Do Belgian Malinois Shed a Lot? Tips on How to Manage
Updated on
If you’re considering getting a Belgian Malinois, one of the things you might be wondering is how much they shed. After all, nobody wants to be constantly vacuuming up dog hair. The short answer is that Belgian Malinoises do shed, but not as much as some other breeds. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect regarding shedding with the Belgian Malinois.
How Bad Is the Belgian Malinois Shedding?
Not as bad as you might think. But to give you the full picture, we need to start with their coat types. Belgian Malinoises come in two different coat types: short-haired and long-haired.
The short-haired variety is more common, and it’s what most people think of when they picture a Belgian Malinois. The long-haired variety has a longer, fluffier coat, but it’s less common.
Short-haired Belgian Malinoises shed moderately throughout the year, and they have a more intense shedding period twice a year, during the spring and fall. During these periods, you can expect to see more shedding than usual. Long-haired Belgian Malinoises shed less than their short-haired counterparts, but they still shed.
Do Belgian Malinoises Shed More Than German Shepherds?
Belgian Malinoises and German Shepherds are both breeds of working dogs that are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. When it comes to shedding, both breeds have double coats, which means they have an outer coat and an undercoat. However, there are some differences in how much each breed sheds.
How Much Hair Does a Belgian Malinois Shed?
As we mentioned a moment ago, Belgian Malinoises typically experience moderate shedding throughout the year, with more intense shedding occurring twice a year during spring and fall. So, although shedding does occur, it is not considered heavy compared to other breeds.
What About a German Shepherd’s Shedding?
German Shepherds are also known for shedding, and they shed throughout the year, as well. They have a thick undercoat that helps to keep them warm in cold weather, and this undercoat sheds heavily twice a year.
And during these periods, you can expect to see clumps of hair coming out. German Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders.
How to Manage Shedding: Essential Tips for Pet Owners
Although Belgian Malinois shed, there are things you can do to manage it. Regular grooming can help to minimize shedding and keep your dog’s coat healthy. Brush your dog at least once a week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. Use a high-quality dog brush that’s appropriate for your dog’s coat type.
Bathing your Belgian Malinois too often can actually strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dry skin and more shedding. Aim to bathe your dog no more than once every few months or as needed.
Vacuuming and using a lint roller can also help to keep shedding under control. If you’re concerned about the amount of shedding, consider investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner that’s specifically designed to pick up pet hair.
Final Thoughts
Belgian Malinois do shed, but they don’t shed as much as some other breeds. Regular grooming and cleaning can help to keep shedding under control. If you’re willing to put in a little effort to manage shedding, a Belgian Malinois can make a wonderful companion.
They’re loyal, intelligent, and full of energy, making them a great choice for active families or individuals.
Featured Image Credit: Deborah Hanst, Unsplash
