No one needs to tell you that the Belgian Malinois is one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. However, when they are young, these dogs require very little attention from their owners. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to raise a healthy and happy Belgian Malinois puppies.
Beautiful and often misidentified as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois are nonetheless a distinct dog breed. These two breeds may look similar, but they are very distinct from one another. Despite its smaller stature and shorter coat, the Belgian Malinois is every bit as smart and devoted as its larger German Shepherd relative.
You should learn all you can about the Belgian Malinois breed before bringing one home as a puppy. We cover all aspects of raising a healthy and happy Belgian Malinois puppy in this comprehensive guide.
You may also want to read about lab puppies.
History
The Belgian Malinois was developed there as a herding dog. The name of the historical region of Malines is reflected in the name of the breed, which is “malinois,” a Flemish word. The Belgian Malinois was originally bred to help farmers with herding livestock, so the American Kennel Club categorizes them as a member of the Herding Group.
Modern applications for this versatile breed of dog include herding, as well as police and military service, detection, agility, obedience, Schutzhund, flyball, tracking, and life at home with the family. In 1911, the Belgian Malinois gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club.
Temperament
The Belgian Malinois is a breed of herding dog with Belgian ancestry. Their high levels of energy, loyalty, and protectiveness have earned them a place in the AKC’s Herding Group. Due to their high IQ and trainability, Malinois are popular as working dogs in the police and military. These canines are not suited to a sedentary lifestyle, as they require a lot of exercise and mental challenge. When training, a litter of Belgian Malinois puppies will need a strong leader with a lot of patience and consistency.
Exercise of Belgian Malinois puppies
Belgian Malinois puppies needs both mental and physical stimulation. This breed is known for its boundless energy and enthusiasm for play and exercise. Belgian Malinois puppies need to go for short walks or runs multiple times a day. Walking and running distances can be increased once they reach adulthood.
This breed requires both physical and mental challenges. It’s important to keep a dog’s mind active, and there are a number of ways to do so, including trainings, puzzle toys, and interactive dog toys.
Health and grooming
The Belgian Malinois, like all dogs, requires a healthy diet. While many canines thrive on a diet of high-quality dry food, some owners still prefer to give their pets raw meat. Feed your puppy three to four times a day until he or she is six months old, at which point you can cut back to twice daily.
Although the Belgian Malinois is generally a healthy breed, there are a few issues that should be considered. Hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy are among these.
The Belgian Malinois, like all other breeds of dog, requires regular exercise. For most dogs, a daily stroll is all that’s required, though some proprietors may prefer to take their pets on longer runs or hikes. Because their bones and joints are still maturing, puppies shouldn’t engage in rigorous physical activity.
Diet
A Belgian Malinois puppy needs to eat dry food that is high quality and made for large breeds. It’s best to stay away from anything that’s been processed or contains any kind of synthetic additive. As a corollary, you shouldn’t feed your puppy any human food or table scraps; doing so can lead to stomach problems and a picky eating style.
Under six months of age, puppies need to be fed three to four times a day, while older puppies can be fed two to three times a day. It’s crucial to provide clean water for your puppy at all times.
