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. Typically ear infections do not go away on their own. Before bringing home a Belgian Malinois puppy, make sure your breeder had the pups parents tested for these conditions. The Belgian Malinois is a strong and eager work dog that is built for any task. The chewing action helps strengthen the muscles needed for their ears to stay up. Breeders were looking to create a strong herding dog and protector with a steadfast work ethic. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_18',161,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1'); .mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-161{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;}Fun Tidbit: One owner used tampons to tape her dogs ears up. All Belgian Malinois puppies are born with irresistible floppy ears. There are many treatment options available for atopy and it is normally easily treatable! Female: 22-24 in. Energetic companions, thoughtful protectors, and just plain good dogs, Belgian Malinois have an outstanding reputation in the canine community. The Mali's feet are small and rounded, and they are similar to cats feet. Its always important to reach out to your vet first. Bred to work, Mals are packed with powerful muscles, yet their bodies have an elegant appearance. Some were used as military dogs during World War I. However, when Belgian Malinois dont get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors to keep themselves entertained. Males are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds (25 to 34 kilograms). Chewing is extremely important for dogs in general but puppies in particular. They are often used as guard dogs, watchdogs and livestock guardians - there is very little that this hardworking dog cannot do. In 1892, the first Belgian shepherd dog standard was written recognizing three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats. Aim for at least one to two hours of exercise per day, including brisk walks, running, hiking, and playing fetch. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. 7 Reasons Why your Belgian Malinois Follows you Everywhere! Although, each Belgian Malinois is different and you must learn what your own Mal is communicating to you. Belgian Malinois have a short, waterproof coat, making them easy to care for. 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. Also, aim to brush its teeth daily. These dogs generally arent well-suited to living in an apartment, as they need lots of space to run and play. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. While this can certainly have its benefits, it can also make it difficult to have guests or strangers come into the house. Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for, The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. And their grooming is fairly simple. Since German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are comparable in a number of ways, breeding these two breeds leads to an intelligent and hardworking dog. Furthermore, these supplements will help your puppy to develop healthy joints, which is an important consideration for large breed dogs like the Belgian Malinois. Back To Dog Breeds. Compared to many breeds, these dogs dont have a lot of health concerns, especially if they were bred by a responsible breeder. ), Gnawing through doors and window frames, or breaking windows. In that case, you cannot do anything. | When & How To Help, Why Do Police Use Belgian Malinois? This can lead to them chasing after cars, other animals, and even children. 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 Belgian Malinois ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. High-quality puppy food should contain enough calcium so never give calcium supplements to your dog without a consultation with your vet. 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. 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. They reach back as early as the 18th Century. Training and socialization should start as early as possible and continue throughout their life to provide them with adequate mental stimulation. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. 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. Make sure there are no folds or wrinkles in the ear and that it appears smooth on the outside. The coat should conform to the body without standing out or hanging down. If you bring a puppy with a perfect genetics background to your home, the rest its on you. Belgian Malinois specifically have very unique communication signals that often involve the ears. The Belgian Malinois, along with the Groenendael, was the first variety to appear in the United States in the early part of the 1900s. He characterized the variety as a medium-sized square. In one sense, it shows the true ability of the breed to be an outstanding and reliable working dog. Be careful not to add too much calcium to your dogs diet as this can cause digestion problems and an upset stomach. Oftentimes their ears are thick not only because of their strong cartilage but because they are a double-coated dog breed. 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. Yes, United Canine Association Registration. Bathing when dirty, brushing once or twice a week, and clipping the nails will keep your Malinois in great condition. Belgian Malinois temperament. 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. Learn more about Wren - Located in Florida today. 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. 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. A good rule of thumb is that the ears should be erect by the time your puppy has finished teething. 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. Dont forget to wash the food thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. What's the difference between a German shepherd and a Belgian Malinois? This can cause damage to certain areas in the ear as well as inflammation and further infection. 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. Atrophy means wasting away over time. These can cause joint pain and arthritis. The ear should stand up without folding from the base. The male Afghan hound stands some 27 inches tall, the female about 25 inches. Ears that are held tightly pressed back signal a canine in a defensive position. Although appearance is often noted, the feel of a Belgian Malinoiss ears is interesting as well. 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). Provide a high-quality diet and offer him a variety of chew toys. The breed standard for the Belgian Malinois states that the ears should be stiff and erect. They should be proportionate to the size of the dogs head and in the general shape of a triangle. To view the contact email and phone number, please complete the reCAPTCHA below. These strips are really light in weight, a great thing that can secure your Mals ear in place without weighing them down. 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. An improper low protein diet may cause poorly developed cartilage and floppy ears as a result. There are several things that need to be considered before bringing a Belgian Malinois into your home. 2 Males and 3 Females. A Belgian Malinois will constantly be trying to keep the toddler in one spot! He stands squarely on all fours. Dont overdo with protein though as excess protein may lead to obesity. Instead, German Malinois puppies are a cross between a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois. A Belgian Malinois' eyes are medium-sized and slightly almond-shaped. How much to feed your dog depends on many factors, including your pups age, activity level, and size. 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. If you have any further questions or want more photos reach out. Two of the most common reasons areear infectionsandcollagen deficiencies. The Belgian Malinois lifespan is 10-14 years. How Much Time Is Required For Malinois Ears To Stand Up? . Females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). You want your Belgian Malinois puppy to have the best possible start to life, and that includes growing strong, noble, erect ears. Offer your Mal puppy a variety of chew toys. The Belgian Malinois is a double-coated breed and will generally shed twice a year. Dam has a coat that is fawn w/ black mask in color. That way, chewing has a great influence on ears upright position. When she's not taking care of her puppies she enjoys playing, running, snuggling, socializing, and walking. A strong, rugged dog, the Belgian Malinois exhibits a wide range of temperament and aggressiveness. Good nutrition is essential for your dog to develop properly, including the ears. This makes them great running, hiking, and biking companions. The cotton ball should be big and fluffy enough to thoroughly fill the ear canal. 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. Here are some things that you can do to set your puppy up for success. Belgian Malinois dont always get along with other dogs, but having positive exposure to other dogs from a young age can help. Weight. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. Dam (Mom) Belgian Malinois. link to Can Belgian Malinois Eat Raw Meat? Malinois instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people's heels. Belgian Malinois are squarely built, proud, and alert herders standing 22 to 26 inches. This means that Belgian Malinois do best in a house where they have a job to perform, such as agility, tracking, and/or obedience. It has a thick coat about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, which ranges in colour from . Some dogs can go longer between nail trims if they naturally wear down their nails through activity, such as walking on pavement. They found that their Belgian Malinoiss ears stood up very fast after weeks on this specific diet. Belgian Malinois are predisposed to elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, both of which are hereditary structural joint conditions. State: Louisiana. This attribute is very unique and helps owners to decipher how their dog is feeling. The Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Belgian Tervuren all have the same origin. This in turn makes their faces portray different expressions. They are made of special foam. Therefore, they need ample daily exercise daily; otherwise, they become mischievous or high-strung. Floppy ears in Belgian Malinois dogs are usually a question of genetics or poor diet. Temporalis muscle we have already mentioned in this article is highly involved in chewing. 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. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. Thus, it often doesn't do well around rambunctious children and might become nippy. The cartilage in the ear increases significantly after development in areas such as sight and hearing. Example of Malinois puppy with floppy ears. Both breeds are high energy and need a job to do to help stimulate their mind and keep them happy. It is normal for a Belgian Malinois puppy to have floppy ears. 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. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Malinois in 1959. The coat should be comparatively short and straight, hard enough to be weather resistant, with a dense undercoat. Belgian Malinois also have a high prey drive, making them extremely interested in moving objects. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. This is perfectly normal and does not mean that the other ear wont catch up. All rights reserved. It is very important that they have sufficient calcium in their diet since enough calcium will help the ears develop properly. 