Belgian Shepherd Dog Malinois

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Belgian Malinois require two meals a day of 1 to 1.5 cups of dog food. The amount can vary depending on your pet's height, age, and level of activity. They will need a nutritionally balanced diet throughout their lives, and you can consult with your veterinarian for practical advice. Ensure that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Whilst treats can be an important aid in training, overfeeding can cause obesity. If you think your dog is putting on extra pounds, discuss how to modify its feeding schedule, amount, type of food, and exercise requirements with your veterinarian.

Malinois shed year-round, more heavily in the spring and autumn, so you'll want to increase your brushing routine to once a day when their shedding picks up. One of the reasons for a considerable amount of shedding in Belgian Malinois is that they have a double coat. Their undercoat is soft and dense, weather-resistant and waterproof. The outer coat consists of straight hairs that are harder than the inner coat.

Regular brushing is a good time to check for things like coat sheen (dull hair can mean a lack of nutrients in his diet), nail length, ear health and dental health. This breed often wears down its nails through activity (walking on pavement) but regularly check the nails to make sure they don't need trimming. Pay attention to your dog's dental hygiene; offering raw bones can help to prevent the build-up of plaque. Ear canals should be pale pink with very little?and fairly odourless?wax. Be sure to look for any signs of movement (mites!) and foreign objects in the canal, especially if you and your dog spend a lot of time outdoors or have recently been in tall grasses.

The Belgian Malinois is a highly energetic dog that may become restless or anxious if not properly trained and handled. They would need at least 90 minutes of exercise every day and love an active outdoor lifestyle. Their exercise sessions are best split up into at least 3?30 minute sessions.

Plenty of vigorous exercises are necessary for this breed, far more than for the average dog. Besides brisk walks, try to give your dog some time to run around a fenced yard off-leash. Be aware that their herding instinct might mean a tendency to chase cars or bicycles, so ensure they're exercising or playing in a well-secured space.

Schedule health checkups with your veterinarian every six months to ensure that your Malinois is safe and happy throughout his life. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination, take your dog's temperature, and monitor his pulse at these regular appointments, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog's growth and development, discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.

If you plan to bring a Mal into a family with existing children or pets, a puppy may be a better choice, as Mals who are introduced at a young age have time to integrate into the family. Be sure to train your dog to behave appropriately around kids. In the same light, it's also very important to teach your kids to behave properly around dogs. This breed has a high herding instinct, and your dog may try to herd kids by nipping at their heels.

They are well-suited in houses with a fenced yard or acreage where they have space to run rather than living in an apartment. If you have a very active lifestyle, plenty of time to spend with your dog, and desire an active dog with an intense personality, then the Mal could be a great companion dog.

Belgian Malinois are loyal and eager learners. Though the Belgian Malinois temperament is sometimes willful and playful, they are highly trainable and thrive on obedience, trick, and agility training. They can read the smallest of movements and even detect changes in facial expression. Belgian Malinois take to positive reinforcement training well and do best in a home with an experienced dog owner.

Malinois will need to socialize your dog well from a young age, especially since they can show signs of aggression toward other dogs and cats. It can be challenging for the family to add new additions to the household at a later date.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog can live in perfect harmony with other pets, but this depends on the individual dog?s nature and how it is brought up to accept other animals.