Belgian Malinois are wonderful and loving dogs. Keep reading to find out how to properly care for this gorgeous breed.
Breed Snapshot
• Size: They can weigh between 27 and 28 kg and when they have reached full maturity, they can be between 56 to 66 cm tall
• Coat: They have a short, thick coat that is prone to shedding twice a year. They should be brushed once a week during the year and once a day during shedding periods.
• Energy: High-energy dogs. They require an excessive amount of exercise. Instead of being walked, they want to play and engage in physical activity with their owner
• Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
• Country of Origin: Belgian
• Great Breed For: Farmhouses, Families that have plenty of time to spend with the dog
What is a Belgian Malinois?
The Belgian Malinois is a smart and loveable dog. This stunning breed is very energetic and hard-working. They are very family-oriented and love to work right alongside their owners.
The Belgian <Malinois originated in Malines, Belgian. The breed was created by a group of dedicated breeders that were desperately in need of a hard-working dog. The Belgian Malinois is agile and alert, making them great herding dogs and are very playful and friendly.
What Does the Belgian Malinois Look Like?
Many people think that the Belgian Malinois looks remarkably similar to the German Shepard. However, they are usually a bit taller and more slender than the German Shepard. Their heads are also shaped a bit differently as well.
The Belgian Malinois can weigh between 21 and 28 kgs and has a muscular, yet elegant, body structure. They have a moderately thick coat of fur that comes in a variety of colours. Their heads are slightly rounded with a long, prominent snout and their tall, triangle ears stand up on top of their heads, making them look more alert and focused.
What is Special about the Belgian Malinois?
Belgian Malinois dogs are smart and alert. They are typically easy to train and are very eager to please their owners. They have a great work ethic and are happiest when they are given a task to so. While they traditionally worked on farm and ranches, Belgian Malinois are able to adapt to a wide range of lifestyles as long as they are getting plenty of physical and mental exercise.
How Often Should I Groom My Belgian Malinois?
The Belgian Malinois requires minimal grooming. This breed has a thick, waterproof coat that only requires an occasional brushing. Their skin produces oils that help to keep their coats shiny and healthy. And they should only be bathed occasionally to help prevent their skin from drying out. The Malinois is known to shed a lot twice a year. During their shedding times, it is a good idea to brush them at least once a day to help them get rid of all of the excess fur.
How Often Should I Walk My Belgian Malinois?
The Malinois requires a lot of attention from their owners. These are highly athletic dogs that crave both physical and mental exercise. They enjoy being around their owners and get unhappy if they are left outside alone. They will also require more than just a simple walk around the park. This breed needs to have an excessive amount of physical activities every day to ensure that they are both happy and healthy.
How Do I Train My Belgian Malinois?
The Belgian Malinois is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please its owner. Training your Malinois is usually fairly easy to do as they do not require a lot of repetition. One thing that the Malinois love to do is to chase after objects. When training your puppy, it is important that you set boundaries and let them know that chasing objects is not encouraged. If the tendency to chase objects is not tampered down as a puppy, they could grow up and become prone to chasing vehicles and people.
Quickfire Questions
How Long will my Belgian Malinois live?
The average life expectancy is around 14 to 16 years.
Can I leave my Belgian Malinois alone at home all day?
The Belgian Malinois is very family-oriented. If left alone for long periods of time, he could get bored and get into mischief. They are also sensitive and loyal dogs. They may feel as if they have been abandoned if they are left alone for more than two hours. If you plan on leaving your dog at home for an extended period of time, it is a good idea that you have another dog at home with them to keep them company. If they are the only dog in the home, then you may want to enrol them into a program of regular dog walks and agility to help them burn some energy throughout the day.
What kind of health risk does the Belgian Malinois have?
For the most part, Belgian Malinois are healthy dogs. They have been known to suffer from a few non-life-threatening conditions such as elbow dysplasia, hip, dysplasia, and various eye conditions. Their ears and teeth should be checked regularly to ensure that they are not infected or irritated. If they seem to be scratching at their ears a lot or the inside of their ear looks red and irritated, you should have a vet look at it immediately.
Do Belgian Malinois bark a lot?
Even though they have a lot of energy, Belgian Malinois are usually fairly quiet dogs. Like any breed, they do occasionally bark if they are excited or they sense that there is any danger. They are very protective of their family, so if they sense something is not right, they will let out a loud, consistent bark to alert their family members of possible danger.
Are Belgian Malinois the Right Breed for Me?
Belgian Malinois are fun-loving and loyal dogs. They are smart and typically easy to train and seem to get along well with people of all ages. They do, however, require a lot of attention. Your Belgian Malinois will not want to be away from your side for too long. If you do not have the time that it takes to give the dog the amount of attention that is needed, this may not be the best breed for your home.
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