How To Deal With Belgian Malinois Shedding?

When I first brought my Belgian Malinois puppy home, I was warned about dog hair – and boy, it proved true! My Malinois loves running through the grass and playing fetch, but back indoors I keep finding tufts of fur on the couch. Belgian Malinois dogs have a thick double coat and shed moderately throughout the year. In fact, twice a year (usually spring and fall) she “blows coat” and the shedding ramps up to full-on tumbleweeds of fur. To help every new owner who’s dealing with Belgian Malinois shedding, I decided to write this guide.

Belgian Malinois come in two coat types: the common short-haired variety and a rarer long-haired variety. I have the usual short-haired Malinois, which means she sheds a consistent, moderate amount year-round with heavier shedding seasons. 

Luckily, Malinois are not one of the worst shedders around – they generally shed less than some larger double-coated breeds. Still, as a new dog owner I learned quickly that even “moderate” shedding adds up. The key is grooming and cleaning.

Belgian Malinois Shedding: Coat Care & Grooming

Keeping my Malinois’s coat smooth and healthy is the best defense against loose fur. A regular grooming routine helps distribute natural oils and stops hair before it lands on the floor. 

I make it a point to brush her at least once a week, and more often during the heavy shed seasons. Belgian Malinois have a dense undercoat, so a good de-shedding tool or slicker brush is essential. 

One game-changing grooming accessory I found is the FURerase two-sided grooming brush. It’s designed for Belgian Malinois and similar breeds, with one side that cuts through stubborn mats and another that gently lifts loose undercoat. In practice, it truly does both: one side clears tangles, the other side pulls out piles of shed hair. Using it each session makes a huge difference.

Brushing regularly not only reduces hair around the house but keeps the coat shiny. For example, pet care experts recommend brushing Malinois at least weekly to remove dead hairs and evenly spread skin oils. 

I’ve also used a slicker brush (fine metal bristles) to catch the soft undercoat without scratching her skin. In heavy-shedding weeks, I even brush her outside so I can sweep away the clumps right away. If you’re looking for Belgian Malinois accessories, adding a de-shedding brush and pet vacuum to your toolkit is smart. The VacuGroom pet grooming kit is another favorite of mine – it’s like a vacuum and grooming combo. 

As I brush, it actually suctions up 99% of the loose fur into a canister, so far less hair blows around the room.

Some owners add supplements for coat health, too. I started adding a bit of fish oil to my Malinois’s diet after learning omega-3 fatty acids keep dog coats glossy and healthy. A vet source confirms that diets rich in omega-3 (and omega-6) fatty acids help protect the skin and keep the coat shiny. Since I did that, her coat feels softer and the shedding seems milder.

Bathing and Shampoo

Baths are another tool in the coat-care kit, though I learned not to overdo it. Belgian Malinois coats are water-resistant and self-cleaning to an extent, so they don’t need frequent scrubbing. I found that bathing once a month or two is plenty, just to remove dirt and loose hair. Overbathing can actually dry out the skin and strip away the natural oils that keep fur healthy.

When I bathe my Malinois, I use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo. The trick is to pick one that soothes and conditions – for example, oatmeal-and-aloe formulas are great for sensitive or dry skin. 

One dog-specific shampoo I like (for sensitive skin) has oatmeal, aloe vera and vitamins; it’s hypoallergenic and helps relieve any itchiness. After a good rinse, I follow with a conditioner or just a thorough towel rub-down and light blow-dry. This routine leaves her coat smooth and shiny, and it cuts down on loose hairs later.

Grooming Tools and Accessories

Investing in the right grooming accessories makes life easier. Besides the FURerase brush and VacuGroom, here are my must-haves for a Malinois:

·         FURerase Two-Sided Grooming Brush – specially made for Malinois grooming needs. One side cuts knots and mats, the other removes loose undercoat hair. It replaces two tools in one.

·         Slicker Brush – with gentle metal bristles; great for daily or weekly brushing. It lifts dead hair and smooths the coat. 

·         Undercoat Rake – a comb with teeth; it helps pull out thick undercoats. This is handy during blowout seasons. Mals usually blow their hair during the spring and fall.

·         VacuGroom Grooming Kit – a vacuum-powered brush set that sucks up loose fur as you groom. It includes combs and clippers too, and really cuts cleanup work.

·         Quality Pet Vacuum – I keep a vacuum with pet-hair attachments on hand. Malinois shedding means carpet and furniture need daily passes. A vacuum designed for pet hair picks up the fluff quickly.

Using these tools in combination (brush, then vacuum right away) prevents most hair from settling. For example, I brush my Malinois over a washable mat to catch bits, then vacuum the mat immediately.

How To Keep Your House Clean From Belgian Malinois Shedding?

Despite best efforts, some hair still falls out – but there are tricks to control it. First, frequent vacuuming is key. I run the vacuum daily in the areas she hangs out. Many vacuums have special pet-hair attachments. I use one with a brush roll that lifts embedded fur. The VacuGroom kit even collects fur from carpets and couches with its nozzle head.

Other hacks I’ve learned:

·         Lint Rollers and Tape: Keep a pack of lint rollers or sticky tape rolls by the door and car. In a pinch, I swipe the furniture and myself with them. They pull up hair that the vacuum missed.

·         Damp Rubber Glove/Cloth: For upholstery or stairs, I slip on a damp rubber cleaning glove or damp microfiber cloth and wipe surfaces. The static makes the hair ball up nicely. It’s quick for couch cushions or bedspreads.

·         Washable Covers: My dog’s favorite chair and her bed have removable, machine-washable covers. I toss them in the wash weekly. That way, most of the hair stays on the cover (and it’s easy to shake out before washing).

·         Hard Floor Cleaning: If you have hardwood or tile, a slightly damp mop or electrostatic dry mop works wonders. The dampness picks up hairs like a magnet.

·         No-Shoes Rule: We take off shoes at the door to avoid tracking fur from one room to another. It seems small, but it helps.

·         High Humidity: It sounds odd, but running a humidifier can reduce static clinging of hair. A little extra humidity in winter keeps fur from flying all over.

Belgian Malinois Accessories and Gear

As a proud Malinois owner, I also love browsing gear and accessories designed for this breed. Along with grooming tools, some other Belgian Malinois accessories have been handy. A sturdy dog bed with a washable cover means I can contain most fur there. I keep plenty of microfiber towels at home (they’re great for quick wipe-downs after play). A pet hair-removal lint brush for clothing (often called a pet hair roller) is in my coat pocket at all times. Having these breed-specific accessories and tools has made managing shedding much easier.

What To Do If a Belgian Malinois Sheds Excessively?

If your Mal starts to lose hair in patches and it also develops a sort of strange smell, then you should take him/her to the vet immediately. Even though Belgian Malinois are prone to some other health issues and not skin problems, losing hair in patches is an alarming sign. Pay attention if your Mal scratches his coat, licks his paws, or chew on them. Those could be the signs of a yeast infection or some other bacterial infection.

Some dogs can even develop real skin problems due to mites. They require a special anti-parasitic treatment and your house needs a complete cleaning.

Belgian Malinois Loses Hair On the Ears – What to do?

Believe it or not, Mals can start scratching their ears to blog due to allergies. In most cases, certain ingredients from your dog’s diet can trigger skin itchiness and hair loss as well. If you changed your Belgian Malinois diet recently, make sure you check the label on the dry kibble he/she eats.

Most dogs develop food allergy to corn, soy, by-products, and artificial flavors and colors. Some can even be allergic to chicken. Therefore, if your Mal’s ears become red and very itchy, then talk to your vet asap.

Besides food allergy, other triggers include bacterial infections, parasitic infections and also yeast. Check them for a discharge and whether there’s something stuck inside. All of the above mentioned could be the triggers.

Belgian Malinois do shed – they’re double-coated dogs – but it’s usually a moderate amount if you stay on top of it. With regular brushing (especially during their two annual “blowout” phases), good diet, and the right products, you can keep your Malinois’s coat smooth and your home relatively fur-free. I found that a little effort goes a long way: daily petting-brushing sessions became quality time for us, and now her coat stays healthy without leaving a trail everywhere.

If you’re a first-time Malinois owner like me, remember: invest in a quality grooming brush and vacuum, pick a gentle moisturizing dog shampoo, and set up a cleaning routine.