| When & How To Help, Why Do Police Use Belgian Malinois? Belgian Malinois are born with floppy ears that fold over adorably into little triangles at the top of their heads. The Belgian Malinois breed standard describes him as having an effortless gait. 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. Feed a high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet; most owners feed two meals per day. 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. Some more serious issues include hearing loss, balance issues, deafness in the infected ear, or in extreme cases, Horners syndrome, which is a condition that causes a loss of stimulation in the nerves surrounding the eyes. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. A strong, rugged dog, the Belgian Malinois exhibits a wide range of temperament and aggressiveness. This breed also is an excellent candidate fordog sportsor any activity that involves focus and endurance to challenge it mentally and physically. 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? Ears that are held tightly pressed back signal a canine in a defensive position. It may cause serious imbalances in other minerals and problems with bone growth. Belgian Malinoises are prone to a skin allergy called "atopy," where the ears are heavily affected. Have you ever noticed that Belgian Malinois puppies have adorable, little folded-over ears, but that the ears change as the dog gets older? 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. Training and socialization should start as early as possible and continue throughout their life to provide them with adequate mental stimulation. Chewing helps your Mals to relieve the pain that comes from teething. Zipcode: 70634. Here are the steps for properly taping your Belgian Malinois ears. Mals are tireless and focused when there's a job to do or a . The breed's coat is short and hard with a thick undercoat. Yes, United Canine Association Registration. Females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). This promotes new hair growth and distributes oils throughout the coat. The Great Depression and importation restrictions during World War II caused the breed to diminish in the U.S. In the case of genetics, you cannot do much. A breed-specific trainer will be able to help train your dog for jobs that can stimulate their minda critical aspect for this breed. 7 Belgian Malinois . Your puppy should have enough protein to help them grow but not so much that they gain weight unnecessarily or grow too quickly. Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. Talking to your vet is the best option for deciding whether or not to participate in these diet changes. In general, little more thanbasic groomingis necessary. 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. The ears may start erecting even before 4 months of age but its more likely to happen between 4 and 6 months of age. Belgian Malinois dont always get along with other dogs, but having positive exposure to other dogs from a young age can help. Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? Typically, Belgian Malinois need more than 40 minutes of exercise per day. If your Malinois ears arent straightening as expected, there are a few things that you can do to help. 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. When Belgian Malinois dont get enough exercise or stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors, such as: Destroying furniture, rugs, carpet, curtains, plants, etc. The Belgian Malinois' temperament is marked by its high energy level. Sometimes, puppies may have one ear that stands up before the other. Both breeds are high energy and need a job to do to help stimulate their mind and keep them happy. A Belgian Malinois is lean and muscled, with a more slender face, whereas a shepherd is a bit burly with thicker fur. 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 squarely built, proud, and alert herders standing 22 to 26 inches. Patience is keywhen waiting for your Mals ears to become straight. It is essential for a Belgian Malinois to receive vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation. The ears are stiff and erect, proportionate to the head in size. The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd Dog. Today, Belgian Malinois are often seen in the U.S. military and police forces. If you're interested in similar breeds, check out: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! High-quality puppy food should contain enough calcium so never give calcium supplements to your dog without a consultation with your vet. Aim for at least one to two hours of exercise per day, including brisk walks, running, hiking, and playing fetch. In general, they do well on any high-quality dog food with a veterinarians supervision. The size should be proportional to the dogs head. However, there are a few key differences between them. A healthy ear should be light pink with no smell and little wax if any. Other times, genetics are at fault for an ear that does not straighten. Symptoms typically start around 13 years old and can get worse every year. Its like you add one additional layer of the cartilage to support your Mals soft ears. The breed standard for the Belgian Malinois states that the ears should be stiff and erect. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. 2 Males and 3 Females. Thus, it often doesn't do well around rambunctious children and might become nippy. Belgian Malinois are also predisposed to cataracts, which is a progressive hardening of the eye lens. The Belgian Malinois is a working breed with needs only an experienced owner can meet. Female: 22-24 in. Smart and easily trained, the ever-popular German shepherd is quite active and likes to have something to do. Its recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who specializes in the breed. For further information to help connect you with a Belgian Malinois, check out: Might not be appropriate for families with small children, Requires lots of activity and mental stimulation. