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. Therefore, they need ample daily exercise daily; otherwise, they become mischievous or high-strung. They reach back as early as the 18th Century. In that case, you cannot do anything. Belgian Malinois, breed of herding and working dog developed in the Malines area of Belgium in the 1800s. It is important that taping be done properly since improper taping can cause injury to your dog or result in ears that do not stand the way you want them to. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. This is important to make sure that you dont end up with wrinkles in the ear at the end. However, when Belgian Malinois dont get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors to keep themselves entertained. Finally, some dogs are simply genetically predisposed to ears that flop. History of the Belgian Malinois The roots of this breed lie in the "Noord-Brabant" region in Belgium. Talk to your veterinarian, otherBelgian Malinois owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers, and rescue groups to learn more. Belgian Malinois ears are erect and triangular and sit high atop their heads. It is essential for a Belgian Malinois to receive vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training. It is not recommended to use peroxide or cotton swabs in your dogs ears. He is a hardy dog, accustomed to living outdoors with a coat built to resist the damp Belgian climate. You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. Ears that are held tightly pressed back signal a canine in a defensive position. If you have any further questions or want more photos reach out. But, in general, Belgian Malinois should be fed twice dailyonce in the morning and once in the evening. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. You may also notice your Belgian Malinois cannot hear as well as usual and is perhaps dizzy or nauseous. All rights reserved. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us at (512) 892-9038 or call a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see "What to Watch For" below). The moment they start to get their adult teeth their ears start to go all over the place. Training and socialization should start as early as possible and continue throughout their life to provide them with adequate mental stimulation. Their coat is designed to withstand harsh weather. There is a video on Youtube that explains how to use those strips. 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. Humans and dogs are using it in case of arthritis as helps maintain healthy cartilage and create joint lubricants. To view the contact email and phone number, please complete the reCAPTCHA below. Common ear positions and the emotions related to them: Belgian Malinoises are less likely than other breeds to obtain ear infections due to their perky ears that promote good airflow throughout the ear canal; however, there are still opportunities for issues such as ear mites and inflammatory problems. Walks are simply not enough for this breed. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. These dogs also require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-mannered. Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-box-4','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-box-4-0'); The ears are made of cartilage and not bone. In 1892, the first Belgian shepherd dog standard was written recognizing three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats. 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 . 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. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds. Have you ever noticed that Belgian Malinois puppies have adorable, little folded-over ears, but that the ears change as the dog gets older? You want your Belgian Malinois puppy to have the best possible start to life, and that includes growing strong, noble, erect ears. Dont forget to wash the food thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. An independent, strong-willed dog, the Afghan can be downright standoffish, but also quiet and clownish when the mood strikes. The lips are thin, tight and strongly pigmented black. Both breeds are high energy and need a job to do to help stimulate their mind and keep them happy. They have an agile, athletic, and square frame with a long muzzle, erect ears, and an intelligent face. Belgian Malinois also have a high prey drive, making them extremely interested in moving objects. When fully grown, male Belgian Malinois are typically 24-26 inches tall and 60-80 pounds, while females stand about 22-24 inches tall and weigh 40-60 pounds. As with all dogs, their nails should be trimmed regularly. That way, chewing has a great influence on ears upright position. Unless your Mal is genetically predisposed to have floppy ears or had some trauma in his early days, his ears should stand up at the age of 4-8 months. With every dog the cartlidge in their ears need to develop. This attribute is very unique and helps owners to decipher how their dog is feeling. Compared to many breeds, these dogs dont have a lot of health concerns, especially if they were bred by a responsible breeder. Typically ear infections do not go away on their own. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-banner-1-0'); If you notice that your Mals ears dont stand up by the age of 6-7 months, you should consider taping them. All the better to hear you with! But the breeds have a different head shape, and the Belgian Malinois is leaner than the German shepherd and has shorter fur. They found that their Belgian Malinoiss ears stood up very fast after weeks on this specific diet. History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners. Overshot and undershot . Ear position can tell us a lot about how our dogs are feeling. Not having straight ears is very common with mixed breeds however and should not be a huge concern. Shedding often increases as the weather changes in the spring and fall, necessitating more regular brushing. Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. Cleaning the ear from the glue its not recommended because it will grow out anyway but if you try to clean it, that may cause the ear to go down. Do Belgian Malinois ears stand up? The basic coloring is a rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance. In general, this breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please. All of these issues first occur with the symptoms of whining, head shaking, and scratching. Size. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. We also participate in other affiliate programs and are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (at no cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, TrendingBreeds.com earns from qualifying purchases. Some dogs are bred to have larger ears, which can result in ears that are too big for the muscles to hold upright. If a puppys parents have very large, floppy ears, anything you do wont help your Mals ears to stand up one day. In one sense, it shows the true ability of the breed to be an outstanding and reliable working dog. 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. HEIGHT: 22 to 24 inches (female), 24 to 26 inches (male), WEIGHT: 40 to 60 pounds (female), 60 to 80 pounds (male), COAT COLOR: Fawn, mahogany, red, red sable, or fawn sable with a black mask. Breed Overview Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 40-80 lbs Lifespan: 10-14 years Breed Size: Medium-Large Colors: Fawn, mahogany, red, black. Mals are tireless and focused when there's a job to do or a . Moderately active indoors, he will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The Belgian Malinois lifespan is 10-14 years. It should be very short on the head, ears and lower legs. Belgian Malinois generally aren't aggressive when they're well trained and socialized from a young age. Notice how the Beligian Malinois ears stick straight up from the crown of his head, but the German shepherd's are more angled to the side? They are made of special foam. Size: Weight Range: Male: 55-75 lbs. Some people prefer the Pink Roller Method. Why are a 4-month-old Belgian Malinois' ears floppy? 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. Its like you add one additional layer of the cartilage to support your Mals soft ears. These dogs are incredibly loyal to their masters and work hard to keep their bond with family members strong and intact. 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. Parasites steal the nutrients from the food leaving your puppy without essential elements for proper development and growth. Belgian Malinoises are prone to a skin allergy called "atopy," where the ears are heavily affected. Different chew toys will stimulate and exercise different muscle groups. Some common communication signals that Belgian Malinois may use are: Your Belgian Malinois may indicate their emotions and feelings by placing their ears in multiple positions to show what they are feeling. They want nothing more than to be with their family, which makes them unsuitable as a kennel dog. The cartilage in the ear increases significantly after development in areas such as sight and hearing. Puppy-hood can be a rather stressful period moving to a new home, vaccination, rapid growth so whole food vitamins support is crucial. These medium-sized dogs were primarily bred to work on farms, herding sheep and cattle. Symptoms typically start around 1-3 years old and can get worse every year. The Belgian Malinois is a strong and eager work dog that is built for any task. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) In Dogs, Army Veterinarians: On a Mission to Keep Military Dogs Healthy, High Levels of Protein in Dog Urine (Proteinuria in Dogs). It is also perfectly normal for the ears to seem wobbly and unsteady on the top of the dogs head until they fully grow into their ears. These traits can make them phenomenal petsif theyre in the right household with an active, experienced pet parent. Make sure there are no folds or wrinkles in the ear and that it appears smooth on the outside. Both breeds are similar in height, but Belgian Malinois typically weigh less than German Shepherds. Belgian Malinois were first bred near the city of Malines in Belgium, where they got their name. Even if you dont have kids, its important to train your dog to be well-mannered around children, so youre always able to safely control situations. The male Afghan hound stands some 27 inches tall, the female about 25 inches. The ears may start erecting even before 4 months of age but its more likely to happen between 4 and 6 months of age. The Belgian Malinois can look quite similar to the German shepherd at first glance. It is also possible they may not be purebred but are mixed with another breed that has floppy ears. These look very cute but its expected that drooping ears will stand up at some point. Good nutrition is essential for your dog to develop properly, including the ears. His thick neck carries his clean-cut head with pride, and he always appears alert. It is important to get your dog checked by a veterinarian immediately if you notice an ear infection has gone on too long. Otherwise, it might become anxious or develop behavior problems. Aim for at least one to two hours of exercise per day, including brisk walks, running, hiking, and playing fetch. Another thing that can help in building cartilage is Vitamin C. Although dogs are able to produce their own vitamin C ( unlike humans) its recommended to feed them with whole food that contains this valuable vitamin. He prefers cool climates, but readily adapts well to others. If your Malinois ears arent straightening as expected, there are a few things that you can do to help. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-netboard-1','ezslot_22',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-netboard-1-0');You may be able to tell when your Belgian Malinois needs its ears cleaned. Arcana pets is the best place for you to get needed pet related information. Chewing personal items (shoes, clothes, etc. Belgian Malinois are supposed to have erect ears, and ears that flop or have folded over tips are not considered appropriate according to the breed standard. Sometimes, puppies may have one ear that stands up before the other. Theyre best for owners with an active lifestyle who can provide plenty of ways for the dogs to exercise their minds and bodies. 2022 TrendingBreeds. He is hardy and built to withstand the rugged Belgian climate. Here are some things that you can do to set your puppy up for success. A Belgian Malinois for sale should look muscular through her entire body without the bulk of a Bully breed. In general, they do well on any high-quality dog food with a veterinarians supervision. 