Belgian Shepherd
Description
The Belgian
Shepherd is the national dog of Belgium and Belgian farmers for
centuries developed a variety of sheep dog, which eventually was
catalogued by Professor Reul of the University in Brussels in 1891.
Finding eight types, he recommended they be bred separately where later
the Belgian Kennel Club officially registered three of these varieties,
and of the eight types identified, only four remain today.
Temperament
They are an
intelligent and attentive breed and even though they are wary of
strangers they are not known to be aggressive or timid. They are quite
protective of their families, however if left alone can become
introverted and even fear-biters. They are slow to mature mentally, and
are not considered mature until they are three years old.
Appearance
Height:
56-66cm
(22-26in)
Weight: 27-34kg
(60-75lb)
This is a
medium-sized, finely built dog. The four different types of Belgian
Shepherd have only a few differences between them, which is their coat
colour and its length. Each of them has been named after the area which
was instrumental in its development. The Tervueren (long tawny coat),
the Malinois (short tawny coat) and the Laekenois (wire tawny coat).
Grooming
They require daily
brushing and combing, with special attention to the undercoat during the
shedding season. Excess hair should be removed from the inner ear and
between the toes, and owners should watch for tangles in the
'pantaloons' and behind the ears.
If you don't have the
time to bath or groom your dog, your local dog grooming
salon provides these services.
Life Expectancy
12-14 Years
Health Concerns
The Belgian
Shepherd is a relatively healthy dog; however hip dysplasia can be
common health problem.
Suitability
These beautiful
dogs are ideally suited to active families with older children or a
person with the extra time available to devote to this dog. Making
great, protective guard dogs, any training other than house-training,
should be delayed until the puppy is at least nine months old. Being
originally developed as a working dog, the Belgian Shepherd will require
at least a 30 minute walk each day and even though they are good guard
dogs, they should not be left alone in the backyard or apartment for
long periods, as they can become destructive.
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