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Check whether your dog needs a nail trim roughly once a month. Belgian Malinois will have drooping ears only if something is wrong with breeding/genetics, health. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your pet. For Heartworms your dog should be tested. Sufficient glucosamine and another supplement known as chondroitin will help your puppy to develop good, strong cartilage. The Belgian Malinois lifespan is 10-14 years. Since Belgian Malinoisin particular are very prone to normal allergies, it is sometimes difficult to determine why they are scratching. How Much Time Is Required For Malinois Ears To Stand Up? 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. With every dog the cartlidge in their ears need to develop. There are several steps to take that will ensure your Mals ears stay clean and healthy! The coat should conform to the body without standing out or hanging down. Both should be finished at the same time. For dogs that have been trained, the level of training further dictates the cost. Belgian Malinois ears are erect and triangular and sit high atop their heads. Strong head muscles, especially Temporalis muscle will ensure your pets ear stand up. Although appearance is often noted, the feel of a Belgian Malinoiss ears is interesting as well. The smart, confident, and versatile Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner. The Belgian Malinois is an enthusiastic and quick dog with a natural tendency to be in motion. Different chew toys will stimulate and exercise different muscle groups. learners. Remove all seeds, stems, and leaves. A good rule of thumb is that the ears wont stand up before the teething process is finished. Belgian Malinois. They are often used as guard dogs, watchdogs and livestock guardians - there is very little that this hardworking dog cannot do. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Why Does my Belgian Malinois Smell? The male Afghan hound stands some 27 inches tall, the female about 25 inches. Another useful vitamin to make sure is included in your puppys diet is vitamin C. Vitamin C is a great source of antioxidants, but more importantly for your dogs ears, it helps to build cartilage. Some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_16',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); First, put the pencil in the whole of the roller, then spread a layer of glue ( special type, that is safe for dogs) using the plastic knife and let it dry until sticky, then apply another layer of glue. The general appearance of Mals ears includes a distinct triangle shape. 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. Belgians make excellent pets for the right homes, as they thrive on loving companionship. The Malinois first arrived in the United States in the early 1900s. Most of the time, a Belgian Malinois puppys ears will be fully erect by the age of 6 or 8 months. This dog is demanding and needs an experienced owner. And their grooming is fairly simple. They found that their Belgian Malinoiss ears stood up very fast after weeks on this specific diet. This dog is at their happiest when they have a task or something to focus on. The inside of the ear is straight whereas the outside has a slight outward curve that runs back to the neck. 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. State: Louisiana. Oftentimes their ears are thick not only because of their strong cartilage but because they are a double-coated dog breed. Theyre also excellent at agility, tracking, herding, and obedience competitions. Bathing when dirty, brushing once or twice a week, and clipping the nails will keep your Malinois in great condition. 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. They thrive when they have a job and are extremely well-suited to becoming a working dog, such as in police and military operations. 2. The coat should be comparatively short and straight, hard enough to be weather resistant, with a dense undercoat. 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. Mar 28, 2016 Date of Birth. link to Can Belgian Malinois Eat Raw Meat? Its not only important for cartilage but also vitamin C is a great source of antioxidants. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Malinois in 1959. Are you able to invest in early, consistent training by a professional? Their ears are much more triangular in shape than the German Shepherd and their body shape is square as opposed to curved. Be careful not to add too much calcium to your dogs diet as this can cause digestion problems and an upset stomach. Provide a high-quality diet and offer him a variety of chew toys. Two of the most common reasons areear infectionsandcollagen deficiencies. An untreated ear infection can lead to serious long-term complications or may result in your dog needing surgery. . These dogs generally have a moderately affectionate and friendly personality, but they do form strong bonds with their owners. Many owners dont think about chew toys as related to the ears, but in fact, having good chew toys will exercise your puppys jaw, neck, and head. If your dogs ears are not growing upright as they ought to be, there are some things that you can do to help. Discuss the variety and quantity with your veterinarian, as this can vary based on age, size, activity level, and other factors. If you begin seeing any of these symptomsit is recommended for you to get your Belgian Malinois to the vet right away. The outer corner of a Malinois ear should not dip below the center of the eye. The AKC outline that white markings are considered a fault except when found on the tip of . A glucosamine supplement is also a good idea. As the dog gets older, the ears will begin to straighten up. 