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. If your pet does end up with dysplasia, treatment can range from pain medication and joint supplements to surgery. Sufficient glucosamine and another supplement known as chondroitin will help your puppy to develop good, strong cartilage. However, they can have a protective streak and are somewhat reserved around strangers. The breed was originally used as hunting and herding dogs, hence why their ears are an important feature. It may be difficult to determine whether your dog has allergies, an ear infection, or mites. In general, this breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please. 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. A healthy ear should be light pink with no smell and little wax if any. The mask and ears are black. Each time a Mals ears tilt a certain direction, they are expressing themselves and their emotions, concerns, etc. No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the Seal Teams to the Bin Laden Raid. Some dogs will have erect ears at the end of a week of treatment. 22-26 in. They are ergonomically designed to promote the proper shape and growth of soft Malinois puppy ears. These dogs also require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-mannered. The mask and ears are black. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. 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. Not having straight ears is very common with mixed breeds however and should not be a huge concern. There is nothing to worry about if your puppys ears are not standing up just yet. As with all dogs, their nails should be trimmed regularly. Finally, some dogs are simply genetically predisposed to ears that flop. Other dogs will need another week or more. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'arcanapets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'arcanapets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-114{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. All rights reserved. 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 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. Your Malmay move his ears back or flatten them against his head when he isfeeling submissive, anxious or afraid. There are many ways that Belgian Malinois owners have tried to straighten their pups ears faster; however, talking with your vet is one of the best ways to find out what is right for your dog in particular. Chewing helps your Mals to relieve the pain that comes from teething. Cookie Consent Tool. Belgian Malinois ears are erect and triangular and sit high atop their heads. Overshot and undershot . Why Do Some Malinois Dogs Have One or Both Drooping Ears. . The Belgian Malinois is a working breed with needs only an experienced owner can meet. If your Malinois ears arent straightening as expected, there are a few things that you can do to help. These dogs differed only in the texture, color and length of hair. link to Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? 40-83 lb. 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. 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. His ears as well. Belgian Malinois were bred in Belgium, while German Shepherds were bred in Germany. As with any breed, if you think the BelgianMalinoisis right for you, be sure to do your research before you get one. A wide range is seen in temperament and aggressiveness. The Belgian Malinois dog breed is known for its adorable ears that stand up straight; however, some Belgian Malinois owners often wonder why their new puppys ears are floppy. Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. Its recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who specializes in the breed. Chewing personal items (shoes, clothes, etc. An early period trauma can also be the cause. Talking to your vet is the best option for deciding whether or not to participate in these diet changes. This is due to cases of malnutrition, illness, fungal infections, parasites, and many other causes. The Belgian Malinois is a double-coated breed and will generally shed twice a year. This breed is not suitable for households with small, erratic children. 2022 TrendingBreeds. It needs lots of mental stimulation and physical activity every day. The breed's coat is short and hard with a thick undercoat. With every dog the cartlidge in their ears need to develop. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. Example of young Malinois puppy with erect ears. But, in general, Belgian Malinois tend to have a slightly higher energy level than German Shepherds. About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy| Terms and Conditions | Cookie Policy|Disclaimer. All are named for Belgian villages: Groenendael, Laekenois, Mechelar (Malinois) and Tervuren. Zipcode: 70634. Like other terriers, the West Highland White is smart, independent with a slight touch of stubbornness. 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. But the breeds have a different head shape, and the Belgian Malinois is leaner than the German shepherd and has shorter fur. There are several steps to take that will ensure your Mals ears stay clean and healthy! Features: Upright ears (naturally) Expectations: Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. The Malinois was one of four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog in use in the late 1800s. At this age, the head is not quite fully grown, so the ears may have a tendency to touch at the tips, but in general, the ears will straighten out and arrive at the proper angle by the time the dog is about 8 months or a year old. However, this can vary widely depending on location and the lineage of the puppy. 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. Shedding often increases as the weather changes in the spring and fall, necessitating more regular brushing. Its high herding instinct can cause it to try to nip at kids heels. 5 Belgian Malinois for sale. Thank you. 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.