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. Belgian Malinois temperament. A Belgian Malinois that has been fully trained for protection can cost as much as $45,000-$65,000. Size. But, in general, Belgian Malinois tend to have a slightly higher energy level than German Shepherds. Belgian Malinoises do not need to have their ears cropped. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Do Belgian Malinois ears stand up? It was specifically recommended to add glucosamine, a natural cartilage-building amino sugar to a Belgian Malinoiss diet to build the cartilage strong enough to hold the ears straight. Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Information: Facts, Traits, Pictures & More 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. About our Ads. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. In the case of genetics, you cannot do much. Males can weigh up to 80 pounds, and females are a little smaller, weighing 60 pounds. The Belgian Malinois is a sturdy well-muscled dog of almost square proportions. All of these issues first occur with the symptoms of whining, head shaking, and scratching. Dont forget to wash the food thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. Ears that hang or fold over at the tip will disqualify a dog for American Kennel Club shows. 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. Lifespan. The English cocker spaniel is cheerful, playful and thrives on companionship and being part of the family. Plus, Belgian Malinois are part of Navy SEAL teams and have been used in operations, including that which resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011. For dogs that have been trained, the level of training further dictates the cost. A wide range is seen in temperament and aggressiveness. 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. Before bringing home a Belgian Malinois puppy, make sure your breeder had the pups parents tested for these conditions. Again, training and socialization should begin when your Belgian Malinois puppy is young and continue throughout their life. 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? State: Louisiana. Good nutrition is essential for your dog to develop properly, including the ears. Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. He stands squarely on all fours. A Belgian Malinois is lean and muscled, with a more slender face, whereas a shepherd is a bit burly with thicker fur. Provide a high-quality diet and offer him a variety of chew toys. 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. The Belgian Malinois is a large dog, with males weighing between 55 and 80 pounds and females between 40 and 60 pounds. Belgian Malinois are incredibly loyal dogs and tend to form an unbreakable bond with their human. This means that Belgian Malinois do best in a house where they have a job to perform, such as agility, tracking, and/or obedience. Thus, it often doesn't do well around rambunctious children and might become nippy. 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). In general, they do well on any high-quality dog food with a veterinarians supervision. This dog is demanding and needs an experienced owner. A healthy ear should be light pink with no smell and little wax if any. Symptoms specific to mites include head and ear scratching, dark/crumbly reddish-brown discharge, dried blood, inflammation, and infections. German Malinois (Belgian Malinois & German Shepherd Mix): Pictures Versatile by nature, Belgian Malinois are popular working dogs throughout the military and police communities. A well-trained and socialized Belgian Malinois can be a great dog, but one of their inherent traits is being protective of their family. Ears that are held tightly pressed back signal a canine in a defensive position. This is important to make sure that you dont end up with wrinkles in the ear at the end. Sufficient glucosamine and another supplement known as chondroitin will help your puppy to develop good, strong cartilage. . Most of the time, a Belgian Malinois puppys ears will be fully erect by the age of 6 or 8 months. 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). The general appearance of Mals ears includes a distinct triangle shape. 2 Males and 3 Females. When Do Belgian Malinois Ears Stand Up? ( What To Do If They Don't ) 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. The Great Depression and importation restrictions during World War II caused the breed to diminish in the U.S. As an Amazon Associate, TrendingBreeds.com earns from qualifying purchases. Typically their ears will begin to stand on their own between 610 weeks. Feeding schedules in dogs are determined on a dog-by-dog basis. He prefers cool climates, but readily adapts well to others. Considerations for Pet Parents Read our, 10 Best Energetic Dog Breeds for Active People. Offer your Mal puppy a variety of chew toys. Training and socialization should start as early as possible and continue throughout their life to provide them with adequate mental stimulation. 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. Afghans generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. Sire is CKC registered, and Dam is registered. 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. Why Do Some Malinois Dogs Have One or Both Drooping Ears. 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. On average, a purebred Belgian Malinois puppy with American Kennel Club-registered parents will cost around $2,000-$3,500. 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. This attribute is very unique and helps owners to decipher how their dog is feeling. 