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. The ear should stand up without folding from the base. Patience is keywhen waiting for your Mals ears to become straight. Scratching at the skin is oftentimes an issue because if your dog cuts the skin more infections can occur. Your Malmay move his ears back or flatten them against his head when he isfeeling submissive, anxious or afraid. All Belgian Malinois puppies are born with irresistible floppy ears. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. If you are worried about your dog having floppy ears into adulthood you can tape your dogs ears up to help strengthen the muscles and get the ears used to standing up on their own. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-leader-2-0'); Thats why you need to see your potential puppys parents before you decide to buy it. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Too much calcium can bring many troubles to your puppy. They do shed seasonally twice a year, so dont be surprised if you see more hair on the floor in the fall and spring. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. It responds well to positive reinforcement and consistent instruction. Males can grow between 24 and 26 inches tall, and females can grow between 22 and 24 inches. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. A breed-specific trainer will be able to help train your dog for jobs that can stimulate their minda critical aspect for this breed. A veterinary clinic may prescribe ear drops or cleaning solutions that will help rid the ears of infection or a solution to treat the skin allergy. - Pure Belgian Malinois When Malinois are young, ears that are not fully erect is not uncommon. Some were used as military dogs during World War I. Its recommended not to touch your puppys ears too much. When a Mal gets an ear infection oftentimes one or both ears become floppy; this is frequently accompanied by a bad odor, scratching, and redness. Symptoms specific to mites include head and ear scratching, dark/crumbly reddish-brown discharge, dried blood, inflammation, and infections. By developing a consistent nutritional diet for your dog, changes in cartilage strength may become noticeable and the ear may begin to straighten. Well cover all that and more in the following. However, as puppies grow, ears will start to erect. Males can weigh up to 80 pounds, and females are a little smaller, weighing 60 pounds. Brush a skin adhesive made for dogs onto the outside of an ear form. . Thus, it often doesn't do well around rambunctious children and might become nippy. 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. These dogs differed only in the texture, color and length of hair. If you begin seeing any of these symptomsit is recommended for you to get your Belgian Malinois to the vet right away. For Heartworms your dog should be tested. The Belgian Malinois is an enthusiastic and quick dog with a natural tendency to be in motion. Dam (Mom) Belgian Malinois. The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, well-proportioned, natural, medium-sized, square dog. [4] 4 Notice the ears. Yes, United Canine Association Registration. A well-trained and socialized Belgian Malinois can be a great dog, but one of their inherent traits is being protective of their family. In an otherwise healthy pet, if they are on a high-quality complete and balanced diet, they shouldnt need any additional nutritional supplements unless directed by your veterinarian. Energetic companions, thoughtful protectors, and just plain good dogs, Belgian Malinois have an outstanding reputation in the canine community. Why Your Belgian Malinois Eats Grass, Poop, and Other Weird Stuff? Quick learners and adaptable, Miniature Schnauzers can be just as happy living in a city apartment or in the country. You may also want to check your Mals ears often for: Shaving Your Belgian Malinois (When To and When Not to Do It.). She said she did it for about a week and a half and they started to stand up on their own. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The mouth is well split, which means that when the mouth is open the commissures of the lips are pulled right back, the jaws being well apart. Belgian Malinois are one of the most proud, intelligent, and hardworking dog breeds in existence. Once you have decided to get a Malinois dog you should contact a reputable breeder and ask tons of questions. However, they can have a protective streak and are somewhat reserved around strangers. A Mali's ears are large and triangular, and again, always standing to attention. They are set well apart and are tilted directly forward. If they are not, they need a little help from your side. Strong head muscles, especially Temporalis muscle will ensure your pets ear stand up. The ears are typically firm and small in proportion to the head and body size. These jobs are often seen as fun activities for them, and its important for you to be involved in the training process, as it will increase your pets bond with you. Check every day the strip as it will eventually fall off in a few days and its important to change it with a new one. (Fishy Odor, Bad Breath, and More!). Belgian Malinois are squarely built, proud, and alert herders standing 22 to 26 inches. The Belgian Malinois is a native of Belgium and one of the four related varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs. Belgian Malinois Shedding Complete Guide (Tips and Tricks From Owners), 7 Causes of Smelly Odors in Your Samoyed and How to Fix Them, Solving Your Samoyeds Licking Habits: 5 Common Causes and Solutions, 10 Reasons your Samoyed Howls (Dog or part Wolf? They were mostly used as guard dogs and herding dogs. Offer your Mal puppy a variety of chew toys. Floppy ears in Belgian Malinois dogs are usually a question of genetics or poor diet. 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. Example of Malinois puppy with floppy ears. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. And what to do if your Mals ears dont erect as they should? The hair is somewhat longer around the neck where it forms a collarette, and on the tail and backs of the thighs. Each time a Mals ears tilt a certain direction, they are expressing themselves and their emotions, concerns, etc. It is normal for a Belgian Malinois puppy to have floppy ears. Purchase these foam rollers, extra-large ( for large ears) or large ( for smaller ears). The Belgian Malinois is a stunning purebred dog that was raised to herd animals. So the more your puppy chews the more it develops Temporalis muscle that is directly related to ears and their upright position.
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