A healthy ear should be light pink with no smell and little wax if any. You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. An untreated ear infection can lead to serious long-term complications or may result in your dog needing surgery. Size: Weight Range: Male: 55-75 lbs. Back To Dog Breeds. Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs. Disclaimer: This blog and all its content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional pet medical advice. A good rule of thumb is that the ears wont stand up before the teething process is finished. Belgian Malinois will have drooping ears only if something is wrong with breeding/genetics, health. The hair is somewhat longer around the neck where it forms a collarette, and on the tail and backs of the thighs. Another option is to use Ear forms ( Redline Canine is usually most recommended ). Belgian Malinois have a shorter coat thats fawn in color with a black mask and ears. These dogs differed only in the texture, color and length of hair. The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. Good nutrition is essential for your dog to develop properly, including the ears. The Mali's feet are small and rounded, and they are similar to cats feet. Ideally, Belgian Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise per daywith you by their side. It may cause serious imbalances in other minerals and problems with bone growth. These strips are really light in weight, a great thing that can secure your Mals ear in place without weighing them down. The Belgian Malinois is one of the varieties of the Belgian shepherd. As an Amazon Associate, TrendingBreeds.com earns from qualifying purchases. If Malinois ears dont stand up straight by the age of 8-9 months, probably never will. Its not only important for cartilage but also vitamin C is a great source of antioxidants. Males are slightly bigger than females. Given the similar coat patterns and inherent personality traits that come with herding breeds, its easy to see how Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds could be confused with one another. 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. Breed Group. A Belgian Malinois breeder I talked with says that it takes longer for the female puppys ears to pop up than the males. 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. Furthermore, these supplements will help your puppy to develop healthy joints, which is an important consideration for large breed dogs like the Belgian Malinois. 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. If the infection is left untreated it may become even more difficult to get rid of the infection. 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). Long-term complications of ear infections. And then the cartlidge hardens. Schipperkes are active, intelligent and curious dogs and have stubborn tendencies. Belgian Malinois generally aren't aggressive when they're well trained and socialized from a young age. 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. . But the breeds have a different head shape, and the Belgian Malinois is leaner than the German shepherd and has shorter fur. Why Does my Belgian Malinois Smell? (Fishy Odor, Bad Breath, and More!). Scratching at the skin is oftentimes an issue because if your dog cuts the skin more infections can occur. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Why Do Some Malinois Dogs Have One or Both Drooping Ears. They also can make an excellent companion for the right person, especially an active household. 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. The ear should stand up without folding from the base. 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. Belgian Malinois specifically have very unique communication signals that often involve the ears. Thank you. This is important to make sure that you dont end up with wrinkles in the ear at the end. Before bringing home a Belgian Malinois puppy, make sure your breeder had the pups parents tested for these conditions. Puppy-hood can be a rather stressful period moving to a new home, vaccination, rapid growth so whole food vitamins support is crucial. The lips are thin, tight and strongly pigmented black. Otherwise, it might become anxious or develop behavior problems. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. We also participate in other affiliate programs and are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (at no cost to you). Their coat is designed to withstand harsh weather. A Belgian Malinois should live to be 12 to 15 years. Although it can be concerning for owners, there are multiple reasons why this can happen. Other times, genetics are at fault for an ear that does not straighten. Here are some things that you can do to set your puppy up for success. A Belgian Malinois that has been fully trained for protection can cost as much as $45,000-$65,000. It is important to get your dog checked by a veterinarian immediately if you notice an ear infection has gone on too long. A breed-specific trainer will be able to help train your dog for jobs that can stimulate their minda critical aspect for this breed. 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. High-quality puppy food should contain enough calcium so never give calcium supplements to your dog without a consultation with your vet. A Mali's ears are large and triangular, and again, always standing to attention. On average, a purebred Belgian Malinois puppy with American Kennel Club-registered parents will cost around $2,000-$3,500. Like other terriers, the West Highland White is smart, independent with a slight touch of stubbornness. Sometimes, puppies may have one ear that stands up before the other. 