Belgian Shepherd Dog
Dogs
Belgian Shepherd Dog
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Groenendael |
Laekenois |
Malinois |
Tervueren |
Belgian Shepherd Dog (also know as the Belgian Sheepdog or
Chien de Berger Belge) can refer to any of four
breeds of dog: the
Groenendael, the
Laekenois, the
Tervueren, or the
Malinois. In some regions, these are considered four different varieties of
a single breed; in other regions, they are considered a single breed.
The
American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes only the Groenendael under the name
"Belgian Sheepdog", but also recognizes the Tervueren (with the alternative
spelling "Tervuren") and the Malinois as individual breeds. The Laekenois can be
registered as part of the AKC foundation stock service and should eventually be
recognised fully by the AKC.
The
Australian National Kennel Council and the
New Zealand Kennel Club recognize all four as separate breeds. The
Canadian Kennel Club,
Kennel Union of South Africa and the
Kennel Club (UK) follow the
FCI classification scheme and recognises all four as varieties of the same
breed.
All are hard-working, intelligent dogs of the same general size and
temperament. They differ in their coats and superficially in appearance.
They are so closely related that, when breeding any two dogs of the same coat
colour and length (eg Groenendael), it is possible for puppies of different
"breeds" to be in the same litter. For example, a Groenendael litter could
contain a brown-coated long-haired puppy; in countries that consider them the
same breed with 4 coat variaties, this is fine and the puppy would be a valid
Tervueren, but the AKC considers it to be an aberration of the all-black Belgian
Shepherd and disqualifies it in the conformation ring. This dog can be breed
with other Groenendaels (indeed the AKC allows this because the dog is after all
registered as a Groenendael!)and worked in obedience, agility and other sports
venues. