There isn't a significant difference between Malinois ears standing up quickly or slowly, but generally, faster ear standing is slightly better. Under normal circumstances, a Malinois' ears will stand up before they are six months old, and some even earlier. If a Malinois' ears stand up later, it may be due to a calcium deficiency, or other congenital or acquired factors.
Malinois generally refers to the Belgian Malinois Shepherd, known for their high obedience, alertness, and courage. They are often used as police dogs, military dogs, and guard dogs. Purebred Malinois should have ears that stand up, though the timing may vary. A slower time for ears standing up does not indicate that the dog is not a purebred. Early ear standing allows for an earlier assessment of the Malinois' development. Some Malinois develop early, resulting in early ear standing, while others develop later, leading to later ear standing.
Factors Affecting the Timing of Malinois Ear Standing
Typically, a Malinois' ears will stand up within the first four months after birth, and generally within six months. If the ears haven't stood up by six months, it may be because of a calcium deficiency. Insufficient calcium can delay various aspects of the Malinois' development, including ear standing. Owners should regularly provide calcium supplements to meet their Malinois' growth and development needs.
Sometimes, congenital factors can affect ear standing. Some Malinois may be born with ears that will never stand up, or might only be able to stand up one ear, which is related to their genes. However, this is not always noticed early, because the ears of young Malinois are usually droopy. Few people pay attention to this aspect.
Acquired factors can also prevent Malinois ears from standing up. If the ears are not taken care of properly or are injured during growth, it may affect their ability to stand up, potentially delaying or preventing the process. If a Malinois is having trouble standing up its ears, there are methods to help.
Methods to Help Malinois Ears Stand Up Quickly
For Malinois with delayed ear standing, additional calcium is necessary. You can provide calcium tablets or powder daily, along with fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins, which help with calcium absorption. If ears do not stand up, surgery is an option. Take your Malinois to a veterinary clinic for the procedure. Note that Malinois should not eat 24 hours or drink 8 hours before surgery, to avoid diarrhea or vomiting.