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. Unless you are specifically working in a protection sport, you do not need to give your Belgian any protection training, as it will come naturally to them. However, as puppies grow, ears will start to erect. Their facial masks and their ears are largely black in color, while the underparts of their body, tails and breeches are light fawn. It responds well to positive reinforcement and consistent instruction. Cookie Consent Tool. Here are the steps for properly taping your Belgian Malinois ears. There are several things that need to be considered before bringing a Belgian Malinois into your home. Oftentimes Mals who do not receive the care they need have ears that may never lift. Another thing that can help in building cartilage is Vitamin C. Although dogs are able to produce their own vitamin C ( unlike humans) its recommended to feed them with whole food that contains this valuable vitamin. Female: 40-60 lbs. This method was described by Susan Barwig in the German Shepherd Book. A Belgian Malinois for sale should look muscular through her entire body without the bulk of a Bully breed. The Belgian Malinois, along with the Groenendael, was the first variety to appear in the United States in the early part of the 1900s. 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). Belgian Malinois are also predisposed to cataracts, which is a progressive hardening of the eye lens. A wide range is seen in temperament and aggressiveness. All rights reserved. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. The general appearance of Mals ears includes a distinct triangle shape. A Belgian Malinois' eyes are medium-sized and slightly almond-shaped. 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. Afghans generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. . Belgian Malinois ears are erect and triangular and sit high atop their heads. Energetic companions, thoughtful protectors, and just plain good dogs, Belgian Malinois have an outstanding reputation in the canine community. By developing a consistent nutritional diet for your dog, changes in cartilage strength may become noticeable and the ear may begin to straighten. 22-26 in. Have you ever noticed that Belgian Malinois puppies have adorable, little folded-over ears, but that the ears change as the dog gets older? Most of the time, a Belgian Malinois puppys ears will be fully erect by the age of 6 or 8 months. The mask and ears are black. Eyes. Theyre also excellent at agility, tracking, herding, and obedience competitions. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds. Well cover all that and more in the following. Belgian Malinois are squarely built, proud, and alert herders standing 22 to 26 inches. He gives the impression of elegant robustness. The Belgian Malinois' ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. Belgian Malinois dont have very specific dietary requirements. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your pet. (2023). The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. The Belgian Malinois can look quite similar to the German shepherd at first glance. Require to see the puppys parents. Sometimes injury, even a relatively minor injury, early in your dogs life can result in an ear that does not grow properly. Its always important to reach out to your vet first. These dogs also require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-mannered. Sufficient glucosamine and another supplement known as chondroitin will help your puppy to develop good, strong cartilage. Categories Belgian Malinois, Medium & Large Breeds. The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye that allows you to see light. Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs. Belgian Malinoisesare prone to a skin allergy called atopy, where the ears are heavily affected. Drooping ears or only one floppy ear would surely disqualify your Mal from the American Kennel Club shows. An independent, strong-willed dog, the Afghan can be downright standoffish, but also quiet and clownish when the mood strikes. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. The Belgian Malinois is an enthusiastic and quick dog with a natural tendency to be in motion. 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. Breeds: Belgian Sheepdog-Malinois. 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. The Belgian Malinois is roughly the same height as the German Shepherd, with males standing around 24-26 inches and females at 22-24 inches, but they are smaller, at 60-80 pounds and 40-60 pounds respectively. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Malinois in 1959. Malinois are shorthaired, fawn-colored dogs with a black . 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. Height. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. Belgian Malinois are incredibly intelligent animals, making them easy to train and highly successful working dogs. Are you able to invest in early, consistent training by a professional? Mals are tireless and focused when there's a job to do or a . Theyre best for owners with an active lifestyle who can provide plenty of ways for the dogs to exercise their minds and bodies.