Belgian Malinois Ears: How To Fix Flopped Malinois Ears? Best tips

If you just got a Belgian Malinois puppy, you’re probably wondering when those adorable floppy ears will transform into the strong, erect ears that the breed is known for. Generally, Belgian Malinois ears start standing up between 8 to 20 weeks of age. However, it can vary from puppy to puppy. Some might take longer, especially if they are teething or not getting enough nutrients.

Do Belgian Malinois Ears Stand Up Naturally?

Yes! In most cases, a Belgian Malinois’ ears will stand up on their own without any intervention. But sometimes, genetics, poor diet, or health issues can cause delays. If your puppy’s ears are still floppy by 6 months, you might want to consider some interventions like taping.

At What Age Do Belgian Malinois Ears Stand Up?

Most Belgian Malinois puppies have their ears fully erect by 5 to 6 months old. However, it’s not uncommon for their ears to go up and down during the teething phase (which lasts until around 6 months). If their ears were up and then flopped again, don’t panic—it’s temporary in most cases! Besides, some Mal’s ears can occasionally flop and then go up and then flop again. If this 

Belgian Malinois With Floppy Ears: Is it Normal Occurrence?

Not all Belgian Malinois have pointy ears! Here are a few reasons why some might keep floppy ears:

• Genetics: If the parents had floppy ears, there’s a chance the puppy will too.
• Weak Cartilage: Some puppies have softer cartilage that doesn’t harden enough.
• Dietary Deficiencies: Lack of calcium, protein, or essential vitamins can slow ear development.
• Injury: If a puppy’s ears were handled too much or injured, they might stay floppy.
• Teething Stage: During the teething period, Belgian Malinois calcium level is not stable. That’s why their ears can still flop.

Can You Fix Belgian Malinois Puppy Floppy Ears?

If your Belgian Malinois puppy still has floppy ears past 6 months, you can try a few things:

• Proper nutrition: High-quality food rich in protein and calcium helps ear cartilage strengthen. Therefore, you can add calcium supplements to your dog’s diet and eggshell powder to improve its level in their bodies.
• Ear taping/wrapping: This can provide temporary support for weak ears.
• Avoid rough play: Puppies that chew on each other’s ears too much can damage the cartilage. So, in case your Mal is one of those pets who loves rough play with other dogs, then you should prevent it from doing it. In case you’re planing to sign for shows, then this should be strictly forbidden.
• Ear infections: In case of recurring ear infections and constant ear scratching, your dog’s ears can permanently stay flopped.

How to Help Your Belgian Malinois Puppy Ears Stand Up

1. Nutrition & Supplements

A strong diet is the foundation for strong ears! Here’s what you should focus on:

• High-protein food: Look for at least 25-30% protein in their kibble.
• Calcium & Vitamin D: Helps with cartilage and bone development. Foods like eggshell powder, yogurt, and fish oil can help.
• Gelatin or Glucosamine: Supports joint and cartilage health, which includes the ears!

2. Ear Taping & Wrapping Techniques

If your puppy’s ears are stubbornly floppy after 5 months, you can try taping them. Here’s how:

How to Tape Malinois Ears:

1. Use medical tape (sports or vet tape works best).
2. Gently position the ear upright and tape around it (do not fold it tightly).
3. Leave the tape for 5-7 days, then remove it to check progress.
4. Repeat if necessary until the ears stand naturally.

Alternative: Foam Support Method

Instead of taping, you can use soft foam inserts to hold the ears upright. These work similarly but are more comfortable for the dog.

3. Avoid Excessive Ear Handling

Many owners love playing with their puppy’s ears, but too much bending, rubbing, or folding can damage the cartilage. If you want them to stand up, try to avoid excessive handling during the developmental phase.

Cleaning and Caring for Belgian Malinois Ears

How to Clean Their Ears?

Belgian Malinois have big ears, which means they are more prone to dirt buildup and infections. Cleaning them regularly is essential. Besides, their ears are wide open, which means that you need to daily check them for plant stuck, sand, dirt, and allergens. Here’s how you can clean your Belgian Malinois ears:

Steps to Clean Your Dog’s Ears:

1. Use a dog-safe ear cleaner (never alcohol or hydrogen peroxide). They are not safe for dogs and can only cause irritation. Buy a dog-safe ear cleaning solution in vet-approved pharmacies and do not clean the dog’s ears with water.
2. Gently lift the ear flap and squeeze a few drops into the ear canal.
3. Massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. Do not allow your Mal to shake its head for a while. You can occupy its attention by rewarding it with treats or toys.
4. Let your dog shake it out.
5. Wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball or gauze (never use Q-tips).

Signs of Ear Infections in Belgian Malinois

• Excessive scratching or head shaking. A dog can also start scratching the ear onto the floor to get relief. 
• Bad smell from the ears. This can point out to a yeast or bacterial infection .
• Redness or swelling
• Discharge (brown, yellow, or green)

If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to a vet!

Should You Crop Your Belgian Malinois’ Ears?

Unlike some breeds like Dobermans, Belgian Malinois do not need ear cropping. Their ears stand up naturally, and cropping is unnecessary and unethical. Most vets and breed experts discourage ear cropping unless it’s for medical reasons.

Reasons NOT to crop your Belgian Malinois’ ears:

• It’s painful and unnecessary.
• It doesn’t improve hearing or appearance.
• Most kennel clubs do not allow cropped ears for Malinois in competitions.

So, unless your vet advises it for a medical reason, keep those natural ears!

Belgian Malinois Ears: Conclusion

Belgian Mal’s ears are a defining feature of the breed, but they take time to develop. Most will stand up naturally by 6 months, but if your pup has floppy ears, don’t stress—there are ways to help! Good nutrition, proper care, and (if needed) taping can all assist in getting those ears upright. And remember, there’s no need to crop—your Malinois is perfect just the way they are!

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