The mask and ears are black. Be careful not to add too much calcium to your dogs diet as this can cause digestion problems and an upset stomach. 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. 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. The Belgian Malinois can look quite similar to the German shepherd at first glance. Some common communication signals that Belgian Malinois may use are: Your Belgian Malinois may indicate their emotions and feelings by placing their ears in multiple positions to show what they are feeling. Symptoms specific to mites include head and ear scratching, dark/crumbly reddish-brown discharge, dried blood, inflammation, and infections. Are you able to invest in early, consistent training by a professional? Not having straight ears is very common with mixed breeds however and should not be a huge concern. . Belgian Malinois are incredible, high-energy animals that can make excellent family dogs in the right household. Place the form into the ear, making sure that it is far enough down to the base to keep the ear erect but not so far into the ear canal to irritate your dog. Scratching at the skin is oftentimes an issue because if your dog cuts the skin more infections can occur. 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. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. 12-16 yr. They do shed seasonally twice a year, so dont be surprised if you see more hair on the floor in the fall and spring. 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. 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. However, there are a few key differences between them. 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. The Belgian Malinois has been one of the most widely used working dogs for hundreds of years, but it recently came to spotlight when Seal Team Six used a Malinois to hunt and capture Osama Bin Laden. You will also need one unsharpened pencil and a plastic knife. The Belgian Malinois' temperament is marked by its high energy level. They want nothing more than to be with their family, which makes them unsuitable as a kennel dog. 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. These dogs are incredibly loyal to their masters and work hard to keep their bond with family members strong and intact. Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? 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. The form should stay in place for about a week. Proper care and a high-quality diet will ensure your puppy develops as it should. Size variations are extensive, with dogs ranging from 40 to 80 pounds. He stands squarely on all fours. Belgian Malinoises are prone to a skin allergy called "atopy," where the ears are heavily affected. The size should be proportional to the dogs head. Check whether your dog needs a nail trim roughly once a month. Female: 40-60 lbs. Instead, German Malinois puppies are a cross between a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois. In an otherwise healthy pet, if they are on a high-quality complete and balanced diet, they shouldnt need any additional nutritional supplements unless directed by your veterinarian. A Belgian Malinois is lean and muscled, with a more slender face, whereas a shepherd is a bit burly with thicker fur. The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, well-proportioned, natural, medium-sized, square dog. Other dogs will need another week or more. 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). Give the ear form a second coat of skin adhesive, and lay it flat on something to keep the adhesive from dripping off of it. Both breeds are high energy and need a job to do to help stimulate their mind and keep them happy. The Belgian Malinois has a full complement of strong white teeth that are evenly set and meet in a scissors or level bite. Talk to your veterinarian, otherBelgian Malinois owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers, and rescue groups to learn more. If your dogs ears stood up once, they will stand up again. 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. 2 Males and 3 Females. 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). 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. Your Mals ears may not be standing up straight because each Malinois is different. 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. Different chew toys will stimulate and exercise different muscle groups. For Heartworms your dog should be tested. 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. 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. This process may take a while. You canuse tape like this. Belgian Malinois have a shorter coat thats fawn in color with a black mask and ears. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-box-4','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-box-4-0'); The ears are made of cartilage and not bone. Belgian Malinois generally aren't aggressive when they're well trained and socialized from a young age. 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. These dogs are generally very intelligent, loyal, and diligent. The Malinois first arrived in the United States in the early 1900s. 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. A good rule of thumb is that the ears should be erect by the time your puppy has finished teething. It is a good idea to ask your vet how often you should be cleaning your Mals ears because each dog differs. Puppy-hood can be a rather stressful period moving to a new home, vaccination, rapid growth so whole food vitamins support is crucial. They reach back as early as the 18th Century. Do Belgian Malinois ears stand up? - Pure Belgian Malinois When Malinois are young, ears that are not fully erect is not uncommon. You want your Belgian Malinois puppy to have the best possible start to life, and that includes growing strong, noble, erect ears. The Belgian Malinois' ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. If Malinois ears dont stand up straight by the age of 8-9 months, probably never will. These dogs also require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-mannered. Breed Overview Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 40-80 lbs Lifespan: 10-14 years Breed Size: Medium-Large Colors: Fawn, mahogany, red, black. Strong head muscles, especially Temporalis muscle will ensure your pets ear stand up. Belgian Malinois are born with floppy ears that fold over adorably into little triangles at the top of their heads. Belgian Malinois are one of the most proud, intelligent, and hardworking dog breeds in existence. Dont forget to wash the food thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training. Their ears are much more triangular in shape than the German Shepherd and their body shape is square as opposed to curved. Oftentimes Mals who do not receive the care they need have ears that may never lift. In general, this breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please. 