We also participate in other affiliate programs and are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (at no cost to you). Try this for about 3 weeks. Belgian Malinois are born with folded ears but their ears should straighten as they get older. About our Ads. If your pet does end up with dysplasia, treatment can range from pain medication and joint supplements to surgery. Typically their ears will begin to stand on their own between 610 weeks. Always talk to your veterinarian to determine what is best for your pet. Some people prefer the Pink Roller Method. The Belgian Malinois is a working breed with needs only an experienced owner can meet. Its not only important for cartilage but also vitamin C is a great source of antioxidants. Their strong protective instincts make Belgian Malinoises excellent guard dogs. They are set well apart and are tilted directly forward. These traits can make them phenomenal petsif theyre in the right household with an active, experienced pet parent. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_19',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');As a Malsears gain more cartilage and begin to stand straight they will become very expressive. Size: Weight Range: Male: 55-75 lbs. If you have any further questions or want more photos reach out. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Good With: Kids, other dogs, cats This dog is demanding and needs an experienced owner. Proper care and a high-quality diet will ensure your puppy develops as it should. Belgian Malinois have a short, waterproof coat, making them easy to care for. These dogs are generally very intelligent, loyal, and diligent. If you're looking for a breeder puppy, expect to pay around $2,000, though this can vary widely depending on bloodline and other factors. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The cotton ball should be big and fluffy enough to thoroughly fill the ear canal. Ideally, Belgian Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise per daywith you by their side. 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. . 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. The Belgian Malinois' ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. Its a good idea to havea nice variety of chew toys on hand to satisfy your puppys different chewing urges and to exercise different muscle groups. Some dogs will have erect ears at the end of a week of treatment. Its important to assess the following to determine whether this breed is right for you: Are you able to provide this high-energy breed with the physical and mental outlets they need? 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. Although it can be concerning for owners, there are multiple reasons why this can happen. Whats the difference between Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherds? Floppy ears in Belgian Malinois dogs are usually a question of genetics or poor diet. You can get ear forms from a breeder, groomer, or specialty supply store. As the dog gets older, the ears will begin to straighten up. 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. When she's not taking care of her puppies she enjoys playing, running, snuggling, socializing, and walking. The breed standard for the Belgian Malinois states that the ears should be stiff and erect. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources, iy_2023; im_03; id_04; ih_04; imh_01; i_epoch:1677931285461, py_2023; pm_02; pd_08; ph_03; pmh_03; p_epoch:1675854218670, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Feb 08 03:03:38 PST 2023; pn_epoch:1675854218670. 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. The Belgian Malinois ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. Although calcium is super important for bone development, its not crucial for cartilage. Your puppy should have enough protein to help them grow but not so much that they gain weight unnecessarily or grow too quickly. 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. A Belgian Malinois for sale should look muscular through her entire body without the bulk of a Bully breed. Bred to work, Mals are packed with powerful muscles, yet their bodies have an elegant appearance. (2023). His elegance and expression denote great strength of character, making him a proud representative of the herding breeds. Typically, Belgian Malinois need more than 40 minutes of exercise per day. This blowout of their undercoat typically lasts 2-3 weeks and helps better prepare their body for the coming season (winter or summer). The form should stay in place for about a week. The Belgian Malinois is a native of Belgium and one of the four related varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs. It is also helpful to squeeze veterinary-approved ear cleaner into your dogs ears and massage the ear gently for 30 seconds to dislodge any buildup from the ear canal; however, do not let anything but the cleaning solution touch the dogs ear to avoid causing more bacteria. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-sky-4','ezslot_27',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-sky-4-0');Some signs that your Mals ear infection has been left too long include symptoms of: Long-term complications can arise if the ear infection is left untreated. (Fishy Odor, Bad Breath, and More!). Maybe you will have to repeat this process couple of times but its not a big deal for your Mal, these rollers are very light in weight, as soon as you place them, your dog will forget about them.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Ear Implants PermaStay implants for canine, invented by Mr. Greg Miller are implants that can help your Mals ears to stand up. 12-16 yr. link to Can Belgian Malinois Eat Raw Meat? Versatile by nature, Belgian Malinois are popular working dogs throughout the military and police communities. It stands about 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) tall at the withers and weighs from 40 to 80 pounds (18.1 to 36.2 kg). The Belgian Malinois can be quite an intense dog with a high prey drive and instinct to chase and herd. Instead, German Malinois puppies are a cross between a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois. The Belgian Malinois is a confident, intelligent working dog that takes pride in a job well done. These dogs are generally very intelligent, loyal, and diligent. 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. In 1959 the Belgians separated into the three AKC breeds recognized today, sheepdog, Tervuren and Malinois. There are several steps to take that will ensure your Mals ears stay clean and healthy! Belgian Malinois are incredibly intelligent animals, making them easy to train and highly successful working dogs. It has a thick coat about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, which ranges in colour from . Malinois are shorthaired, fawn-colored dogs with a black . Belgian Malinoises do not need to have their ears cropped. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd Dog. Female: 22-24 in. They were mostly used as guard dogs and herding dogs. A Belgian Malinois' eyes are medium-sized and slightly almond-shaped. You may also want to check your Mals ears often for: Shaving Your Belgian Malinois (When To and When Not to Do It.). Both breeds are high energy and need a job to do to help stimulate their mind and keep them happy. This animal's post-war popularity was low until the 1960s, when fans of the Belgian Malinois decided to bring the breed back into fashion. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. Belgians make excellent pets for the right homes, as they thrive on loving companionship. The temporalis muscle is directly involved in giving a Malinois that upright ears look. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. 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. Be careful not to add too much calcium to your dogs diet as this can cause digestion problems and an upset stomach. You can also offer steamed or blended fruits and vegetables to your puppy. When this should happen? Calcium supplements will not have any effect on cartilage development though. 