Do Belgian Malinois smell bad? Well, many owners wonder if the Belgian Malinois is a smelly dog breed. The good news is that, in general, Belgian Malinois are not known for having a strong “doggy odor” when they are kept clean and healthy. Their short double coat produces less oil than some breeds, meaning they often have little to no natural body odor.
Are Belgian Malinois Prone to Odor?
Belgian Malinois have a dense double coat that sheds seasonally. Unlike some oily-coated breeds (like Basset Hounds or Labradors), Malinois coats are not particularly greasy, which helps minimize that typical “dog smell.”
Many Mal owners say their dogs have little or no odor with routine grooming. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath (every month or two) are usually enough to keep them clean.
However, lack of odor isn’t universal – some Malinois can smell if not groomed or if they have health issues. Their thick coat can trap dirt and allergens over time, so a Malinois that never gets bathed might start to develop a musty odor.
In damp climates, even a Malinois can get that wet-dog smell if they’re constantly wet or muddy. One owner from a rainy region admitted their Malinois can smell “doggy” when the dog is pretty much always wet from the weather. Therefore, a healthy Malinois shouldn’t be a stinky dog, but environment and care make a big difference.
If your Malinois does have a persistent bad odor, it’s likely due to an external factor (like rolling in something smelly) or an internal issue (like a skin or ear infection).
Why Does My Belgian Malinois Smell Like Fish?
If your Belgian Malinois has a fishy odor, especially coming from the backside, the most common culprit is the anal glands. Dogs have two small anal glands (or sacs) near the anus that secrete a very smelly fluid.
Under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t notice this smell; the fluid is usually released in small amounts when the dog defecates. But if the glands leak or are expressed (for example, when a dog is scared or if the glands are too full), you’ll get a whiff of a strong fish-like odor. So, if your Malinois smells like rotten fish, anal gland issues are the first thing to suspect.
Anal gland problems are pretty common in dogs. The glands can become impacted (clogged) or infected, causing that foul fish smell to linger on your dog’s coat or bedding. Your Mal may also show telltale signs like scooting (dragging their rear on the floor), licking or biting at the anus, or discomfort when pooping.
If you notice these symptoms or the fishy odor persists, it’s wise to visit your veterinarian. Often the solution is simple: your vet or groomer can express the anal glands to empty them, which usually resolves the odor. This procedure should relieve your Malinois and eliminate that fish smell almost immediately.
Belgian Malinois Smelling Like Cheese – What Does It Mean?
Sometimes owners describe a dog’s odor as “cheesy” or “yeasty.” If your Belgian Malinois has a strange smell reminiscent of cheese (or a sour, musty odor), it often points to a skin or ear infection – usually caused by yeast or bacteria.
For instance, a bacterial ear infection can give off a pungent cheese-like smell from your dog’s ears. Similarly, an overgrowth of yeast on the skin can produce a funky odor that some people compare to moldy cheese, sour milk, or even popcorn.
Yeast infections are common in dogs and tend to thrive in warm, moist areas like ears, between toes, armpits, and groin folds.
A Malinois with a yeasty skin infection (Malassezia dermatitis) might have itchy, red skin and a musty odor that smells “sour” or rancid. In fact, smelling “like sour milk” is one of the symptoms of a yeast overgrowth on the skin. You might notice your Malinois licking their paws or scratching more than usual if yeast is the issue. Bacterial skin infections (hot spots or general dermatitis) can also make a dog smell bad. Sometimes there’s a “dirty socks” or cheese odor when bacteria are involved. In any case, a stinky, cheese-like smell is not normal and implies infection.
What should you do?
Check your Belgian Malinois’ ears and skin. If the odor is coming from the ears (and you find redness or discharge inside), an ear infection is likely. Ear infections in dogs often have a yeasty or cheesy scent and require veterinary treatment (cleaning and medication) to clear up.
If the smell seems to be from the skin or general coat, a vet visit is still warranted – they may do skin swabs or tests to identify yeast or bacteria. The good news is that these infections are treatable. Your vet might prescribe an antifungal or antibacterial shampoo, ointments, or oral medications depending on severity. Once the infection is treated, the nasty odor should go away.
To prevent these smelly infections, keep your Malinois’s ears clean and dry, especially after swims or baths, and dry them off if they get wet in the rain. Regular grooming helps too – brushing out that double coat and even using dog wipes in between baths can reduce the buildup of yeast and bacteria on the skin. Remember, a healthy Malinois shouldn’t smell like cheese. So if yours does, take action sooner rather than later to address the underlying condition and get your pup comfortable (and smelling fresh) again.
Corn Chip or “Fritos” Smell on Your Malinois
Does your Belgian Malinois sometimes smell like corn chips? Many dog owners notice a mild “Frito” or popcorn-like smell coming from their dog’s paws or coat.
In most cases, a faint corn chip odor is completely normal and nothing to worry about. This phenomenon is often jokingly called “Frito Feet.”
The smell comes from natural bacteria and yeast that live on canine skin. Specifically, two common bacteria – Pseudomonas and Proteus – are known to produce a yeasty, corn-chip smell as they metabolize.
Dogs’ feet have sweat glands and are often damp, making them a perfect home for these microbes. When your Malinois’s paws get a bit sweaty or dirty, the bacteria can emit that unmistakable corn chip smell. So if you get a whiff of Fritos when your dog walks by, don’t panic! A mild Frito smell is normal and not a sign of illness.
Belgian Malinois smell bad like fritos
However, it’s all about degree. Pay attention to changes in that corn chip aroma. If your Mal’s paws suddenly smell much stronger than usual, or the odor changes from a pleasant corn chip smell to a foul moldy cheese smell, it could signal an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.
Essentially, the normal skin flora might be multiplying out of control and causing an infection. Signs that the Frito smell has crossed into problem territory include redness between the toes, swelling, or excessive licking of the paws. If you notice any of those along with a stronger odor, it’s time to intervene.
For a Malinois that just has Frito-feet with no irritation, simple hygiene helps: wipe their paws after they come in from outside, especially if they’ve been on dirty or wet ground. Unscented dog paw wipes or a damp cloth can remove debris without eliminating all the healthy bacteria. Occasional paw washing with a mild dog shampoo is fine too, particularly if they stepped in something smelly. Just dry the paws thoroughly afterward, since moisture can invite more bacterial growth.
If the odor is strong and accompanied by infection signs, see your vet. They might recommend medicated paw washes or ointments to knock down the yeast/bacteria. The paw fur might need trimming and cleaning.
How Food and Diet Affect Your Malinois’s Odor
Your dog’s diet plays a big role in how they smell. A healthy, balanced diet with quality proteins, omega-3s, and vitamins keeps your Malinois’s skin and coat in good shape. They reduce dandruff, oiliness, and smelly yeast. Bad food or allergies, on the other hand, often lead to itchy skin and infections that cause odor.
Food can also affect your dog’s breath and gas. Fish-based diets may give off a slight fishy smell, which is usually harmless. Make sure your dog stays hydrated and maintains a healthy weight—extra pounds and dry skin can trap odor-causing bacteria.
Tips to Keep Your Belgian Malinois Smelling Fresh
Even though Belgian Malinois aren’t inherently smelly, every dog can use a little help to stay fresh. Here are some practical tips and tricks for dealing with a stinky Malinois and preventing odors from building up:
Regular Bathing (But Not Too Often)
Give your Malinois a bath every few weeks or as needed. A general guideline is about every 6–8 weeks for a full bath, unless they get into something messy.
Use the Right Shampoo
Choose a Belgian Malinois shampoo that’s gentle and formulated for dogs. A hypoallergenic dog shampoo is a great option for Malinois, especially those with sensitive skin. For example, a Hypoallergenic Belgian Malinois Shampoo that features natural lavender oil (a soothing, deodorizing ingredient) can clean your dog without irritation.
Lavender oil even helps neutralize that “wet dog smell” while being calming. Another good choice is an oatmeal-based shampoo. Oatmeal shampoos are known to relieve itchiness and inflammation; if your Mal has allergies or dry skin, an oatmeal dog shampoo can help soothe the skin and reduce odor. Always rinse thoroughly and dry your dog completely after a bath to prevent any damp smell or residue.
Groom and Brush Frequently
Brushing isn’t just for controlling shedding – it also removes dirt, dander, and dead hair that can cause odor. Regular brushing (ideally a quick daily brush, or at least several times a week) will keep your Malinois’s coat clean and aerated. It also distributes healthy oils in their fur. Consider using a good quality de-shedding tool or brush to reach their undercoat. A well-brushed Malinois will not only smell better but also feel softer and look shinier.
Dry Them Off
Malinois often love water and may get wet from rain or swimming. Always dry your dog well after any romp in water. That classic “wet dog” smell comes from water displacing the normal bacteria on the coat and letting odor escape.
Towel-dry your Mal and, if they’ll allow it, use a blow dryer on a cool setting to get that undercoat dry. This prevents that damp smell from lingering. If your Malinois has been out in the rain and you notice a musty smell, a quick rub-down and a spritz of dog coat spray can help.
Between-Bath Freshening
You don’t have to wait for bath day to freshen up your pup. A handy product to have is a wash-free dog deodorizer. For instance, the Belgian Malinois Wash-Free Drops are an easy way to neutralize odors on your dog’s coat without a full bath. These drops are gentle enough for everyday use and contain lavender essential oil to combat smells at the source.
Just put a few drops on your Malinois’s coat or on a grooming brush and comb it through – it will quickly eliminate funky odors and leave a light, pleasant scent. This is perfect after your dog gets wet, comes back from a muddy hike, or when you have guests coming over and want your dog smelling clean. (Bonus: products like this also condition the fur and won’t dry out the skin.)
Clean Ears and Teeth
Often, what we perceive as dog smell can actually come from dirty ears or bad breath. Make it a habit to check your Malinois’s ears weekly. If you detect any odor in the ears, gently clean them with a vet-approved ear cleaner (never use cotton swabs deep in the ear). Healthy ears don’t have a strong smell.
Anal Gland Care
As mentioned earlier, anal glands can make a dog stinky. Most dogs naturally express their anal glands when they poop, but some Malinois might need help if you’re noticing recurring fishy smells.
Discuss with your vet or groomer – they can manually empty the glands if needed. Do not attempt this yourself without guidance. Improper technique can cause injury or infection.
Wash Dog Bedding and Toys
Don’t forget the environment! Even if your Malinois is clean, their bedding can hold odors from drool, anal gland leaks, or just general doggy sweat. Wash their beds, blankets, and crate pads regularly – at least every week or two. Use a pet-safe detergent. The same goes for any plush toys that have gotten stinky. Keeping their sleeping area clean will prevent those smells from transferring back onto your dog. Belgian Malinois smell bad not only because of his hormones and natural body oils but also because of his environment.
Use Quality Odor-Control Products
If your Belgian Malinois smells bad all the time, it can help to use specialized grooming products. We already mentioned the wash-free deodorizing drops, but also look into shampoos designed for odor control. For example, a shampoo with baking soda or chlorhexidine can neutralize strong odors.
Do Belgian Malinois Smell Bad? Wrapping Up
Belgian Malinois do not inherently smell bad as a breed. If yours does, identify if it’s a fishy smell, a cheesy smell, or a corn chip smell . Each odor points to a different cause, from glands to yeast. Tackle those specific issues with the right care – veterinary help when needed – and keep up good grooming habits. With proper hygiene, a healthy diet, and a little bit of maintenance, your Belgian Malinois will stay clean and odor-free, so you can enjoy all the snuggles without holding your nose.
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