Why Do Belgian Malinois Click Their Teeth?

1. Excitement or Anticipation

One of the most common reasons Belgian Malinois click their teeth is due to excitement.

This breed is known for its high energy and sharp awareness, and when they’re anticipating something stimulating — like a walk, playtime, or seeing their favorite person — their body may react involuntarily.

Teeth clicking in these cases is often paired with:

• Tail wagging

• Alert posture

• Barking or whining

• Focused attention

If your Belgian Malinois clicks their teeth when excited, there’s typically no need to worry.

It’s just their unique way of expressing enthusiasm.

Related: When do belgian malinois lose baby teeth?

2. Anxiety or Stress

Another common reason why Belgian Malinois are clicking their teeth is anxiety.

These dogs are highly sensitive and emotionally aware, which makes them prone to stress in high-stimulation or unfamiliar environments.

Teeth clicking related to anxiety may occur in situations such as:

• Visiting the vet

• Being left alone

• Meeting unfamiliar dogs or people

• Loud noises (like thunder or fireworks)

This kind of teeth chattering in Belgian Malinois is often accompanied by:

• Pacing

• Drooling

• Panting

• Whining or barking

• Avoidance behaviors

If anxiety is the cause, addressing the root of the stress — and possibly using training or calming aids — can help reduce the behavior.

3. Cold Temperatures

Just like humans shiver when cold, Belgian Malinois can click their teeth when they’re chilly.

This happens most often in colder seasons or if they’ve been outside without adequate protection.

Signs that cold might be the reason include:

• Shivering

• Curled-up posture

• Seeking warmth

• Reluctance to go outside

If your Belgian Malinois clicks their teeth in cold weather, consider providing a doggy jacket, limiting time outdoors, or creating a warm sleeping area.

Related: Why is my Belgian Malinois drinking so much water? (Here’s why)

4. Dental Problems or Oral Pain

Sometimes, tooth clicking in Belgian Malinois is a sign of dental issues. Dogs can’t tell us when they have a toothache, so they may display symptoms like jaw chattering, excessive drooling, reluctance to eat, or pawing at their face.

Dental problems that might cause teeth clicking include:

• Tooth abscesses

• Gum infections

• Loose or broken teeth

• Jaw misalignment

If your Belgian Malinois is clicking their teeth frequently and seems uncomfortable, a veterinary dental exam is essential.

5. Neurological Conditions

Though rare, Belgian Malinois teeth clicking can be due to neurological issues such as focal seizures or motor tics. In such cases, the behavior may be sudden, repetitive, and accompanied by other signs like:

• Staring spells

• Trembling or shaking

• Sudden loss of awareness

• Muscle twitching

These symptoms require immediate veterinary evaluation. Neurological problems in Belgian Malinois should never be ignored, especially since early intervention can greatly improve outcomes.

6. Scent or Pheromone Response (Flehmen Response)

Belgian Malinois, like many dogs, may exhibit teeth chattering as part of their reaction to strong scents or pheromones. This is part of the “Flehmen response,” where they process scents using the vomeronasal organ in their mouth.

You may observe your Belgian Malinois:

• Licking their lips

• Sniffing intensely

• Chattering their teeth after smelling urine or another dog’s scent

This behavior is completely natural and not harmful — it’s simply how your dog is processing complex smells.

7. Breed-Specific Sensitivity

The Belgian Malinois breed is known for heightened sensitivity and intensity, which means even minor stimuli can trigger involuntary responses like teeth clicking. Their high prey drive, alertness, and deep emotional intelligence all contribute to this behavior.

This sensitivity makes it more likely that Belgian Malinois will click their teeth in response to:

• Small changes in environment

• Subtle emotional cues

• Internal discomfort

Because of their keen awareness, any behavioral change — including clicking their teeth — should be monitored in case it signals a deeper issue.

When to Worry About Teeth Clicking in Belgian Malinois

While many causes of teeth clicking in Belgian Malinois are harmless, there are cases where it may indicate a medical issue. You should seek veterinary advice if:

• The clicking is frequent and unexplained

• It happens suddenly and persistently

• Your dog shows signs of pain or discomfort

• There are other symptoms like drooling, appetite loss, vomiting, or lethargy

• Your dog has trouble eating or is avoiding hard food

Regular dental checkups and awareness of your dog’s behavior patterns can help you catch problems early.

What You Can Do at Home

If your Belgian Malinois is clicking their teeth occasionally, and there are no signs of distress or pain, you can observe and note the triggers. Try the following:

• Track Patterns: Keep a log of when the clicking happens — during excitement, stress, cold, or after sniffing something.

• Provide Warmth: If it’s weather-related, make sure your dog has a warm and comfortable space.

• Address Anxiety: Use training, enrichment, or calming aids to help with stress-related behaviors.

• Maintain Oral Health: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and offer dental chews.

• Schedule Vet Visits: A wellness check, especially if the behavior changes, is always a good idea.

Key Takeaway: Why Do Belgian Malinois Click Their Teeth?

Teeth clicking in Belgian Malinois can be a perfectly natural response to excitement, temperature, or sensory stimulation — but it can also signal discomfort, anxiety, or medical concerns.

Understanding the reasons why your Belgian Malinois clicks their teeth helps you determine whether it’s harmless or needs attention.

Because Belgian Malinois are such intuitive, responsive, and expressive dogs, behaviors like teeth chattering or clicking offer important insights into their physical and emotional state.

If you ever feel unsure, or if the behavior increases in frequency or intensity, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

Your attentiveness can help ensure your Belgian Malinois stays healthy, happy, and heard — even when they’re speaking through their teeth.