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. Likewise, this breed isnt always appropriate for families with children. Both should be finished at the same time. If you have Belgian Malinois, I am sure a food choice is an important issue. 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. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. Its high herding instinct can cause it to try to nip at kids heels. Or check out this popular hack from a dog trainer YouTuber. Therefore, they need ample daily exercise daily; otherwise, they become mischievous or high-strung. Your Mals ears may not be standing up straight because each Malinois is different. 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. Each time a Mals ears tilt a certain direction, they are expressing themselves and their emotions, concerns, etc. They started to stand, but now they are flopping again. Its always important to reach out to your vet first. Always supervise interactions between kids and dogs of all breeds. A Belgian Malinois is lean and muscled, with a more slender face, whereas a shepherd is a bit burly with thicker fur. 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. In most cases your dogs ears will be completely fine; however, if it is taking a long time for their ears to stand up, having your dog examined by a vet is the best option to find out what is going on with their ears. The Belgian Malinois is one of the varieties of the Belgian shepherd. The moment they start to get their adult teeth their ears start to go all over the place. What may happen is that ears that once stood up ( especially if erected around or even before 4 months of age), now come back down. Belgian Malinois are one of the most proud, intelligent, and hardworking dog breeds in existence. The Belgian Malinois is a double-coated breed and will generally shed twice a year. 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. Belgian Malinois. The Belgian Malinois is a working breed with needs only an experienced owner can meet. Provide a high-quality diet and offer him a variety of chew toys. He is hardy and built to withstand the rugged Belgian climate. There are a few different reasons why your full-grown Malmay have floppy ears. Dont overdo with protein though as excess protein may lead to obesity. 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. In the case of genetics, you cannot do much. Purchase these foam rollers, extra-large ( for large ears) or large ( for smaller ears). 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. This method was described by Susan Barwig in the German Shepherd Book. These dogs generally arent well-suited to living in an apartment, as they need lots of space to run and play. If your puppy is 7 months old and he still has floppy ears you may consult the wet and try some of the methods many owners suggest such as the Pink roller method, Ear forms, or some other. Belgian Malinois ears are erect and triangular and sit high atop their heads. It is normal for a Belgian Malinois puppy to have floppy ears. They are also a very high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and stimulation. All of these issues first occur with the symptoms of whining, head shaking, and scratching. This breed is not suitable for households with small, erratic children. Some were used as military dogs during World War I. This dog is at their happiest when they have a task or something to focus on. But the breeds have a different head shape, and the Belgian Malinois is leaner than the German shepherd and has shorter fur. The Belgian Malinois can live in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Quick learners and adaptable, Miniature Schnauzers can be just as happy living in a city apartment or in the country. Offer your Mal puppy a variety of chew toys. This in turn makes their faces portray different expressions. 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. This is perfectly normal and does not mean that the other ear wont catch up. Their coat is designed to withstand harsh weather. They want nothing more than to be with their family, which makes them unsuitable as a kennel dog. Temporalis muscle we have already mentioned in this article is highly involved in chewing. An independent, strong-willed dog, the Afghan can be downright standoffish, but also quiet and clownish when the mood strikes. He characterized the variety as a medium-sized square. Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs. Talking to your vet is the best option for deciding whether or not to participate in these diet changes. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Its recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who specializes in the breed. As with any breed, if you think the BelgianMalinoisis right for you, be sure to do your research before you get one. How much to feed your dog depends on many factors, including your pups age, activity level, and size. The Belgian Malinois is a large dog, with males weighing between 55 and 80 pounds and females between 40 and 60 pounds. 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. Breed Group. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',158,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-158{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Other owners suggested an overall wholesome and nutritious diet that includes certain supplements. Thoroughly coat and allow to dry for at least 10 minutes. The general appearance of Mals ears includes a distinct triangle shape. Be sure to clean the ear with adhesive remover and wait a day or so before putting a new form in to give your dogs ear time to heal. 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. An untreated ear infection can lead to serious long-term complications or may result in your dog needing surgery. The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, well-proportioned, natural, medium-sized, square dog. These dogs can be the wrong choice for the average household because of their greater-than-average need for mental and physical exercise. The Mali's feet are small and rounded, and they are similar to cats feet. Size. The alert, lively Belgian Malinois has been hard at work for centuries, originally as a sheepdog in Belgium and beginning in the 20th century, as a military and police dog. Cookie Consent Tool. Parasites steal the nutrients from the food leaving your puppy without essential elements for proper development and growth. The Belgian Malinois can look quite similar to the German shepherd at first glance. Are you wondering when your Belgian Malinois ears should stand up, what you can do to help, and what you should do if theyre not up on time? Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. Female: 40-60 lbs. Ears that are held tightly pressed back signal a canine in a defensive position. High-quality puppy food should contain enough calcium so never give calcium supplements to your dog without a consultation with your vet. In 1892, the first Belgian shepherd dog standard was written recognizing three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. 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. It is essential for a Belgian Malinois to receive vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation. These strips are really light in weight, a great thing that can secure your Mals ear in place without weighing them down. You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. Belgian Malinoisesare prone to a skin allergy called atopy, where the ears are heavily affected. Today, Belgian Malinois are often seen in the U.S. military and police forces. Dont forget to wash the food thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. 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. A Mals coat is composed of 2 layers, one dense undercoat which is like an insulator, and their outer coat which acts as a cover against weather, dirt, or other aspects that would make your dog uncomfortable if it were to touch their skin. 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.