Malinois Puppy Growth Chart: Month by Month Size and Milestones

Understanding Malinois Puppy Growth

Tracking your Belgian Malinois puppy’s growth helps ensure they’re developing properly. We’ve documented Coco’s journey from an 8-week-old puppy to adulthood, combining our experience with breed standards to create a practical growth reference.

Growth Timeline: 2 to 12 Months

2-3 Months (8-12 weeks)

When we brought Coco home at 8 weeks, she was already showing classic Malinois traits: alert, energetic, and incredibly smart. Our photo library shows her spending most of this period indoors, with short explorations in the yard.

Key milestones at this age:

• First vaccinations (always follow your vet’s schedule)
• Early socialization begins
• Basic house training
• Weight range: 10-15 pounds
• Height: 8-12 inches at shoulder

4-5 Months

This is when we saw the first real growth spurts. Our photos from this period show Coco starting to look more like a proper Malinois, though still definitely puppy-shaped. She spent more time exploring outdoors, with our content showing her first field trips and yard adventures.

Typical developments:

• Teething peaks
• Coordination improves
• Weight range: 25-35 pounds
• Height: 15-18 inches at shoulder

6-8 Months

The “teenage” phase brings rapid growth. Our photo library shows Coco becoming more active during this period, with increased outdoor activities and the start of more structured exercise.

Common changes:

• Adult teeth fully in
• Major growth spurts
• Weight range: 35-45 pounds (females)
• Height: 18-22 inches at shoulder

9-12 Months

Growth starts slowing down. By this point, Coco was reaching her adult height, though she wasn’t fully filled out yet. Our photos show her looking lanky but nearly full-sized.

Typical markers:

• Near adult height
• Still filling out in muscle
• Weight range: 40-50 pounds (females)
• Height: 22-24 inches at shoulder

Adult Size Guidelines

Female Belgian Malinois typically reach:

• Weight: 40-60 pounds
• Height: 22-24 inches at shoulder

Male Belgian Malinois typically reach:

• Weight: 60-80 pounds
• Height: 24-26 inches at shoulder

Growth Rate Factors

Several factors affect how quickly your Malinois grows:

Genetics

Parent size strongly influences puppy size. Always ask your breeder about the parents’ sizes for a rough estimate of adult size.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is crucial during growth. We fed Coco a high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds until she was 12 months old. Always consult your vet about the right food and portions for your puppy.

Exercise

Appropriate exercise helps build healthy muscles and bones. Our photo library shows a gradual increase in activity levels as Coco grew, starting with short play sessions and building up to longer walks and exploration.

Important Health Considerations

Joint Health

Growing Malinois puppies shouldn’t do high-impact exercise until their growth plates close. Our activity photos show mostly natural play and exploration in early months, avoiding forced exercise.

Weight Management

Keeping your puppy at a healthy weight prevents joint issues. You should be able to feel their ribs but not see them. If you’re unsure about your puppy’s weight, talk to your vet.

Monitoring Growth

Regular Weigh-ins

We recommend monthly weigh-ins during the first year. Your vet can help track whether your puppy’s growing at a healthy rate.

Photo Documentation

Taking regular photos helps track visual progress. Our library of 636 photos and videos has been invaluable for monitoring Coco’s development, with clear progression through baby (25 photos), puppy (128), and young adult (147) stages.

When to Contact Your Vet

Call your vet if you notice:

• Sudden changes in appetite
• Limping or joint pain
• Growth that seems too fast or too slow
• Any concerns about weight or development

Remember that growth charts are guidelines, not rules. Each puppy develops at their own pace within normal ranges.