Does size matter? - Page 1

Hello, I'm new to Belgian Malinois so I have a question.  I have been reading several articles and watching You tube videos on this breed. I just recently purchased a Malinois pup after one month of calling and emailing breeders.  The first day my wife and I went to the vet for the exam.  My vet was concerned with the size (being small) of my pup because she has had some experience with the breed in the past but only at an adult level.  My question is if my pup is small for the breed.  He is 7 weeks and 10 lbs.  At 6 weeks he was 6 lbs.  Also the pup came from a litter of 11 and the breeder said he had to wean early because it was the Dam's first litter and she was very aggressive to the pups.  There are some puppy growth chart online but are not consistent.  Some has my mal reaching 61 lbs and some are saying 42 lbs in which has got me wondering.  My Mal will be used in a working role and stopping power is important to me.  Can someone bring clarity to this for me.   Thanks

 I'm not sure about the size of your pup. It sounds small but that doesn't mean he won't catch up. I have a male Belgian Mal. He's almsot 1 year old and he weighs 75 lbs, measures almost 25 inch. at the shoulder. He's a BIG boy. I think he is alittle larger than some. Size really varies. Check out the AKC breed standard for a better idea of what a male's weight/height range is. Also, feeeding is a big factor. I feed lots of meat and very high protein dry food with no grain. Good luck with the pup!

This thread might be of interest...http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=184685-predicting-adult-size

Does size matter to you? I myself prefer smaller dogs. My first GSD for Schutzhund was a 60lbs female. What she lacked in size, she made up with speed. Her handler never had any issues with apprehensions! I've also seen a 40lbs female Malinios that was nicknamed "pocket rocket". She was crazy fast, and you could hear her slam into the sleeve from any distance she was sent.

My 4 month old Dutch Shepherd female was 12lbs at 10 weeks, 17lbs at 13 weeks, and 22lbs at 16 weeks. Maybe that will help for a size comparison. There's usually a big size difference between Dutch Shepherds and Malinois. I've seen them from 40lbs all the way up to 90lbs+. Your pup will have some growth spurts and may surprise you.

Even if he only reaches 60lbs, don't underestimate the strength and power in their bite.

How big are the parents and grandparents?  What about any pups from previous litters from either/both parents?  That will give you a better indication of adult size then his weight at 6, 7, or 8 weeks. 

As a side note I don't think 10 pounds at 7 weeks is out of range, I've had many pups that were 12-15 at 8 weeks, which yours should easily fall into, that grew up to be good sized adults.

Are you going to eat him? Size wise he is what he is and he is going to be what ever he is going to be. Worry about things which you can influence .Like training and socialization. Oh yeah and do not forget to love him!
:)( In good humor) 
 Prager  Hans