Atrophy means wasting away over time. [4] 4 Notice the ears. Ear position can tell us a lot about how our dogs are feeling. Are you able to invest in early, consistent training by a professional? Good nutrition is essential for your dog to develop properly, including the ears. 12-16 yr. 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. Considerations for Pet Parents Or check out this popular hack from a dog trainer YouTuber. This blowout of their undercoat typically lasts 2-3 weeks and helps better prepare their body for the coming season (winter or summer). They are set well apart and are tilted directly forward. They started to stand, but now they are flopping again. The ear should stand up without folding from the base. Another very important aspect of your puppys life to help them develop erect ears are chew toys. Dont panic if your Malinois still has drooping ears at the age of 5 months. If you have any further questions or want more photos reach out. They are known for their fierceness and fearlessness as members of K-9 units around the world. 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. They also can make an excellent companion for the right person, especially an active household. Although calcium is super important for bone development, its not crucial for cartilage. Since the ears are made of cartilage, you can stimulate good cartilage development by a quality diet, rich in proteins and vitamin C. You should also provide chewing toys for your Mal to make important head muscles to exercise. Both breeds are high energy and need a job to do to help stimulate their mind and keep them happy. Its always important to reach out to your vet first. There are many treatment options available for atopy and it is normally easily treatable! Avoid rubbing, folding, or bending his ears. In 1892, the first Belgian shepherd dog standard was written recognizing three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats. Belgian Malinois were bred in Belgium, while German Shepherds were bred in Germany. Miniature Schnauzers are square-bodied dogs with wiry coats. 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. A Mals distinctly cupped ears are thick with this double-coated fur, not only making them super cute, but able to stay warm in cold weather as well! Once you have decided to get a Malinois dog you should contact a reputable breeder and ask tons of questions. Therefore, they need ample daily exercise daily; otherwise, they become mischievous or high-strung. An early period trauma can also be the cause. 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. If you bring a puppy with a perfect genetics background to your home, the rest its on you. Theyre also excellent at agility, tracking, herding, and obedience competitions. Cleaning your Mals ears is a crucial step in avoiding any potential issues that could arise. Have you ever noticed that Belgian Malinois puppies have adorable, little folded-over ears, but that the ears change as the dog gets older? Dont overdo with protein though as excess protein may lead to obesity. 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. Other dogs will need another week or more. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. Training and socialization should begin early in a Belgian Malinois puppyhood. They were originally bred to be herders, but their trainability and drive led them into several other careers, including protection, search and rescue, and bomb and drug detection. This dog is at their happiest when they have a task or something to focus on. All Belgian Malinois puppies are born with irresistible floppy ears. Leave in until the roller falls out. 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. Furthermore, these supplements will help your puppy to develop healthy joints, which is an important consideration for large breed dogs like the Belgian Malinois. Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? Floppy ears in Belgian Malinois dogs are usually a question of genetics or poor diet. An untreated ear infection can lead to serious long-term complications or may result in your dog needing surgery. In these cases, it is unlikely that you will be able to correct the ear. Provide a high-quality diet and offer him a variety of chew toys. the Belgian Malinois breed bounce back in the 1950s and 1960s. Oftentimes Mals who do not receive the care they need have ears that may never lift. Belgian Malinois also have a high prey drive, making them extremely interested in moving objects. They are ultra-thin, lightweight, made of surgical mesh, the material suitable for sensitive tissue of dogs ears. 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. They are brown in color, preferably dark, and not protruding, with black rims. Female: 40-60 lbs. Most of Malinois puppies ears will start erecting between the age of 4 and 6 months. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. Require to see the puppys parents. This process may take a while. Feeding schedules in dogs are determined on a dog-by-dog basis. Breed Overview Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 40-80 lbs Lifespan: 10-14 years Breed Size: Medium-Large Colors: Fawn, mahogany, red, black. 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? The Belgian Malinois has been one of the most widely used working dogs for hundreds of years, but it recently came to spotlight when Seal Team Six used a Malinois to hunt and capture Osama Bin Laden. The head muscles are simply not strong enough to hold those large ears upright. Dont forget to wash the food thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. Disclaimer: This blog and all its content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional pet medical advice. 7 Belgian Malinois . The history of the Belgian Malinois goes back to the 1880s when these dogs (with German shepherds, French shepherds and Dutch shepherds) were called continental shepherd 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. In 1959 the Belgians separated into the three AKC breeds recognized today, sheepdog, Tervuren and Malinois. On average, a purebred Belgian Malinois puppy with American Kennel Club-registered parents will cost around $2,000-$3,500. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. The temporalis muscle is directly involved in giving a Malinois that upright ears look. The dog is strong, agile, well-muscled, alert and full of life. Patience is keywhen waiting for your Mals ears to become straight. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-leader-4-0');Many Mal owners use Breath Right Strips. Good With: Kids, other dogs, cats Theyre fast and engaged learners, making training not only fun, but critical for their mental well-being. This should not worry you, its only temporary. But its popularity rose again in the 1960s. Female: 22-24 in. 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. The Belgian Malinois is a medium to large herding dog breed with a short coat and a square, well-balanced build that's native to Belgium. Fortunately, this disease is not painful, so the primary signs are what you may expect in an animal going blind: bumping into things, difficulty catching treats or finding food scraps on the floor, tripping over curbs or stairs, etc. He is hardy and built to withstand the rugged Belgian climate. You may also want to check your Mals ears often for: Shaving Your Belgian Malinois (When To and When Not to Do It.). These dogs differed only in the texture, color and length of hair. We also participate in other affiliate programs and are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (at no cost to you). This promotes new hair growth and distributes oils throughout the coat. You will also need one unsharpened pencil and a plastic knife. 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 . Offer your Mal puppy a variety of chew toys. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. In general, little more thanbasic groomingis necessary. Bathing when dirty, brushing once or twice a week, and clipping the nails will keep your Malinois in great condition. 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. Belgian Malinois were first bred near the city of Malines in Belgium, where they got their name. The mask and ears are black. Their coat is designed to withstand harsh weather. In general, this breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please. 2. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. The Great Depression and importation restrictions during World War II caused the breed to diminish in the U.S. You need to clean the Pinna ( ear flap, part of the ear covered by skin) and then apply Breath Right Strip. Why Does my Belgian Malinois Smell? This attribute is very unique and helps owners to decipher how their dog is feeling. 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? But, in general, Belgian Malinois should be fed twice dailyonce in the morning and once in the evening. Hold the ear wrapped around the roller until the glue is dry. Check local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a Belgian Malinois in need of a home. These look very cute but its expected that drooping ears will stand up at some point. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Males are slightly bigger than females. Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs. Here are some things that you can do to set your puppy up for success. Since German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are comparable in a number of ways, breeding these two breeds leads to an intelligent and hardworking dog. Males can weigh up to 80 pounds, and females are a little smaller, weighing 60 pounds. Their facial masks and their ears are largely black in color, while the underparts of their body, tails and breeches are light fawn. Versatile by nature, Belgian Malinois are popular working dogs throughout the military and police communities. An improper low protein diet may cause poorly developed cartilage and floppy ears as a result. If the infection is left untreated it may become even more difficult to get rid of the infection. They are not the type of dog that can just be left in the backyard to entertain themselves. Energetic companions, thoughtful protectors, and just plain good dogs, Belgian Malinois have an outstanding reputation in the canine community. His thick neck carries his clean-cut head with pride, and he always appears alert. Malinois are shorthaired, fawn-colored dogs with a black . Ears that hang or fold over at the tip will disqualify a dog for American Kennel Club shows. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. They were mostly used as guard dogs and herding dogs. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The breed's coat is short and hard with a thick undercoat. The dog is good for working and competitive obedience, but not for toddlers who run and scream. After talking with Belgian Malinois owners there are a large number of them who are concerned about their dogs ears not standing up; however, in a lot of cases, the dogs were not purebred Belgian Malinois. Presence of the worms and other parasites. In that case, you cannot do anything. Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. The Belgian Malinois is a large dog, with males weighing between 55 and 80 pounds and females between 40 and 60 pounds. These dogs are generally very intelligent, loyal, and diligent. These Belgian shepherds date back to the 1800s, and the Malinois gets its name from the city of Malines where it was developed. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your pet. These strips are really light in weight, a great thing that can secure your Mals ear in place without weighing them down. Today, Belgian Malinois are often seen in the U.S. military and police forces. These dogs also require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-mannered. Sire is CKC registered, and Dam is registered. All are named for Belgian villages: Groenendael, Laekenois, Mechelar (Malinois) and Tervuren. Missing cartilage orpinna(the flap of skin that is covered by fur and composed of muscles that are attached to the cartilage) is the cause ofBelgian Malinois puppies having floppy ears at birth. The Belgian Malinois' ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. The AKC outline that white markings are considered a fault except when found on the tip of . Breeds: Belgian Sheepdog-Malinois. However, when Belgian Malinois dont get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors to keep themselves entertained. Its like you add one additional layer of the cartilage to support your Mals soft ears. Its not uncommon if Malinois ears go between standing up and flopping down several times before they mature. Some were used as military dogs during World War I. Some things they love include herding, agility, search and rescue, and tracking. The Belgian Malinois is a sturdy well-muscled dog of almost square proportions. Likewise, this breed isnt always appropriate for families with children. Its high herding instinct can cause it to try to nip at kids heels. They found that their Belgian Malinoiss ears stood up very fast after weeks on this specific diet. So it must be kept on leash or in a secure fenced area. An early period trauma can also be the cause. Ears that are held tightly pressed back signal a canine in a defensive position. There are several steps to take that will ensure your Mals ears stay clean and healthy! There are a few different reasons why your full-grown Malmay have floppy ears. You can get ear forms from a breeder, groomer, or specialty supply store. The cotton ball should be big and fluffy enough to thoroughly fill the ear canal. Bred to work, Mals are packed with powerful muscles, yet their bodies have an elegant appearance. Belgian Malinois typically weigh 40-80 pounds, while German Shepherds can weigh 50-90 pounds. For dogs that have been trained, the level of training further dictates the cost. The size should be proportional to the dog's head. The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd Dog. 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. If you begin seeing any of these symptomsit is recommended for you to get your Belgian Malinois to the vet right away. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. The other three varieties are the Tervuren, the Groenendael,and the Laekenois. A Belgian Malinois for sale should look muscular through her entire body without the bulk of a Bully breed. They are also a very high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and stimulation. Cookie Consent Tool. 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 chewing action helps strengthen the muscles needed for their ears to stay up. That said, Belgian Malinois are predisposed to a few medical issues. Meet Wren - Located in Florida, a Belgian Shepherd / Malinois & Dutch Shepherd Mix Dog for adoption, at Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue, Inc. in Lecanto, FL on Petfinder. 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. 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. Here are the steps for properly taping your Belgian Malinois ears. It is even very common for a puppys ears to perk up but then drop back down again before finally coming to their final height. Long-term complications of ear infections. Trauma that your puppy had at his early age or even a minor injury of the ears may cause dropping ears in the adult period. Why are a 4-month-old Belgian Malinois' ears floppy? Mar 28, 2016 Date of Birth. In general, they do well on any high-quality dog food with a veterinarians supervision. Belgian Malinois eyes are either brown or dark brown in color, medium in size and slightly oval in shape. High-quality puppy food should contain enough calcium so never give calcium supplements to your dog without a consultation with your vet. Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs. Try this for about 3 weeks. Size. 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. Belgians make excellent pets for the right homes, as they thrive on loving companionship. Typically, Belgian Malinois need more than 40 minutes of exercise per day. The Belgian Malinois can be quite an intense dog with a high prey drive and instinct to chase and herd. Females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). Ultimately, they want nothing more than to spend as much time with you as possible. There is nothing to worry about if your puppys ears are not standing up just yet. Belgian Malinois will have drooping ears only if something is wrong with breeding/genetics, health. You may notice your Belgian Malinois is beginning to act strange, this could be due to an outer ear infection caused by the many issues listed previously; or an inner ear infection that occurs when the outer ear infection is left untreated. . One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. Ideally, Belgian Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise per daywith you by their side. 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. Categories Belgian Malinois, Medium & Large Breeds. Symptoms typically start around 1-3 years old and can get worse every year. Chewing personal items (shoes, clothes, etc. 2 Males and 3 Females. Other times, genetics are at fault for an ear that does not straighten. Ears should stand up as soon as the teething process is finished. 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). Different chew toys will stimulate and exercise different muscle groups. These medium-sized dogs were primarily bred to work on farms, herding sheep and cattle. Schipperkes (pronounced SKIP-per-key) are small dogs weighing 12 to 16 pounds (five to seven kilograms). The Belgian Malinois is a double-coated breed and will generally shed twice a year. If they are not, they need a little help from your side. The Belgian Sheepdog Club of America (the Malinois, Groenendael, and Tervuren were all the same breed at that time) was formed and the breed began to show in the American Kennel Club in the early 1950s. The jaw and head muscles are very important for holding the ears upright, so strong jaw and head muscles can also lead to erect ears. This in turn makes their faces portray different expressions. link to Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? 5 Belgian Malinois for sale. His ears as well.