Belgian Sheepdog Dog Breed Information:
The medium-sized Belgian Sheepdog is a herding dog breed that originated in Belgium where these dogs were used to herd sheep. They later graduated to police work, and today their versatility makes them suitable for many jobs and dog sports. Even though these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups.
Belgian Sheepdog Breed Group: Herding Dogs.
Belgian Sheepdog Height: 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Belgian Sheepdog Weight: 60 to 75 pounds.
Belgian Sheepdog Life Span: 10 to 12 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Belgian Sheepdogs require at least an hour of exercise per day. If you don't provide them with exercise and mental stimulation in the form of training or play, they'll find their own entertainment, and chances are it will be expensive to repair. The Belgian Sheepdog (known as the Groenendael in Europe) is the solid-colored variety of the four Belgian shepherd dogs. Elegant and graceful, he has a long black coat and an imposing appearance.
He's athletic as well as beautiful and maintains the working ability for which he was originally known, making him an excellent choice for agility, herding, and obedience competitions. Belgian Sheepdogs can get along well with other dogs and cats if they're raised with them, but they have a chase instinct and will go after animals that run from them.
Belgian Sheepdog History:
The Belgian Sheepdog is one of four varieties of shepherd dogs that were developed in Belgium in the late 1800s. The four varieties are the Malinois (fawn-mahogany, short coat with black mask), Tervuren (fawn-mahogany, long coat with black mask) the Laekenois (fawn, rough coat), and the Belgian Sheepdog, or Groenendael (black, long coat).
Belgian Sheepdog Size:
The Belgian Sheepdog male stands 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 75 pounds, females 22 to 24 inches and 60 to 70 pounds.
Belgian Sheepdog Personality:
The ideal Belgian Sheepdog is smart, brave, alert, and devoted to his family. He's described as always in motion when not under command. His observation skills make him an excellent watchdog, but his herding heritage makes him naturally distrustful of strangers. This ideal Belgian Sheepdog temperament doesn't just happen. It's affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization.
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Belgian Sheepdog Health:
Belgian Sheepdogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Belgian Sheepdogs will get any or all of these diseases.
Hip Dysplasia.
Elbow Dysplasia.
Epilepsy.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Cancer.
Anesthesia Sensitivity.
Hypothyroidism.
Belgian Sheepdog Care:
The Belgian Sheepdog is an indoor/outdoor dog. He should live indoors with the family but needs access to a securely fenced yard that will prevent him from escaping to chase passing cyclists, joggers, and cars. Introduce puppies to exercise gradually. From 9 weeks to 4 months of age, puppy kindergarten once or twice a week is a great way for them to get exercise, training, and socialization, plus 15 to 20 minutes of playtime in the yard, morning and evening.
Belgian Sheepdog Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Belgian Sheepdog Coat Color And Grooming:
The Belgian Sheepdog is a double-coated breed. The topcoat is abundant with long, straight hair that's moderately harsh to the touch, never wiry or silky. The soft, dense undercoat provides protection from the weather and varies in thickness depending on the climate in which the Belgian Sheepdog lives.
Expect to spend 15 to 20 minutes per week brushing out that coat to remove dead hair and prevent mats or tangles. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Belgian Sheepdog's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it.
Belgian Sheepdog with Children And Other Pets:
Teach your Belgian Sheepdog that this behavior is unacceptable. An adult Belgian Sheepdog who is unfamiliar with children may do best in a home with children who are mature enough to interact with him properly. Belgian Sheepdogs get along best with other dogs and cats when they're brought up with them from puppyhood.