Do Belgian Malinois shed? Yes, All dogs shed – some excessively – and some shed all year round. The amount of shedding depends on the breed and the dog’s health.
In this article, we talk about one of the most common questions about Belgian Malinois: do they shed? If so, how much do they shed? We will also provide you with some hair care tips to minimize shedding and training tips to improve your dog’s behavior.
Belgian Malinois Breed overview
Belgian Malinois are medium-sized dogs having a height of 24 to 27 inches and weighing 55 to 70 pounds. The life expectancy of these dogs is 12 to 14 years.
They were originated in Belgium and are working dogs that include herding, protecting livestock, guarding, and doing military work.
They require mental and physical stimulation. Because they are intelligent, alert, and active dogs, they are great watchdogs. And on top of that, these positive traits make them excellent candidates for search and rescue operations.
How long do Belgian Malinois shed?
Belgian Malinois shed moderately throughout the year, but they also have twice as much fur like other breeds.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular grooming can help control the amount of shedding.
Since they have a double coat, one of their layers is made up of long hair that sheds seasonally, usually in spring and autumn.
For a lot of breeds, heavy shedding is triggered by hormonal changes during puberty and can continue to occur until the dog goes through its first heat cycle.
The second layer of fur consists of waterproof fur that sheds less frequently than the other layer.
Are Belgian Malinois dogs hypoallergenic?
What are the qualities of a good dog breed? There are many different criteria within this question, but one of the most important traits that are usually looked into is if the dog is hypoallergenic.
There are plenty of people who are allergic to dogs or have very sensitive noses, making those breeds a poor choice for those people.
In case you are wondering, Belgian Malinois are not hypoallergenic dogs. In fact, they share the same undercoat as German Shepherds. However, their coat feels shorter and stiffer, making it easier to manage and brush off loose hair.
Also Read: What is German shepherd double coat: Single Coat vs Double Coat
It is usual for the hair to be released in small amounts all year round, but during shedding seasons where hair loss can cause hairballs, a brush might prove useful to prevent this from occurring.
How often should Belgian Malinois bathe?
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized dog with a short coat, however, some dogs have longer fur, so you may want to brush him weekly.
The hair tends to be straight and can be about 2-1/2 inches long. A bath every three months should keep his coat looking great with no loose hair or oily buildup.
Dog bathing is every three months but dogs with short coats do produce distinctive dog smell, so the smell may encourage you to bathe them more frequently – about every 7-12 weeks. The coat should end up fresh smelling, shiny, with no loose or shedding hair.
Should You Shave Your Belgian Malinois?
Pet owners are often faced with the dilemma of whether or not to shave their dogs. There are advantages and disadvantages to shaving your dog.
The only advantage is that it would give you temporary relief from dog shedding but there are numerous disadvantages with shaving your dog.
You are not supposed to shave your Belgian Malinois unless your vet advises you to do so. Some owners shave their dogs to reduce the shedding.
Your dog is more exposed to fleas and parasites if you shave. There are high chances that your Belgian Malinois may get bitten by these insects when the skin is exposed to them.
These bites can cause skin infection and can lead to hair loss in the dog.
Shaving your Belgian Malinois is not advisable especially when they are already old. If you want to reduce the shedding then you can use a de-shedding tool or brush when they are shedding.
Conclusion
The Belgian Malinois is a very athletic breed. Bathing and blowout shedding is essential to keep away and maintain healthy skin and coat.
Regular grooming is your front-line protection against shedding. In addition to the fact that brushing keeps hair away from your floors and furniture and stays on the brush, it also helps to keep his bed in great condition.
Make it a habit to spend some quality time brushing your dog to keep the coat separate and unbroken, allowing the skin to breathe.