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. Theyre also excellent at agility, tracking, herding, and obedience competitions. The hair is somewhat longer around the neck where it forms a collarette, and on the tail and backs of the thighs. Example of Malinois puppy with floppy ears. First edition, St. Martins Press, 2019. Belgian Malinois are born with floppy ears that fold over adorably into little triangles at the top of their heads. 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. Atrophy means wasting away over time. Belgian Malinoisesare prone to a skin allergy called atopy, where the ears are heavily affected. Some things they love include herding, agility, search and rescue, and tracking. Official Standard for the BELGIAN MALINOIS - ABMC The size should be proportional to the dog's head. As the dog gets older, the ears will begin to straighten up. American Kennel Club. In one sense, it shows the true ability of the breed to be an outstanding and reliable working dog. Males are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds (25 to 34 kilograms). Belgian Malinois are one of the most proud, intelligent, and hardworking dog breeds in existence. Your puppy should have enough protein to help them grow but not so much that they gain weight unnecessarily or grow too quickly. It needs lots of mental stimulation and physical activity every day. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Ear position can tell us a lot about how our dogs are feeling. Sometimes injury, even a relatively minor injury, early in your dogs life can result in an ear that does not grow properly. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. Belgian Malinois are incredibly loyal and smart, but theyre also high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and stimulation. 7 Reasons Why your Belgian Malinois Follows you Everywhere! 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. Belgian Malinois were first bred near the city of Malines in Belgium, where they got their name. Belgian Malinois - Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital . There are many treatment options available for atopy and it is normally easily treatable! There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. Theyre fast and engaged learners, making training not only fun, but critical for their mental well-being. 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. Since Belgian Malinoisin particular are very prone to normal allergies, it is sometimes difficult to determine why they are scratching. 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. They are made of special foam. This makes them great running, hiking, and biking companions. If your dogs ears have not stood up by themselves by the time the dog is done teething, it may be necessary to tape the ears if you want to end up with the erect ears that are desirable for this breed. 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. What Can I Do To Stimulate My Malinois Dog Ears To Stand Up? Belgian Malinois Facts - Wisdom Panel Dog Breeds If a puppys parents have very large, floppy ears, anything you do wont help your Mals ears to stand up one day. Belgian Malinois specifically have very unique communication signals that often involve the ears. This blowout of their undercoat typically lasts 2-3 weeks and helps better prepare their body for the coming season (winter or summer). Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. The Belgian Malinois lifespan is 10-14 years. However, when Belgian Malinois dont get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors to keep themselves entertained. The Malinois was one of four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog in use in the late 1800s. 22-26 in. 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. Its always important to reach out to your vet first. The Belgian Malinois breed standard describes him as having an effortless gait. Size: Weight Range: Male: 55-75 lbs. Some people prefer the Pink Roller Method. They are often used as guard dogs, watchdogs and livestock guardians - there is very little that this hardworking dog cannot do. The coat should be comparatively short and straight, hard enough to be weather resistant, with a dense undercoat. 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. Discuss the variety and quantity with your veterinarian, as this can vary based on age, size, activity level, and other factors. 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 cotton ball should be big and fluffy enough to thoroughly fill the ear canal. Hold the ear wrapped around the roller until the glue is dry. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Malinois in 1959. 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. These traits can make them phenomenal petsif theyre in the right household with an active, experienced pet parent. The history of the Belgian Malinois goes back to the 1880s when these dogs (with German shepherds, French . Always supervise interactions between kids and dogs of all breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a confident, intelligent working dog that takes pride in a job well done. An early period trauma can also be the cause. This will influence the cartilage and ears upright position. Symptoms typically start around 1-3 years old and can get worse every year. 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. You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. As we have already mentioned, one of the reasons may be genetics. For more about this topic, visit Neuticles permastay (article link).