The Belgian Shepherd Dog is an alert and agile dog that was bred to be a protector for sheep. They are intelligent and robust dogs that need regular exercise and kind but firm handling.
The breed was first recognised in about 1890 and is no relation to the German Shepherd Dog.
They are a medium sized dog, harmoniously proportioned, hardy being accustomed to an open air life, built to resist bad weather and being between 60 and 66 cm high at the shoulder for dogs and 56 to 62 cm for bitches. The length of body should be equal to the height at the shoulder giving the impression of a square dog rather than a long dog like say the German Shepherd Dog.
By the harmony of his shape and proud carriage of his head the Belgian Shepherd Dog gives the impression of robust elegance.
When necessary he is, without hesitation an obstinate and ardent protector of his master. He is vigilant and attentive, his look alert and inquiring, denoting his intelligence. They are neither aggressive or timid. They are good children.
Belgian Shepherds are easily trained and excel at Obedience, Agility and Tracking
VARIETIES:
There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog.
THE GROENENDAEL: is a long haired black dog.
THE TERVUEREN: is long haired other than black being all shades of red, fawn or grey with a black overlay and black mask. 'The preferred colour is fawn with a black overlay.
THE MALINOIS: has a short coat being fawn with a black overlay and a black mask.
THE LAEKENOIS: has a rough or wire haired coat and fawn with a black overlay and a black mask. The mask covers the muzzle, jaw, upper and lower lips and eyelids in one black area.
The Groenendael and Tervueren are the most readily available varieties in Australia.
COAT:
All varieties have a coat that is abundant, close and of good texture forming with a woolly undercoat and an excellent protective coating In the long haired varieties the coat is short on the head, outer surfaces of the ears and the lower part of the legs except the back edge of the forearm which is covered from the elbow to the wrist, with long hair called feathering.
They have long and smooth hair on the rest of the body being longer and more abundant on the front of the chest and under the neck forming a ruff:
CARE OF YOUR BELGIAN SHEPHERD:
Belgian Shepherds have an easy care coat. They only require an occasional brushing and rarely need bathing. However more regular grooming is desirable when they are loosing coat. (About once a year for dogs and twice a year for bitches.)
Daily exercise is recommended. Say a walk of three quarters of an hour. They need to be with their families say during the evenings.
Socialisation of puppies is important. You will need to socialise your puppy right from when you get him and continue through until at least 6 months. It needs to meet lots of people, dogs and other animals and be taken into all sorts of places so he will become used to them. This should be in an encouraging and non-threatening manner.
When you purchase a puppy the breeder will give you more detailed information about its care.
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