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? The Belgian Malinois can live in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It may be difficult to determine whether your dog has allergies, an ear infection, or mites. 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. About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy| Terms and Conditions | Cookie Policy|Disclaimer. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. Belgian Malinois are medium-sized herding dogs. Simply put, progressive retinal atrophy causes retina deterioration, leading to blindness. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. Why are a 4-month-old Belgian Malinois' ears floppy? Since there is a number of studies about a raw diet, vets and dogs associations are either for or strongly against feeding We are pet lovers and we want to share our experience with pets that we gathered over the years. Proper care and a high-quality diet will ensure your puppy develops as it should. 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. In 1892, the first Belgian shepherd dog standard was written recognizing three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats. Belgian Malinois are incredibly smart dogs, which makes them eager (and fast!) The mask and ears are black. While this can certainly have its benefits, it can also make it difficult to have guests or strangers come into the house. Reward you are Belgian Malinois pup with a delicious treat, ideally in a, If your dog insists on messing with it, you may need to use a, When Do Blue Heelers' Ears Stand Up? They should be fully erected at the age of 8 months. Although it can be concerning for owners, there are multiple reasons why this can happen. Her reasoning was it holds them upright while everything is growing.This is not recommended though because your dog might rebel and try to eat the tampon. When she's not taking care of her puppies she enjoys playing, running, snuggling, socializing, and walking. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. Another very important aspect of your puppys life to help them develop erect ears are chew toys. Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. Finally, some dogs are simply genetically predisposed to ears that flop. He characterized the variety as a medium-sized square. Will your dog have a job to do to keep them busy and engaged? 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. Also, aim to brush its teeth daily. Ideally, Belgian Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise per daywith you by their side. Why Do Some Malinois Dogs Have One or Both Drooping Ears. Although the Mal puppies are born with drooping ears, they should stand up by the age of 8 months. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. Like other terriers, the West Highland White is smart, independent with a slight touch of stubbornness. 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. They also can make an excellent companion for the right person, especially an active household. Overshot and undershot . The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, well-proportioned, natural, medium-sized, square dog. By being able to move their ears in certain ways they not only can pick up on certain sounds but are also able to inform their owners of what they are feeling. The moment they start to get their adult teeth their ears start to go all over the place. They are set well apart and are tilted directly forward. If a puppys parents have very large, floppy ears, anything you do wont help your Mals ears to stand up one day. Talk to your veterinarian, otherBelgian Malinois owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers, and rescue groups to learn more. Dam has a coat that is fawn w/ black mask in color. Theyre best for owners with an active lifestyle who can provide plenty of ways for the dogs to exercise their minds and bodies. 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. 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. 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. The ear should stand up without folding from the base. Belgian Malinois are one of the most proud, intelligent, and hardworking dog breeds in existence. As with any breed, if you think the BelgianMalinoisis right for you, be sure to do your research before you get one. These medium-sized dogs were primarily bred to work on farms, herding sheep and cattle. Here are some things that you can do to set your puppy up for success. They started to stand, but now they are flopping again. As we have already mentioned, one of the reasons may be genetics. The Belgian Malinois can look quite similar to the German shepherd at first glance. 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. It is not recommended to use peroxide or cotton swabs in your dogs ears. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. The English cocker spaniel is cheerful, playful and thrives on companionship and being part of the family. The head muscles are simply not strong enough to hold those large ears upright. Miniature Schnauzers are square-bodied dogs with wiry coats. The Belgian Malinois is a confident, intelligent working dog that takes pride in a job well done. They have an agile, athletic, and square frame with a long muzzle, erect ears, and an intelligent face. In that case, you cannot do anything. 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. Dont panic if your Malinois still has drooping ears at the age of 5 months. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. If your dogs ears stood up once, they will stand up again. Belgian Malinois are born with floppy ears that fold over adorably into little triangles at the top of their heads. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. As with all dogs, their nails should be trimmed regularly. . Drooping ears or only one floppy ear would surely disqualify your Mal from the American Kennel Club shows. Those big ears!