Belgian Malinois, a breed that is very similar to German Shepherds, are high-energy dogs that follow instructions well. They are used often in law enforcement and the military and are quite popular as a result. Many people want them, so how many Malinois puppies are in a litter?
Belgian Malinois can have litters that range from 1 puppy to over 10 puppies. Litter size depends on the size of the female dog (dam), the age of the dam and the stud, and the timing of the breeding. For a larger litter size, breed during the middle of the dam's fertile season.
Below is more information about Malinois and the factors that can influence their litter sizes.
Breed
Belgian Malinois are the short-coated breed of Belgian shepherd dogs that first came over to the United States at the beginning of the 1900s. Typically, they will be any color from fawn to black, with a black mask and feet. Because they have high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise.
Belgian Malinois are primarily used as police, military, drug detection, and search and rescue dogs. They are even sometimes used by the Secret Service and Navy SEAL teams.
Belgian Malinois look extremely similar to German Shephards, so many people mix them up when they see them.
Factors
Size
Female Malinois are 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 40 to 60 pounds on average. Bigger dogs can have larger puppy litters because they are better able to safely carry more pups. If larger litters are the goal, breed a bigger female.
Age
The older the dam (mother), the smaller the litter. Dams between the ages of 2 to 5 years will have larger litters than younger Malinois. Whatever age breeding starts at, the first two litters will generally be smaller than the ones that come after.
The age of the stud (father) also can influence litter size. The quality of the stud's sperm as well as the sperm count will decrease after he reaches 5 years old. As is the case with female Malinois, breeding between the age of 2-5 years will produce the largest litter sizes.
Malinois tend to live between 14 and 16 years.
Maternal Health
Healthy dogs produce healthy puppies. When the mother is healthier and slimmer before the pregnancy begins, the chance of a larger litter increases. Adding protein to the dam's food while she's pregnant can also reduce the possibility of having a smaller litter. Generally, dogs eating high-quality dog food without artificial supplements will be healthier than dogs that eat food with many artificial ingredients.
Timing
One crucial factor in pregnancy is the timing of it. Female dogs will have their first heat or reproductive cycle once they reach puberty around 1-2 years old. It's often referred to as being “in heat” or “in season”. On average, most dogs will cycle twice a year, though it changes depending on size. Since Malinois aren't the largest breed out there, but definitely aren't small, they typically cycle twice a year.
When they first begin to cycle, it can be irregular, so it's good to know what to look for. The earliest sign will be swelling of the vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Additionally, she might urinate more often or mark more often.
Typically, their cycle will last between 1.5 to 2 weeks. The most fertile stage is when she ovulates. The vaginal discharge will be more bloody at the beginning of the cycle then will gradually thin, become pink-red, and turn watery. When it's watery, she's ovulating; this is the time she'll be most receptive to breeding. Since sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to a week, she can get pregnant at any time during her cycle.
Litter Size
Malinois will have between 4 and 6 puppies on average. Litters can be as small as 1 puppy or as large as 10 or more puppies. Though the above factors do influence litter size, it's ultimately unpredictable. Additionally, some pups can be stillborn, or the birth could be difficult and result in injury to the mother and/or puppies.
Pregnancy will last for around 9 weeks or 63 days on average. A Belgian Malinois puppy will cost between $1500 and $2500.
General Belgian Malinois Care
Malinois are very active and energetic, which can make them a more difficult dog to have. They are best for owners who are active and have lots of room for play and activities. Generally, apartments aren't good homes for them. Additionally, they need proper training and socialization to make sure they properly behave and are well-mannered.
- Exercise: they need at least one to two hours of exercise a day. They're well suited for walking, running, hiking, and playing fetch, as well as dog sports or other activities that require attention, focus, and endurance to complete. It needs regular mental and physical challenges. They also have herding instincts, so keep them on a leash on walks or hikes, or they might chase people, cars, and bikes.
- Grooming: They have short coats, which distinguish them from other Belgian shepherd dogs. They don't need much more than basic grooming. Brush their fur at least once a week to remove loose fur and prevent mats, trim their nails at least monthly, brush their teeth daily, and regularly give them baths.
- Training: Malinois don't always get along with other dogs or people, so begin training and socialization as soon as possible. They are highly trainable, so enroll them in a puppy obedience class once they're old enough to meet the age requirement. At home, make sure to give consistent instructions and positive reinforcement, as they respond well to both. Socialization should begin early to provide them with positive exposure to other dogs and people so they can develop good behavior and manners.
- Children: These dogs aren't always good with children. Their herding instincts can lead them to nip at children's heels. They can be good with children if they're raised with them, but they are large and very active and shouldn't be left unsupervised with very small children. Opportunities to interact with children when they're young will help them learn how to best behave around them.
Both the American Kennel Club and the American Belgian Malinois Club have more information about Malinois, competitions, contact information for reputable breeders, and similar breeds.
Cindy is a prolific writer and online researcher who can't imagine life without dogs. There is scarcely a dog topic she has not researched or written about. Her love for dogs and helping dog parents is evident by the thousands of dogtemperament.com visitors who read her articles monthly. Most of all, each topic Cindy writes on helps forge a stronger bond and understanding between her and her happy Catahoula Leopard Dog Jossie.