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. This process coincides with the teething phase. Have you ever noticed that Belgian Malinois puppies have adorable, little folded-over ears, but that the ears change as the dog gets older? With every dog the cartlidge in their ears need to develop. Some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The lips are thin, tight and strongly pigmented black. She is high energy and ball driven. The moment they start to get their adult teeth their ears start to go all over the place. It should be very short on the head, ears and lower legs. Its recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who specializes in the breed. All rights reserved. Thoroughly coat and allow to dry for at least 10 minutes. However, if your dog is 8 months or older and only has one ear standing up, this may be a bit more permanent. Collagen deficiencyis a medical condition that can cause floppy ears solely because the ears are unable to stand on their own. The cotton ball should be big and fluffy enough to thoroughly fill the ear canal. For dogs that have been trained, the level of training further dictates the cost. Typically their ears will begin to stand on their own between 610 weeks. If this does occur, surgery can be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist to replace the lens. 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. A Belgian Malinois' eyes are medium-sized and slightly almond-shaped. A Mali's ears are large and triangular, and again, always standing to attention. The Belgian Malinois is a sturdy well-muscled dog of almost square proportions. 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 confident, intelligent working dog that takes pride in a job well done. Males are slightly bigger than females. As the dog gets older, the ears will begin to straighten up. If the infection is left untreated it may become even more difficult to get rid of the infection. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Malinois in 1959. Oftentimes their ears are thick not only because of their strong cartilage but because they are a double-coated dog breed. Symptoms typically start around 1-3 years old and can get worse every year. If your Malinois ears arent straightening as expected, there are a few things that you can do to help. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Their facial masks and their ears are largely black in color, while the underparts of their body, tails and breeches are light fawn. History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners. Some dogs will have erect ears at the end of a week of treatment. The following are some conditions to be aware of: Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water. These can cause joint pain and arthritis. Belgian Malinois were first bred near the city of Malines in Belgium, where they got their name. Typically ear infections do not go away on their own. So the more your puppy chews the more it develops Temporalis muscle that is directly related to ears and their upright position. Females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). This dog is demanding and needs an experienced owner. Plan to brush at least weekly to remove loose fur and prevent mats. Males are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and females 21 to 25 inches. Please always consult a licensed veterinarian for pet medical advice. If your pet does end up with dysplasia, treatment can range from pain medication and joint supplements to surgery. 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. A Belgian Malinois should live to be 12 to 15 years. This promotes new hair growth and distributes oils throughout the coat. In that case, you cannot do anything. They were mostly used as guard dogs and herding dogs. While we strive to give the most accurate and helpful information about your pets health that we can, this article is meant to be informational only and not medical advice. Add some food to your Mals diet that increases the amount of calcium it gets such as a tablespoon of plain yogurt or no-fat cottage cheese. The Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Belgian Tervuren all have the same origin. 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. It is very important that they have sufficient calcium in their diet since enough calcium will help the ears develop properly. Some things they love include herding, agility, search and rescue, and tracking. These dogs generally arent well-suited to living in an apartment, as they need lots of space to run and play. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. Theyre fast and engaged learners, making training not only fun, but critical for their mental well-being. Its recommended not to touch your puppys ears too much. The ears are stiff and erect, proportionate to the head in size. Belgian Malinois ears are erect and triangular and sit high atop their heads. The Great Depression and importation restrictions during World War II caused the breed to diminish in the U.S. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The Belgian Malinois ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. But its popularity rose again in the 1960s. Another very important aspect of your puppys life to help them develop erect ears are chew toys. 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. Training and socialization should begin early in a Belgian Malinois puppyhood. Belgian Malinois require an extensive amount of training to help minimize any behavioral issues and keep their mind engaged. Bathing when dirty, brushing once or twice a week, and clipping the nails will keep your Malinois in great condition. Belgian Malinois were bred in Belgium, while German Shepherds were bred in Germany. Thank you. A strong, rugged dog, the Belgian Malinois exhibits a wide range of temperament and aggressiveness. 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. Its always important to reach out to your vet first. The Belgian Malinois is one of the varieties of the Belgian shepherd. 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. However, German Malinois tend to take after the Belgian Malinois in terms of personality, though . Your puppy should have enough protein to help them grow but not so much that they gain weight unnecessarily or grow too quickly. The Belgian Malinois can live in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Height. Some people prefer the Pink Roller Method. What's the difference between a German shepherd and a Belgian Malinois? Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com. Some dogs can go longer between nail trims if they naturally wear down their nails through activity, such as walking on pavement. (Fishy Odor, Bad Breath, and More!). Provide a high-quality diet and offer him a variety of chew toys. Although it can be concerning for owners, there are multiple reasons why this can happen. 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. 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. They thrive when they have a job and are extremely well-suited to becoming a working dog, such as in police and military operations. They are ergonomically designed to promote the proper shape and growth of soft Malinois puppy ears. Good nutrition is essential for your dog to develop properly, including the ears. Chewing is extremely important for dogs in general but puppies in particular. Remove all seeds, stems, and leaves. If a puppys parents have very large, floppy ears, anything you do wont help your Mals ears to stand up one day. The Belgian Malinois is a native of Belgium and one of the four related varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs. 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. Although appearance is often noted, the feel of a Belgian Malinoiss ears is interesting as well. The English cocker spaniel is cheerful, playful and thrives on companionship and being part of the family. Learn about this Navy SEAL favorite, plus more Belgian Malinois facts. Both breeds are similar in height, but Belgian Malinois typically weigh less than German Shepherds. These look very cute but its expected that drooping ears will stand up at some point. They are not the type of dog that can just be left in the backyard to entertain themselves. The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog that at first glance resembles a German Shepherd Dog. No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the Seal Teams to the Bin Laden Raid. Males can weigh up to 80 pounds, and females are a little smaller, weighing 60 pounds. The temporalis muscle is directly involved in giving a Malinois that upright ears look. Belgian Malinois are squarely built, proud, and alert herders standing 22 to 26 inches. Brush a skin adhesive made for dogs onto the outside of an ear form. Its not uncommon if Malinois ears go between standing up and flopping down several times before they mature. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. Versatile by nature, Belgian Malinois are popular working dogs throughout the military and police communities. 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. You may also want to check your Mals ears often for: Shaving Your Belgian Malinois (When To and When Not to Do It.). 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. Cookie Consent Tool. He characterized the variety as a medium-sized square. First edition, St. Martins Press, 2019. An early period trauma can also be the cause. 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. If you begin seeing any of these symptomsit is recommended for you to get your Belgian Malinois to the vet right away. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. 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. That way, chewing has a great influence on ears upright position. Learn more about Wren - Located in Florida today. Belgian Malinoisesare prone to a skin allergy called atopy, where the ears are heavily affected. The inside of the ear is straight whereas the outside has a slight outward curve that runs back to the neck. Parasites steal the nutrients from the food leaving your puppy without essential elements for proper development and growth. If they are not, they need a little help from your side. The Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) is a large herding dog. If you have Belgian Malinois, I am sure a food choice is an important issue. 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. By the turn of the 21st century, Belgian Malinois were commonly seen working as police dogs, military dogs, drug-detection dogs, andsearch-and-rescue dogs. As the dog gets older, the ears will begin to straighten up. Belgian Malinois will have drooping ears only if something is wrong with breeding/genetics, health. 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. What Can I Do To Stimulate My Malinois Dog Ears To Stand Up? When she's not taking care of her puppies she enjoys playing, running, snuggling, socializing, and walking. 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. There is nothing to worry about if your puppys ears are not standing up just yet. Although calcium is super important for bone development, its not crucial for cartilage. Ears should stand up as soon as the teething process is finished. 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. Talking to your vet is the best option for deciding whether or not to participate in these diet changes. Their coat is designed to withstand harsh weather. Belgian Malinois dont always get along with other dogs, but having positive exposure to other dogs from a young age can help. 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. Otherwise, it might become anxious or develop behavior problems. 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). 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}. 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. You might read in some articles that this is happening due to a teething process and redistribution of calcium but the truth is that calcium is not needed for proper cartilage build-up. All of these issues first occur with the symptoms of whining, head shaking, and scratching. Notice how the Beligian Malinois ears stick straight up from the crown of his head, but the German shepherd's are more angled to the side? In 1959 the Belgians separated into the three AKC breeds recognized today, sheepdog, Tervuren and Malinois. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds. There are several things that need to be considered before bringing a Belgian Malinois into your home. Breed Group. 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. [4] 4 Notice the ears. These medium-sized dogs were primarily bred to work on farms, herding sheep and cattle. The coat should conform to the body without standing out or hanging down. Why Do Some Malinois Dogs Have One or Both Drooping Ears. They are ultra-thin, lightweight, made of surgical mesh, the material suitable for sensitive tissue of dogs ears. A Belgian Malinois will constantly be trying to keep the toddler in one spot! Two main ways to maintain your Belgian Malinoiss ear health are cleaning the ear gently with a mild solution (canine ear cleaning solution) and cotton balls as well as trimming your Mals ear hair. They approach an equilateral triangle shape. Males are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds (25 to 34 kilograms). Breeders were looking to create a strong herding dog and protector with a steadfast work ethic. 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. Always supervise interactions between kids and dogs of all breeds. The size should be proportional to the dog's head. Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs.