Belgian Shepherd Dog

Belgian Shepherd Dog

(Groenendael: Tervuren: Malinois: Laekenois)

The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a breed consisting of four sheep dog varieties, all of which are very elegant-looking and hard-working animals.

History:

The early ancestors of the Belgian Shepherd Dog were probably those depicted in the drawings accompanying the Duke of Hapsburg in the fifteenth century. By the 1800s there were at least four closely related varieties of sheep dogs in Belgium and other European countries. However, as more land was fenced off and industrialization took its toll, sheep dogs were needed in far fewer numbers.

Breeders decided that these similar dogs should all be called the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Four varieties of the breed would be recognized, depending upon their coat types. The Groenendael is long-haired and colored black with small white markings; the Tervuren is also long-haired but colored red, fawn or gray, while the Malinois is short-haired and red, fawn or gray with a black overlay; and the Laekenois's rough coat is reddish fawn with shades of black, although the Laekenois is not recognized in the USA.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog has exceled itself as a fearless war dog. It was capable of carrying messages under terrifying conditions and across hazardous terrain during the First World War. More recently, the Belgian Shepherd Dog has served as a police dog and a guard dog.

Physical characteristics:

An elegant, symmetrical dog with a graceful appearance. Height: 24 - 26 in (61 - 66 cm) for the dog and 22 - 24 in (56 - 61 cm) for the bitch. Weight: 66 lb (30 kg) under FCI standards elsewhere weight is proportionate to height. The Belgian Shepherd Dog has a long sharp face with a tapering muzzle. The lively medium-sized eyes are very slightly oval and set well in. The straight, upright ears are triangular with a rounded base. The body consists of a long, straight, muscular back, with a stomach curving up to make a waist. The medium-to-long tail hangs down and is carried when the dog is in motion.

Behavior:

This tall dog is very confident in its manner and usually very calm. It appears to go about its business in a very easy-going manner.

The Belgian Shepherd is excellent both as a watch-dog and as a guard dog. It has a powerful bark and a determined brave spirit. Although it can be made to be aggressive, it is still readily controllable in experienced hands, and so makes a wonderful law enforcement dog.

The Belgian Shepherd is normally very sociable with other dogs because of its size and confident manner. Naturally, if it is confined it may be highly territorial towards other dogs passing by.

Although the Belgian Shepherd originated as a working dog, its usually gentle nature makes it ideal as a companion animal. Like most former working dogs, it thrives on the attention of its owners. This dog will be most happy when carrying out tasks and activities to please you.

When training the Belgian Shepherd, the owner should be aware that it still retains a strong herding instinct and chase reflex; it may have a tendency to take off after moving objects.

This large, intelligent dog does require plenty of exercise and may become disgruntled if closely confined. Be sure not to overfeed your Belgian Shepherd Dog. It has a tendency to overeat, especially if it is only exercised sometimes and is bored.

These dogs have few common ailments but the long-haired varieties should be regularly brushed to maintain coat condition. Excess hair in the ears and between the toes should be removed.

other breeds of dogs

more about dog health

more about dog obedience

more about dog house