The Belgian Malinois is classified as one of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd family which includes the Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Laeknois, and Belgian Groenandael. The breed is known for being alert, hardworking, intense, and smart dogs.
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Physically, they are commonly mistaken for German Shepherd because of their similarities. Malinois are sheepdogs that have the highest level of energy among all dog breeds and considered to have better health than German Shepherds.
The Malinois is a medium-to-large breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The average size of a male Malinois is 61 to 66 cm while the female is 51 to 61 cm. Normally, male Belgian Malinois are heavier with a standard weight of 25 to 30 kg compared to female Malinois that weighs 20 to 25 kg.
Belgian Malinois are widely used as working, military or police dogs in different parts of the world. This is because they are known to be intelligent and highly trainable. Most Belgian Malinois are trained to detect explosives, narcotics, and suspect apprehension. Belgian Malinois have a natural protective instinct which makes them a great guard dog. They are always alert to their surroundings and highly aware of strangers.
The Malinois dog breed is trained to be active and busy. Regular training keeps them lively and socially challenged. Starting at an early age, Belgian Malinois are consistently given tasks and activities. Their breed is vigorous for attention and chores. Experts encourage owners to always keep their Malinois worn out to stop them from performing destructive behavior.
Common Medical Conditions
Being a super dog does not make the Belgian Malinois immune to certain medical conditions. With medical care for these illnesses running into the hundreds of dollars, it is important that we inform ourselves about these medical conditions. Protecting our pets with pet insurance is also a good way of ensuring that they get the best medical care in the unfortunate event that they get sick. If you own a Belgian Malinois, below are common medical conditions and illnesses to look out for:
Epilepsy
A major health concern affecting Belgian Shepard is inherited epilepsy. More common in the Belgian Tervuren, epilepsy can also be seen in other breeds. The condition can be traced to food ingestion or the environment but also associated with thyroid disease. Canine epilepsy is manageable with medication, but idiopathic epilepsy requires lifetime treatment with more than one drug needed for seizure control.
Cataracts
Cataracts can be developed or inherited and is a major cause of blindness for all dogs. This does not become evident until the later part of the dog’s life. Cataracts can be removed by surgery to restore eyesight.
CERF, or also known at Canine Eye Registration Foundation provides educational resources for canine eye disease. Eye examinations can also be performed by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Belgian Malinois are at high risk for hip and elbow dysplasia. The occurs in all types of Belgian Shepherd breeds but is most common in Belgian Malinois. Before breeding, the dam and sire should both attain a hip score below 8.3 and elbow score of zero.
Hip and elbow dysplasia when not treated early can turn into arthritis. This is caused by the joints that fail to develop properly. If you notice your Belgian Malinois having difficulty standing or walking, then it may be a sign of dysplasia. Overweight dogs also have a higher risk of suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia.
Bloat or Gastric TorsionThis is another common illness found in Belgian Malinois. This is usually seen in large breed dogs with deep and narrow chests. Bloat in dogs is caused by the irregular build-up of air and fluid in the stomach. It is known to be one of the leading causes of death in dogs next to cancer. Treatment involves dilation where a long tube is inserted through the dog’s mouth relieving the pressure in the stomach.
Keeping Them Healthy
Keeping our Belgian Malinois healthy can be done with proper routine care, exercise, and diet. We should also be constantly aware for any early signs of illness. Keeping our dogs clean and healthy is also a good way of keeping us one step ahead of any disease.
When getting a Belgian Malinois, it is important to get important information such as the breeder and dog’s parents. This can help you determine if the puppy is healthy or is at high risk for certain medical conditions. If both dog’s parents have certifications clearing them of any illness, your dog has a lower risk for developing genetically related health problems.
Being a super dog does not make the Belgian Malinois immune to certain medical conditions. With medical care for these illnesses running into the hundreds of dollars, it is important that we inform ourselves about these medical conditions. Protecting our pets with pet insurance is also a good way of ensuring that they get the best medical care in the unfortunate event that they get sick. If you own a Belgian Malinois, below are common medical conditions and illnesses to look out for:
Epilepsy
A major health concern affecting Belgian Shepard is inherited epilepsy. More common in the Belgian Tervuren, epilepsy can also be seen in other breeds. The condition can be traced to food ingestion or the environment but also associated with thyroid disease. Canine epilepsy is manageable with medication, but idiopathic epilepsy requires lifetime treatment with more than one drug needed for seizure control.
Cataracts
Cataracts can be developed or inherited and is a major cause of blindness for all dogs. This does not become evident until the later part of the dog’s life. Cataracts can be removed by surgery to restore eyesight.
CERF, or also known at Canine Eye Registration Foundation provides educational resources for canine eye disease. Eye examinations can also be performed by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Belgian Malinois are at high risk for hip and elbow dysplasia. The occurs in all types of Belgian Shepherd breeds but is most common in Belgian Malinois. Before breeding, the dam and sire should both attain a hip score below 8.3 and elbow score of zero.
Hip and elbow dysplasia when not treated early can turn into arthritis. This is caused by the joints that fail to develop properly. If you notice your Belgian Malinois having difficulty standing or walking, then it may be a sign of dysplasia. Overweight dogs also have a higher risk of suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia.
Bloat or Gastric TorsionThis is another common illness found in Belgian Malinois. This is usually seen in large breed dogs with deep and narrow chests. Bloat in dogs is caused by the irregular build-up of air and fluid in the stomach. It is known to be one of the leading causes of death in dogs next to cancer. Treatment involves dilation where a long tube is inserted through the dog’s mouth relieving the pressure in the stomach.
Keeping Them Healthy
Keeping our Belgian Malinois healthy can be done with proper routine care, exercise, and diet. We should also be constantly aware for any early signs of illness. Keeping our dogs clean and healthy is also a good way of keeping us one step ahead of any disease.
When getting a Belgian Malinois, it is important to get important information such as the breeder and dog’s parents. This can help you determine if the puppy is healthy or is at high risk for certain medical conditions. If both dog’s parents have certifications clearing them of any illness, your dog has a lower risk for developing genetically related health problems.
Ronald Uy is a researcher and regular contributor for pet insurance at ConsumersAdvocate.org. When not writing, he’s busy planning his next adventure or heading out to the beach with Lucy, a 5-year-old beagle.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. We were paid to post it but are not affiliated with the company.
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