Belgian Malinois Breed Care Guide

The Belgian Malinois, a highly energetic and intelligent breed, often accompanies humans with its agile movements and loyal disposition. Not only do they excel in working roles, but they also serve as cherished family members in many households. Below is a comprehensive health care plan for dog owners, designed to help you and your beloved pet enjoy a healthy and happy life together.

I. Nutrition

1. As a medium-to-large breed, high-quality dog food forms the foundation of a Belgian Malinois’ diet. When selecting food, carefully review ingredient lists, prioritizing products rich in protein, low in fat, and abundant in vitamins and minerals. Portion control is equally crucial to prevent obesity. An adult Belgian Malinois weighing 20 kg should consume approximately 800 grams daily, divided into 3-4 meals. A 5 kg puppy requires about 300 grams daily, spread across 4-5 meals. Adjust portions based on activity level, age, and overall health.
2. Supplementing with fresh foods enriches nutrition. Feed your Belgian Malinois cooked chicken breast or beef 2-3 times weekly, paired with vegetables like carrots or broccoli. These additions provide extra nutrients, enhance dietary variety, and stimulate appetite.

II. Exercise

Daily walks of 30-60 minutes form the foundation, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the outside environment and satisfy their urge to explore. Letting them run freely in safe, open areas like parks or the countryside is an excellent way to release their energy, with each running session lasting 20-30 minutes. Frisbee is an ideal activity. The Belgian Malinois’ agility and explosive power shine during disc chases. Start training with simple tosses and catches, gradually increasing difficulty and distance.

III. Daily Care

1. Belgian Malinois have short, dense coats. Brushing at least 2-3 times weekly effectively removes dead hair and dust, prevents matting, and promotes skin circulation. Use a slicker brush to gently comb in the direction of hair growth, starting from the head and moving down the neck, back, belly, limbs, and tail. Carefully untangle any knots without pulling hard to avoid hurting the dog.
2. Belgian Malinois ears are prone to accumulating dirt and moisture, which can lead to ear infections. Inspect ears 1-2 times weekly. If you notice an unpleasant odor, increased discharge, or frequent ear scratching, clean them promptly. Dip a cotton ball in a pet-specific ear-cleaning solution and gently wipe the outer ear canal to remove visible debris. Be gentle and avoid inserting the cotton ball deep into the ear canal to prevent eardrum damage. After cleaning, gently massage the base of the ear to help the solution work more effectively.
3. Daily Eye Care Observe your Belgian Malinois’ eyes daily for increased discharge, redness, swelling, or tearing. Gently wipe from the inner corner outward using a clean, damp cotton ball or soft cloth to remove eye discharge and maintain cleanliness. If inflammation is detected, seek veterinary care promptly and follow prescribed eye drops or ointments.
4. After each bath, thoroughly dry the body with a towel, paying special attention to prone-to-moisture areas like the abdomen, inner thighs, and between the toes. Then use a hairdryer on a low-heat setting to dry the coat, preventing skin conditions caused by dampness. During humid seasons or environments, increase grooming frequency to aid airflow and drying. Regularly deworm your Belgian Malinois. Internal deworming is typically done every 3-6 months, while external flea and tick prevention should be administered monthly. Adjust the frequency based on your dog’s environment and your veterinarian’s advice.

IV. Regular Checkups

1. Schedule routine veterinary examinations for your Belgian Malinois. Veterinarians possess specialized knowledge and equipment to comprehensively assess your dog’s health and detect potential issues early. Generally, puppies should have checkups every 3-4 months, while adult dogs require examinations every 6 months to a year. During check-ups, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, including measuring temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate, and inspecting the mouth, ears, eyes, skin, limbs, and joints. Based on the dog’s age, living environment, and health status, the veterinarian may also recommend necessary laboratory tests such as complete blood counts, biochemical panels, fecal examinations, and X-rays.
2. Puppies can receive their first vaccination between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Subsequent shots are administered every 3 to 4 weeks, totaling 3 to 4 doses, to protect against common and highly dangerous diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and rabies. Adult dogs require annual booster shots to maintain immunity.