No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the Seal Teams to the Bin Laden Raid. Weight. Avoid rubbing, folding, or bending his ears. Patience is keywhen waiting for your Mals ears to become straight. Mals are tireless and focused when there's a job to do or a . Calcium supplements will not have any effect on cartilage development though. 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. Overshot and undershot . They want nothing more than to be with their family, which makes them unsuitable as a kennel dog. But if your Mal is 7 months old and his ears havent stood up yet, then you might consider a few options to help him. State: Louisiana. Why are a 4-month-old Belgian Malinois' ears floppy? Belgian Malinois are squarely built, proud, and alert herders standing 22 to 26 inches. Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs. Energetic companions, thoughtful protectors, and just plain good dogs, Belgian Malinois have an outstanding reputation in the canine community. Strong head muscles, especially Temporalis muscle will ensure your pets ear stand up. The head muscles are simply not strong enough to hold those large ears upright. Simply put, progressive retinal atrophy causes retina deterioration, leading to blindness. 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). They approach an equilateral triangle shape. . The Belgian Malinois' ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. 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. Learn about this Navy SEAL favorite, plus more Belgian Malinois facts. If they are not, they need a little help from your side. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. A good rule of thumb is that the ears should be erect by the time your puppy has finished teething. 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. The Belgian Malinois excels not only in herding, but also in protection and law enforcement; drug, bomb, and gas detection; search and rescue; tracking; obedience; sledding; agility; and therapy assistance to disabled, ill or elderly people.
When Do Belgian Malinois Ears Stand Up? ( What To Do If They Don't ) Otherwise, it might become anxious or develop behavior problems. As an Amazon Associate, TrendingBreeds.com earns from qualifying purchases. (2023), How Much Does a Belgian Malinois Cost? This spotlight is both beneficial and detrimental. Its recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who specializes in the breed. It is also possible they may not be purebred but are mixed with another breed that has floppy ears. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. This makes them great running, hiking, and biking companions. Belgian Malinois also have a high prey drive, making them extremely interested in moving objects. Before bringing home a Belgian Malinois puppy, make sure your breeder had the pups parents tested for these conditions. There are a few different reasons why your full-grown Malmay have floppy ears. 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. Belgian Malinois will have drooping ears only if something is wrong with breeding/genetics, health. 2 Males and 3 Females. 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. The ears may start erecting even before 4 months of age but its more likely to happen between 4 and 6 months of age. The smart, confident, and versatile Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner. Breed Overview Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 40-80 lbs Lifespan: 10-14 years Breed Size: Medium-Large Colors: Fawn, mahogany, red, black. 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. It is a good idea to ask your vet how often you should be cleaning your Mals ears because each dog differs. The Belgian Malinois breed standard describes him as having an effortless gait. Belgian Malinois are incredible, high-energy animals that can make excellent family dogs in the right household. Always supervise interactions between kids and dogs of all breeds. And be sure to account for treats in your dog's daily caloric intake to prevent overeating. 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. Ear position can tell us a lot about how our dogs are feeling. . An untreated ear infection can lead to serious long-term complications or may result in your dog needing surgery. Females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). Parasites steal the nutrients from the food leaving your puppy without essential elements for proper development and growth. They are ergonomically designed to promote the proper shape and growth of soft Malinois puppy ears. So the more your puppy chews the more it develops Temporalis muscle that is directly related to ears and their upright position. 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. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. This process coincides with the teething phase. Sometimes, puppies may have one ear that stands up before the other. Belgian Malinois are born with floppy ears that fold over adorably into little triangles at the top of their heads. You need to clean the Pinna ( ear flap, part of the ear covered by skin) and then apply Breath Right Strip. Other times, genetics are at fault for an ear that does not straighten. Belgian Malinois. As with any breed, if you think the BelgianMalinoisis right for you, be sure to do your research before you get one. Belgian Malinois are incredibly intelligent animals, making them easy to train and highly successful working dogs. But its popularity rose again in the 1960s. A glucosamine supplement is also a good idea. When she's not taking care of her puppies she enjoys playing, running, snuggling, socializing, and walking. 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 age of 8 months is crucial as after that you wont be able to do much for your Mals ears and their upright position. 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. All the better to hear you with! 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. Those big ears! Belgians make excellent pets for the right homes, as they thrive on loving companionship. Shedding often increases as the weather changes in the spring and fall, necessitating more regular brushing. You want your Belgian Malinois puppy to have the best possible start to life, and that includes growing strong, noble, erect ears. Collagen deficiencyis a medical condition that can cause floppy ears solely because the ears are unable to stand on their own. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. The Mali's feet are small and rounded, and they are similar to cats feet. If you are worried about your dog having floppy ears into adulthood you can tape your dogs ears up to help strengthen the muscles and get the ears used to standing up on their own. If you begin seeing any of these symptomsit is recommended for you to get your Belgian Malinois to the vet right away. Discuss the variety and quantity with your veterinarian, as this can vary based on age, size, activity level, and other factors. The Belgian Malinois is a native of Belgium and one of the four related varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs. If your dog insists on messing with it, you may need to use a protective cone to keep your dog from scratching it and knocking the form off. Theyre best for owners with an active lifestyle who can provide plenty of ways for the dogs to exercise their minds and bodies. The Belgian Malinois is a stunning purebred dog that was raised to herd animals. That way, chewing has a great influence on ears upright position. Its high herding instinct can cause it to try to nip at kids heels. But, in general, Belgian Malinois tend to have a slightly higher energy level than German Shepherds. Proper care and a high-quality diet will ensure your puppy develops as it should. Plan to brush at least weekly to remove loose fur and prevent mats. A Mals ears will stand up on their own if given time and the proper care. Belgian Malinoises do not need to have their ears cropped. 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}. An improper low protein diet may cause poorly developed cartilage and floppy ears as a result. About our Ads. Likewise, this breed isnt always appropriate for families with children. Why Your Belgian Malinois Eats Grass, Poop, and Other Weird Stuff?
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. Your Mals ears may not be standing up straight because each Malinois is different.
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois: Which dog is right for you? Belgian Malinois are incredibly loyal dogs and tend to form an unbreakable bond with their human. They have an agile, athletic, and square frame with a long muzzle, erect ears, and an intelligent face. Belgian Malinois dont always get along with other dogs, but having positive exposure to other dogs from a young age can help. Symptoms specific to mites include head and ear scratching, dark/crumbly reddish-brown discharge, dried blood, inflammation, and infections. This is due to cases of malnutrition, illness, fungal infections, parasites, and many other causes. The size should be proportional to the dogs head. A Belgian Malinois that has been fully trained for protection can cost as much as $45,000-$65,000. Therefore, they need ample daily exercise daily; otherwise, they become mischievous or high-strung. 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. Some were used as military dogs during World War I. An early period trauma can also be the cause. Belgian Malinois temperament. 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. Feeding schedules in dogs are determined on a dog-by-dog basis. Theyre also excellent at agility, tracking, herding, and obedience competitions.
Belgian Malinois - Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital In general, little more thanbasic groomingis necessary. Again, training and socialization should begin when your Belgian Malinois puppy is young and continue throughout their life. These look very cute but its expected that drooping ears will stand up at some point. By developing a consistent nutritional diet for your dog, changes in cartilage strength may become noticeable and the ear may begin to straighten. 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. Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: This blog and all its content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional pet medical advice. It is important to get your dog checked by a veterinarian immediately if you notice an ear infection has gone on too long. If you have Belgian Malinois, I am sure a food choice is an important issue. A wide range is seen in temperament and aggressiveness. You may also notice your Belgian Malinois cannot hear as well as usual and is perhaps dizzy or nauseous. They should be proportionate to the size of the dogs head and in the general shape of a triangle. We also participate in other affiliate programs and are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (at no cost to you). Read our, 10 Best Energetic Dog Breeds for Active People. American Kennel Club. However, when Belgian Malinois dont get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors to keep themselves entertained. Or check out this popular hack from a dog trainer YouTuber. 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. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your pet. 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). High-quality puppy food should contain enough calcium so never give calcium supplements to your dog without a consultation with your vet. Belgian Malinoises are prone to a skin allergy called "atopy," where the ears are heavily affected. If the infection is left untreated it may become even more difficult to get rid of the infection. Thank you. Signs to monitor for at home include: Difficulty getting on/off furniture, going upstairs, and getting into cars. And what to do if your Mals ears dont erect as they should? To deny a Mal activity and the pleasure of your company is to deprive him of his very reasons for being. 2022 TrendingBreeds. Do Belgian Malinois ears stand up? 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. Breeders were looking to create a strong herding dog and protector with a steadfast work ethic. You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. learners. Males are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and females 21 to 25 inches. 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.
3 Ways to Identify a Belgian Malinois - wikiHow This promotes new hair growth and distributes oils throughout the coat. 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. For Heartworms your dog should be tested. You canuse tape like this.
Differences Between the Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherd Dog Breeds Ideally, Belgian Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise per daywith you by their side. Example of young Malinois puppy with erect ears. If your dogs ears are not growing upright as they ought to be, there are some things that you can do to help. Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. These Belgian shepherds date back to the 1800s, and the Malinois gets its name from the city of Malines where it was developed. Belgian Malinois are born with floppy ears that fold over adorably into little triangles at the top of their heads. 40-83 lb. Since the ears are made of cartilage, your Mal puppy needs a lot of protein in his diet. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PRA, but a good Belgian Malinois breeder will screen the parents before breeding so the condition doesnt get passed on to their offspring. In 1892, the first Belgian shepherd dog standard was written recognizing three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats.