Are Belgian Malinois Hypoallergenic? Breed Facts & FAQ
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Belgian Malinois are a medium-sized, short-haired breed of dog originating in Belgium. A well-rounded working dog, Belgian Malinois are bred for their intelligence and strength. They have a strong drive to work and excel at tasks requiring intense focus, making them popular with police forces and military units around the world. As such, they’re often mistaken for German Shepherds due to their similar appearance.
However, if you’re looking to get a dog but have allergies, you may be wondering if this breed is hypoallergenic. The answer is no, but why? Let’s learn more in this article.
Are Belgian Malinois Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Belgian Malinois are not considered hypoallergenic. This means that if you or someone living in your home has allergies to pet dander or fur, they should consider another type of pet if they don’t want to risk having an allergic reaction. Belgian Malinois do require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy, which may help reduce the amount of dander and fur in your home, but they are still not considered hypoallergenic.
Why Are Belgian Malinois Not Hypoallergenic?
Belgian Malinois are not considered hypoallergenic because they shed a significant amount of hair. They are seasonal shedders, which means that they shed during the months when the temperatures typically change. However, it’s important to note that it’s not the hair that causes allergies. It’s the dander, more specifically, a protein in the dander. The dander gets released when the hair sheds and can potentially spread all over your home.
The Truth About Hypoallergenic Dogs
It’s important to note that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Some breeds are advertised as being more hypoallergenic than others, but the truth is that all pets produce dander and fur which can affect people with allergies. The only way to guarantee a pet won’t trigger allergic reactions is to avoid them altogether.
However, there are some dog breeds that are known to shed less and therefore are more hypoallergenic including the Bichon Frise, Poodle, Schnauzer, and Shih Tzu.
What Is the Belgian Malinois Coat Like?
The Belgian Malinois has a double-layered coat that is short and dense. The outer layer of the coat is made up of straight hairs which are coarse to the touch, while the inner layer consists of softer and shorter fur. In general, males possess thicker coats than females and coloration varies from light fawn to dark mahogany. This breed is known for its shedding, so regular brushing and grooming is recommended to keep their coats healthy and reduce the amount of fur around the house.
Reducing the Impact of Dog Allergens in Your Home
While Belgian Malinois aren’t considered hypoallergenic, there are still measures you can take to reduce the impact of pet allergens in your home and lessen the chances of triggering allergic reactions, if you decide to get one. Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your home helps to remove dander and hair that has built up, while bathing your dog regularly can help reduce the amount of allergens they produce. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your dog out of areas in the home where people with allergies spend most of their time, such as bedrooms or living rooms.
The 10 Grooming Tips for Your Belgian Malinois
It is important to groom your Belgian Malinois regularly in order to keep their coat healthy. Here are some tips that can help:
- Brush them on a regular basis, preferably every day or at least twice a week.
- Bathe them about once every month with a mild shampoo designed for dogs.
- Clip their nails once a month, or use a nail grinder if needed.
- Trim their fur around the eyes to keep it from hindering vision.
- Use a slicker brush to remove any mats or tangles in their fur.
- Clean their ears on a regular basis to prevent wax buildup and potential infections.
- Brush their teeth at least a few times a week to prevent dental diseases.
- Check them for any fleas or ticks regularly, especially if they’re spending time outdoors.
- Clip the fur around their paws to keep it from getting too long and catching dirt and debris.
- Regularly inspect their fur, skin, ears, eyes, mouth and nails for any signs of infection or irritation.
Essential Tools and Supplies to Combat Shedding
Finally, having the right tools and supplies to tackle shedding is essential when it comes to keeping your Belgian Malinois groomed.
- Slicker brush
- Pin brush
- Deshedding comb or rake
- Curved shears for trimming fur around the eyes
- Clippers for trimming fur around the paws
- Nail grinder or clippers
- Dog shampoo and conditioner
- Cotton balls for cleaning ears.
By following these grooming tips, you can help reduce the amount of dander and fur in your home and keep your Belgian Malinois healthy.
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Other FAQs About Belgian Malinois and Allergies
Can I take medication or shots to stop dog allergies?
There is no medication or shot that can completely stop dog allergies, but there are some medications available that may help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. In some cases, you can eliminate the allergy, but these treatments typically occur over a period of several months to a few years.
Are there dog shampoos that reduce allergens?
Yes, there are some hypoallergenic pet shampoos available that can help reduce allergens. Additionally, as mentioned above, regularly bathing your dog can help reduce the amount of allergens they produce.
Are there any other tips that can help with allergies?
Yes, while bathed and groomed regularly, it is also important to keep their fur trimmed to help reduce the amount of dander they produce. Finally, if you are still having difficulty managing allergies, look into air purifiers that specifically target pet allergens. This may help alleviate some symptoms.
The 10 Amazing Facts About Belgian Malinois
- Belgian Malinois are one of four types of Belgian Sheepdogs, which were originally bred for herding.
- They are very active and energetic, making them great companions for people who love the outdoors.
- Despite their large size, they don’t require an excessive amount of space for exercise or play.
- Belgian Malinois are known to be very intelligent, being able to learn commands quickly and easily.
- They make excellent guard dogs, as they are protective of their families and will alert them if there is an intruder on the premises.
- Belgians were originally bred for herding, making them great at agility and obedience competitions.
- Belgian Malinois are popular working dogs, often used for police work, search and rescue operations, and personal protection.
- Despite their loyalty to their owners, they need plenty of socialization when young in order to become well-adjusted adults.
- While they can be independent, they still need plenty of attention and companionship from their owners.
- Belgian Malinois are known to be generally healthy dogs, though they can suffer from hip dysplasia and other conditions.
Overall, Belgian Malinois are a great choice for active owners who want an intelligent and loyal companion. For those with allergies, however, it’s important to consult a specialist before bringing one home.
Conclusion
The Belgian Malinois is a highly intelligent and active breed that can make an excellent companion for those without allergies or who don’t mind taking extra steps to manage allergies. They are loyal and eager to please, making them great family pets as well. With proper training and socialization, they will thrive in a variety of environments. However, if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic breed, the Belgian Malinois is not the right choice for you. It’s important to do research and consult with a veterinarian beforehand to determine if the breed is right for you. With the right care, a Belgian Malinois can make an excellent pet for any home. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that regular grooming and veterinary checkups are necessary in order to maintain the health of your pup. With a little bit of effort and patience, you will be able to enjoy years of companionship with your new family member! Best of luck in finding the perfect pup for you!
Featured Image Credit: Irantzu Arbaizagoitia, Shutterstock
