it should. And what to do if your Mals ears dont erect as they should? He is hardy and built to withstand the rugged Belgian climate. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. All rights reserved. This should not worry you, its only temporary. In the case of genetics, you cannot do much. Males are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds (25 to 34 kilograms). Just make sure your pet is on a diet that is appropriate for their agepuppy food should be given until your pet is at least 1 year old before switching to adult dog food. The history of the Belgian Malinois goes back to the 1880s when these dogs (with German shepherds, French . Dont forget to wash the food thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. It may be difficult to determine whether your dog has allergies, an ear infection, or mites. They're tallup to 2 feet at the shoulders!and always alert, with perked-up ears; kind, dark chocolate eyes; and a slightly bushy tail. Brush a skin adhesive made for dogs onto the outside of an ear form. Other dogs will need another week or more. These dogs are generally very intelligent, loyal, and diligent. You can find this supplement in liquid form ( Terra Max Pros for Dogs) which is the most suitable form as it is to ingest. The Belgian Shepherd (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois, or the Chien de Berger Belge) is a breed of medium-sized herding dog from Belgium.While predominantly considered a single breed, it is bred in four distinct varieties based on coat type and colour; the long-haired black Groenendael, the rough-haired fawn Laekenois, the short-haired fawn Malinois, and the long-haired . Chesney, Will, and Layden, Joe. Give the ear form a second coat of skin adhesive, and lay it flat on something to keep the adhesive from dripping off of it. This can cause damage to certain areas in the ear as well as inflammation and further infection. Although, if their ears have not stood after 12-15 weeks, there may be a chance that your Malinois has a health problem or is perhaps not purebred. Height at Withers: Male: 24-26 in. Although appearance is often noted, the feel of a Belgian Malinoiss ears is interesting as well. . But if your Mal is 7 months old and his ears havent stood up yet, then you might consider a few options to help him. They are brown in color, preferably dark, and not protruding, with black rims. Given the similar coat patterns and inherent personality traits that come with herding breeds, its easy to see how Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds could be confused with one another. Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. Belgian Malinois generally aren't aggressive when they're well trained and socialized from a young age. Quick learners and adaptable, Miniature Schnauzers can be just as happy living in a city apartment or in the country. Are you able to invest in early, consistent training by a professional? Belgian Malinois are incredibly loyal and smart, but theyre also high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and stimulation. Both should be finished at the same time. The cost for a Belgian Malinois can vary greatly depending on the bloodlines of the dog, the dogs age, and whether the dog has received specialized training. Feeding schedules in dogs are determined on a dog-by-dog basis. His thick neck carries his clean-cut head with pride, and he always appears alert. This makes them great running, hiking, and biking companions. If your pet does end up with dysplasia, treatment can range from pain medication and joint supplements to surgery. Breed Overview Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 40-80 lbs Lifespan: 10-14 years Breed Size: Medium-Large Colors: Fawn, mahogany, red, black. The cotton ball should be big and fluffy enough to thoroughly fill the ear canal. If your dogs ears stood up once, they will stand up again. Belgian Malinois Puppies For Sale. Belgian Malinois are born with folded ears but their ears should straighten as they get older. Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? Tendency to Drool: Low Tendency to Snore: Low Tendency to Bark: Moderate Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: Moderate, Length: Short Characteristics: Double coat, flat, straight Colors: Rich fawn with black tipped hairs, mahogany with black tipped hairs Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate, AKC Classification: Herding UKC Classification: Herding Dog Prevalence: So-so. He stands squarely on all fours. Symptoms specific to mites include head and ear scratching, dark/crumbly reddish-brown discharge, dried blood, inflammation, and infections. The Belgian Malinois is a strong and eager work dog that is built for any task. If you notice a strange color, a mild odor, or see that your dog is scratching its ears or shaking its head, it may be time to clean its ears. It is also possible they may not be purebred but are mixed with another breed that has floppy ears. If your dog has an infection only in one ear, be careful to avoid spreading the infection to the other ear while using certain cleaning methods. The cartilage in the ear increases significantly after development in areas such as sight and hearing. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_21',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-large-leaderboard-1-0');report this ad. The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye that allows you to see light. That said, Belgian Malinois are predisposed to a few medical issues. There are several things that need to be considered before bringing a Belgian Malinois into your home. A glucosamine supplement is also a good idea. The size should be proportional to the dog's head. It was first recognized by Professor Adolphe Reul. But, in general, Belgian Malinois should be fed twice dailyonce in the morning and once in the evening. Shedding often increases as the weather changes in the spring and fall, necessitating more regular brushing. Their strong protective instincts make Belgian Malinoises excellent guard dogs. If a puppys parents have very large, floppy ears, anything you do wont help your Mals ears to stand up one day. The English cocker spaniel is cheerful, playful and thrives on companionship and being part of the family. He characterized the variety as a medium-sized square. A strong, rugged dog, the Belgian Malinois exhibits a wide range of temperament and aggressiveness. Adelyn - Belgian Malinois Puppy EAD783 | Pawrade It needs lots of mental stimulation and physical activity every day. All the better to hear you with! For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. That way, chewing has a great influence on ears upright position. Will your dog have a job to do to keep them busy and engaged? This process may take a while. Belgian Malinois that have been trained to be police dogs (with specialized skills such as bomb, drug, and gas detection) will cost upwards of $100,000. Also, aim to brush its teeth daily. It has a thick coat about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, which ranges in colour from . Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider regardless of what you have read on this site or elsewhere. Discuss the variety and quantity with your veterinarian, as this can vary based on age, size, activity level, and other factors. Features: Upright ears (naturally) Expectations: Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. Belgian Malinois specifically have very unique communication signals that often involve the ears. What to Know About Belgian Malinois - WebMD All Belgian Malinois puppies are born with irresistible floppy ears. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Pro Tip:Check out ourBelgian Malinois Shedding Complete Guide (Tips and Tricks From Owners). If this does occur, surgery can be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist to replace the lens. Mar 28, 2016 Date of Birth. Calcium supplements will not have any effect on cartilage development though. They are made of special foam. 7 Reasons Why your Belgian Malinois Follows you Everywhere! Its not uncommon if Malinois ears go between standing up and flopping down several times before they mature. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-leader-3-0'); You should regularly check your dogs poop and look for tapeworms, roundworms, or pinworms. Belgian Malinois are born with floppy ears that fold over adorably into little triangles at the top of their heads. Place the form into the ear, making sure that it is far enough down to the base to keep the ear erect but not so far into the ear canal to irritate your dog. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. The age of 8 months is crucial as after that you wont be able to do much for your Mals ears and their upright position. Enroll in a puppy obedience class as soon as your dog meets the age requirement, and expose your dog to different people, other animals, and situations. A Mali's ears are large and triangular, and again, always standing to attention. Long-term complications of ear infections. Its always important to reach out to your vet first. Complete Belgian Malinois Guide: 6 Must Read Facts Why Your Belgian Malinois Eats Grass, Poop, and Other Weird Stuff? Males can grow between 24 and 26 inches tall, and females can grow between 22 and 24 inches. They are set well apart and are tilted directly forward. A Belgian Malinois is lean and muscled, with a more slender face, whereas a shepherd is a bit burly with thicker fur. Schipperkes (pronounced SKIP-per-key) are small dogs weighing 12 to 16 pounds (five to seven kilograms). The Belgian Malinois breed standard describes him as having an effortless gait. Since the ears are made of cartilage, your Mal puppy needs a lot of protein in his diet. Both breeds are similar in height, but Belgian Malinois typically weigh less than German Shepherds. As with any breed, if you think the BelgianMalinoisis right for you, be sure to do your research before you get one. German Shepherd: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Boston Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Belgian Laekenois: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Belgian Sheepdog: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Cane Corso: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Dutch Shepherd (Dutch Herder): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Beauceron: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Bouvier des Flandres: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Icelandic Sheepdog: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, American Pit Bull Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Spanish Water Dog: Breed Characteristics & Care. Sometimes injury, even a relatively minor injury, early in your dogs life can result in an ear that does not grow properly. We like this glucosamine from Doggie Dailies. Although panting is a natural way for Belgian Malinois ( same as for other dog breeds) to cool down, heavy panting might be a sign of some kind of discomfort or pain. The Belgian Malinois is roughly the same height as the German Shepherd, with males standing around 24-26 inches and females at 22-24 inches, but they are smaller, at 60-80 pounds and 40-60 pounds respectively. Belgian Malinois are incredibly smart dogs, which makes them eager (and fast!) And then the cartlidge hardens. The mask and ears are black. It is typically safe for dogs to consume yogurt and cottage cheese; however, this does not mean that your dog will not have trouble digesting lactose. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds.