The Belgian Malinois lifespan is 10-14 years. They are often used as guard dogs, watchdogs and livestock guardians - there is very little that this hardworking dog cannot do. Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? Furthermore, these supplements will help your puppy to develop healthy joints, which is an important consideration for large breed dogs like the Belgian Malinois. These dogs are incredibly loyal to their masters and work hard to keep their bond with family members strong and intact. This attribute is very unique and helps owners to decipher how their dog is feeling. Insert the roller inside the dogs ears and wrap the ears around the rollers. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. Their coat is designed to withstand harsh weather. 12-16 yr. The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye that allows you to see light.
PDF Page 1 of 3 - American Kennel Club Oftentimes Mals who do not receive the care they need have ears that may never lift. The smart, confident, and versatile Belgian Malinois is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner. Belgian Malinois are incredibly loyal and smart, but theyre also high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and stimulation. For an otherwise healthy Belgian Malinois, clean their ears once a month with an ear cleaner or ear flush. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Constant gnawing contributes to jaws, head, and neck muscles proper development. If your dog has an infection only in one ear, be careful to avoid spreading the infection to the other ear while using certain cleaning methods. Symptoms typically start around 13 years old and can get worse every year. But, in general, Belgian Malinois should be fed twice dailyonce in the morning and once in the evening. They're tallup to 2 feet at the shoulders!and always alert, with perked-up ears; kind, dark chocolate eyes; and a slightly bushy tail. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. Dont overdo with protein though as excess protein may lead to obesity. As an Amazon Associate, TrendingBreeds.com earns from qualifying purchases. Read our, 10 Best Energetic Dog Breeds for Active People. You might read in some articles that this is happening due to a teething process and redistribution of calcium but the truth is that calcium is not needed for proper cartilage build-up. Again, training and socialization should begin when your Belgian Malinois puppy is young and continue throughout their life. The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. Although the Mal puppies are born with drooping ears, they should stand up by the age of 8 months. Belgian Malinois are not your typical dog breed. For Heartworms your dog should be tested. Theyre also excellent at agility, tracking, herding, and obedience competitions. The Belgian Malinois can live in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Theyre best for owners with an active lifestyle who can provide plenty of ways for the dogs to exercise their minds and bodies. The size should be proportional to the dogs head. Meet Wren - Located in Florida, a Belgian Shepherd / Malinois & Dutch Shepherd Mix Dog for adoption, at Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue, Inc. in Lecanto, FL on Petfinder. Many owners dont think about chew toys as related to the ears, but in fact, having good chew toys will exercise your puppys jaw, neck, and head. Sometimes injury, even a relatively minor injury, early in your dogs life can result in an ear that does not grow properly. They approach an equilateral triangle shape. Some breeders tend to breed dogs with larger, heavier ears. Theyre fast and engaged learners, making training not only fun, but critical for their mental well-being. Overshot and undershot . The coat should conform to the body without standing out or hanging down. He characterized the variety as a medium-sized square. Even if you dont have kids, its important to train your dog to be well-mannered around children, so youre always able to safely control situations. Mar 28, 2016 Date of Birth. One of the breed's trademarks is its high head carriage. It is also helpful to squeeze veterinary-approved ear cleaner into your dogs ears and massage the ear gently for 30 seconds to dislodge any buildup from the ear canal; however, do not let anything but the cleaning solution touch the dogs ear to avoid causing more bacteria. A Mals coat is composed of 2 layers, one dense undercoat which is like an insulator, and their outer coat which acts as a cover against weather, dirt, or other aspects that would make your dog uncomfortable if it were to touch their skin. As the dog gets older, the ears will begin to straighten up. The age of 8 months is crucial as after that you wont be able to do much for your Mals ears and their upright position. These dogs generally arent well-suited to living in an apartment, as they need lots of space to run and play. Size. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',158,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-158{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Other owners suggested an overall wholesome and nutritious diet that includes certain supplements. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. The Belgian Malinois is a medium to large herding dog breed with a short coat and a square, well-balanced build that's native to Belgium. You can also offer steamed or blended fruits and vegetables to your puppy. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. And then the cartlidge hardens. All rights reserved. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Belgian Malinoisesare prone to a skin allergy called atopy, where the ears are heavily affected. In most cases your dogs ears will be completely fine; however, if it is taking a long time for their ears to stand up, having your dog examined by a vet is the best option to find out what is going on with their ears. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider regardless of what you have read on this site or elsewhere. They started to stand, but now they are flopping again. If your Malinois ears arent straightening as expected, there are a few things that you can do to help. He is hardy and built to withstand the rugged Belgian climate. You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. That would not be a good thing! These dogs are generally very intelligent, loyal, and diligent. Given the similar coat patterns and inherent personality traits that come with herding breeds, its easy to see how Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds could be confused with one another. Belgian Malinois are also predisposed to cataracts, which is a progressive hardening of the eye lens. It is typically safe for dogs to consume yogurt and cottage cheese; however, this does not mean that your dog will not have trouble digesting lactose. Ears that hang or fold over at the tip will disqualify a dog for American Kennel Club shows. Ideally, Belgian Malinois should get more than 40 minutes of exercise per daywith you by their side. If your Mal puppy has had erected ears at some point and then they both or only one ear has drooped, most probably the reason is the development of Frontalis and Temporalis muscles on top of its head. The Belgian Malinois is a large dog, with males weighing between 55 and 80 pounds and females between 40 and 60 pounds. Height. German Shepherd: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Boston Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Belgian Laekenois: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Belgian Sheepdog: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Cane Corso: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Dutch Shepherd (Dutch Herder): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Beauceron: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Bouvier des Flandres: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Icelandic Sheepdog: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, American Pit Bull Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care, Spanish Water Dog: Breed Characteristics & Care. They are ultra-thin, lightweight, made of surgical mesh, the material suitable for sensitive tissue of dogs ears. Have you ever noticed that Belgian Malinois puppies have adorable, little folded-over ears, but that the ears change as the dog gets older? For further information to help connect you with a Belgian Malinois, check out: Might not be appropriate for families with small children, Requires lots of activity and mental stimulation. Belgian Malinois will have drooping ears only if something is wrong with breeding/genetics, health. How Much Time Is Required For Malinois Ears To Stand Up? In an otherwise healthy pet, if they are on a high-quality complete and balanced diet, they shouldnt need any additional nutritional supplements unless directed by your veterinarian. Belgian Malinois Shedding Complete Guide (Tips and Tricks From Owners), 7 Causes of Smelly Odors in Your Samoyed and How to Fix Them, Solving Your Samoyeds Licking Habits: 5 Common Causes and Solutions, 10 Reasons your Samoyed Howls (Dog or part Wolf? Sire is CKC registered, and Dam is registered. Temporalis muscle we have already mentioned in this article is highly involved in chewing. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Pro Tip:Check out ourBelgian Malinois Shedding Complete Guide (Tips and Tricks From Owners). The alert, lively Belgian Malinois has been hard at work for centuries, originally as a sheepdog in Belgium and beginning in the 20th century, as a military and police dog. It has a thick coat about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, which ranges in colour from . Improper nutrition or insufficient calcium early in your dogs life, as well as worms and other parasites that may rob your puppys body of nutrition, can also result in ears not growing properly. Weight. Belgian Malinois are born with folded ears but their ears should straighten as they get older.
Belgian Malinois - All About Dogs | Orvis What to Expect From the Belgian Malinois: Temperament, Traits and When this should happen?
Dog for adoption - Wren - Located in Florida, a Belgian Shepherd Simply put, progressive retinal atrophy causes retina deterioration, leading to blindness. Today, Belgian Malinois are often seen in the U.S. military and police forces. In 1891, the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed, and a panel of judges determined that there was a congruous type of native shepherd dog that was a square, medium-sized dog with well-set triangular ears. Zipcode: 70634. The Belgian Shepherd (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois, or the Chien de Berger Belge) is a breed of medium-sized herding dog from Belgium.While predominantly considered a single breed, it is bred in four distinct varieties based on coat type and colour; the long-haired black Groenendael, the rough-haired fawn Laekenois, the short-haired fawn Malinois, and the long-haired . 2 Males and 3 Females. The history of the Belgian Malinois goes back to the 1880s when these dogs (with German shepherds, French shepherds and Dutch shepherds) were called continental shepherd dogs. Belgian Malinois also have a high prey drive, making them extremely interested in moving objects. Example of Malinois puppy with floppy ears. Plus, Belgian Malinois are part of Navy SEAL teams and have been used in operations, including that which resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011. link to Why Is My Belgian Malinois Panting So Much? Smart and easily trained, the ever-popular German shepherd is quite active and likes to have something to do. Shedding often increases as the weather changes in the spring and fall, necessitating more regular brushing. Just make sure your pet is on a diet that is appropriate for their agepuppy food should be given until your pet is at least 1 year old before switching to adult dog food. It is not recommended to use peroxide or cotton swabs in your dogs ears. However, when Belgian Malinois dont get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they often start to exhibit destructive behaviors to keep themselves entertained. Female: 22-24 in. Why are a 4-month-old Belgian Malinois' ears floppy? Schipperkes are active, intelligent and curious dogs and have stubborn tendencies. Missing cartilage orpinna(the flap of skin that is covered by fur and composed of muscles that are attached to the cartilage) is the cause ofBelgian Malinois puppies having floppy ears at birth. The Belgian Malinois is a working breed with needs only an experienced owner can meet. ), Samoyed Dog Breed Guide (Quick Links and Information). Breed Group. The ear should stand up without folding from the base. You will also need one unsharpened pencil and a plastic knife. Belgian Malinois are one of the most proud, intelligent, and hardworking dog breeds in existence. The Belgian Malinois has been one of the most widely used working dogs for hundreds of years, but it recently came to spotlight when Seal Team Six used a Malinois to hunt and capture Osama Bin Laden. Discuss the variety and quantity with your veterinarian, as this can vary based on age, size, activity level, and other factors. Dam (Mom) Belgian Malinois. Ear position can tell us a lot about how our dogs are feeling. Long-term complications of ear infections. If you're interested in similar breeds, check out: Theres a whole world of potential dog breeds out therewith a little research, you can find the right one to bring home! A Belgian Malinois is lean and muscled, with a more slender face, whereas a shepherd is a bit burly with thicker fur. But the breeds have a different head shape, and the Belgian Malinois is leaner than the German shepherd and has shorter fur. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training. However, this can vary widely depending on location and the lineage of the puppy. There are a few different reasons why your full-grown Malmay have floppy ears. Trauma that your puppy had at his early age or even a minor injury of the ears may cause dropping ears in the adult period.
German Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois: Which dog is right for you? These dogs differed only in the texture, color and length of hair. Those big ears! Belgian Malinois. Belgian Malinois temperament. This breed also is an excellent candidate fordog sportsor any activity that involves focus and endurance to challenge it mentally and physically. Purchase these foam rollers, extra-large ( for large ears) or large ( for smaller ears). You may notice your Mal licking their paws, rubbing their face, or developing ear infections more often. They are not the type of dog that can just be left in the backyard to entertain themselves. The Belgian Malinois excels not only in herding, but also in protection and law enforcement; drug, bomb, and gas detection; search and rescue; tracking; obedience; sledding; agility; and therapy assistance to disabled, ill or elderly people. This will influence the cartilage and ears upright position. In 1959 the Belgians separated into the three AKC breeds recognized today, sheepdog, Tervuren and Malinois. They were originally bred to be herders, but their trainability and drive led them into several other careers, including protection, search and rescue, and bomb and drug detection. In general, little more thanbasic groomingis necessary. Chewing personal items (shoes, clothes, etc. If your puppy is 7 months old and he still has floppy ears you may consult the wet and try some of the methods many owners suggest such as the Pink roller method, Ear forms, or some other. They thrive when they have a job and are extremely well-suited to becoming a working dog, such as in police and military operations. If you have any further questions or want more photos reach out. Males can grow between 24 and 26 inches tall, and females can grow between 22 and 24 inches. They should be proportionate to the size of the dogs head and in the general shape of a triangle. If the infection is left untreated it may become even more difficult to get rid of the infection. When fully grown, male Belgian Malinois are typically 24-26 inches tall and 60-80 pounds, while females stand about 22-24 inches tall and weigh 40-60 pounds. This should not worry you, its only temporary. An untreated ear infection can lead to serious long-term complications or may result in your dog needing surgery. HEIGHT: 22 to 24 inches (female), 24 to 26 inches (male), WEIGHT: 40 to 60 pounds (female), 60 to 80 pounds (male), COAT COLOR: Fawn, mahogany, red, red sable, or fawn sable with a black mask. Before bringing home a Belgian Malinois puppy, make sure your breeder had the pups parents tested for these conditions. The mouth is well split, which means that when the mouth is open the commissures of the lips are pulled right back, the jaws being well apart. What Can I Do To Stimulate My Malinois Dog Ears To Stand Up? The English cocker spaniel is slightly taller than long. With every dog the cartlidge in their ears need to develop. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'arcanapets_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arcanapets_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Too much calcium can bring many troubles to your puppy. Like other terriers, the West Highland White is smart, independent with a slight touch of stubbornness. These dogs generally have a moderately affectionate and friendly personality, but they do form strong bonds with their owners. A Belgian Malinois for sale should look muscular through her entire body without the bulk of a Bully breed. Floppy ears in Belgian Malinois dogs are usually a question of genetics or poor diet. Although panting is a natural way for Belgian Malinois ( same as for other dog breeds) to cool down, heavy panting might be a sign of some kind of discomfort or pain. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Although calcium is super important for bone development, its not crucial for cartilage. learners. Its recommended that Belgian Malinois puppies are trained by a professional who specializes in the breed. In the case of genetics, you cannot do much. Sufficient glucosamine and another supplement known as chondroitin will help your puppy to develop good, strong cartilage. As with all dogs, their nails should be trimmed regularly. Their facial masks and their ears are largely black in color, while the underparts of their body, tails and breeches are light fawn. This animal's post-war popularity was low until the 1960s, when fans of the Belgian Malinois decided to bring the breed back into fashion. There is usually an awkward stage during which ears are partly folded and partly erect. Belgian Malinois are supposed to have erect ears, and ears that flop or have folded over tips are not considered appropriate according to the breed standard. Aim for at least one to two hours of exercise per day, including brisk walks, running, hiking, and playing fetch. The ears are typically firm and small in proportion to the head and body size. Another very important aspect of your puppys life to help them develop erect ears are chew toys. Females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). That said, Belgian Malinois are predisposed to a few medical issues. He is a hardy dog, accustomed to living outdoors with a coat built to resist the damp Belgian climate. Signs to monitor for at home include: Difficulty getting on/off furniture, going upstairs, and getting into cars. It was specifically recommended to add glucosamine, a natural cartilage-building amino sugar to a Belgian Malinoiss diet to build the cartilage strong enough to hold the ears straight. Other dogs will need another week or more. Breeders were looking to create a strong herding dog and protector with a steadfast work ethic. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. Both breeds are similar in height, but Belgian Malinois typically weigh less than German Shepherds. There is a video on Youtube that explains how to use those strips. Your Mals ears may not be standing up straight because each Malinois is different. Why Do Some Malinois Dogs Have One or Both Drooping Ears.
Afghans generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. 60 lbs* Weight. The head muscles are simply not strong enough to hold those large ears upright. Features: Upright ears (naturally) Expectations: Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day Energy Level: Very energetic Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners.
5 Things You Didn't Know About Belgian Malinois - iHeartDogs.com Are you able to invest in early, consistent training by a professional? 5 Belgian Malinois for sale. The Belgian Malinois can look quite similar to the German shepherd at first glance. This means that Belgian Malinois do best in a house where they have a job to perform, such as agility, tracking, and/or obedience. Whats the difference between Belgian Malinois vs. German Shepherds? Collagen deficiencyis a medical condition that can cause floppy ears solely because the ears are unable to stand on their own. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-leader-4','ezslot_15',159,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-leader-4','ezslot_16',159,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-leader-4-0_1'); .leader-4-multi-159{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}As cartilage strengthens, the pinna in the dogs ear begins to stand straight. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The mask and ears are black. Typically, Belgian Malinois need more than 40 minutes of exercise per day. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Some things they love include herding, agility, search and rescue, and tracking. Training and socialization should begin early in a Belgian Malinois puppyhood. Belgian Malinoises do not need to have their ears cropped. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. The Belgian Malinois ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources, iy_2023; im_03; id_04; ih_04; imh_01; i_epoch:1677931285461, py_2023; pm_02; pd_08; ph_03; pmh_03; p_epoch:1675854218670, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Feb 08 03:03:38 PST 2023; pn_epoch:1675854218670. A Mals distinctly cupped ears are thick with this double-coated fur, not only making them super cute, but able to stay warm in cold weather as well! Give the ear form a second coat of skin adhesive, and lay it flat on something to keep the adhesive from dripping off of it. The breed standard for the Belgian Malinois states that the ears should be stiff and erect. The lips are thin, tight and strongly pigmented black.
3 Ways to Identify a Belgian Malinois - wikiHow While this can certainly have its benefits, it can also make it difficult to have guests or strangers come into the house. 7 Reasons Why your Belgian Malinois Follows you Everywhere! These traits can make them phenomenal petsif theyre in the right household with an active, experienced pet parent. By developing a consistent nutritional diet for your dog, changes in cartilage strength may become noticeable and the ear may begin to straighten. Otherwise, it might become anxious or develop behavior problems. Its not only important for cartilage but also vitamin C is a great source of antioxidants. 40-83 lb. Considerations for Pet Parents History of the Belgian Malinois The roots of this breed lie in the "Noord-Brabant" region in Belgium. The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, well-proportioned, natural, medium-sized, square dog. Finally, some dogs are simply genetically predisposed to ears that flop. Oftentimes their ears are thick not only because of their strong cartilage but because they are a double-coated dog breed.
Complete Belgian Malinois Guide: 6 Must Read Facts He gives the impression of elegant robustness. The moment they start to get their adult teeth their ears start to go all over the place. So the more your puppy chews the more it develops Temporalis muscle that is directly related to ears and their upright position. The Belgian Malinois is a native of Belgium and one of the four related varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.com.
Do Belgian Malinois' Ears Stand Up? (2023) - Trending Breeds Belgian Malinois breed standards suggest that ears should be firm and erect in adult dogs. Belgian Malinois are squarely built, proud, and alert herders standing 22 to 26 inches. Belgians are instinctively protective so they should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Different chew toys will stimulate and exercise different muscle groups. | When & How To Help, Why Do Police Use Belgian Malinois? This process may take a while. (2023), How Much Does a Belgian Malinois Cost? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pawsandlearn_com-netboard-1','ezslot_22',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-netboard-1-0');You may be able to tell when your Belgian Malinois needs its ears cleaned. Dont panic if your Malinois still has drooping ears at the age of 5 months. Miniature Schnauzers are square-bodied dogs with wiry coats. The Belgian Malinois breed standard describes him as having an effortless gait. Belgian Malinois have a short, waterproof coat, making them easy to care for. German Shepherds have slightly longer fur with a black and tan or black and silver coat and a black saddle of fur over their back. The following are some conditions to be aware of: Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water. The Belgian Malinois is a sturdy well-muscled dog of almost square proportions. 7 Belgian Malinois . Belgian Malinois are incredibly intelligent animals, making them easy to train and highly successful working dogs. The Belgian Malinois' ears should be checked monthly for signs of infection, such as excessive ear wax, redness, and inflammation. These jobs are often seen as fun activities for them, and its important for you to be involved in the training process, as it will increase your pets bond with you. Disclaimer: This blog and all its content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional pet medical advice. An early period trauma can also be the cause. This makes them great running, hiking, and biking companions.
Its a good idea to havea nice variety of chew toys on hand to satisfy your puppys different chewing urges and to exercise different muscle groups.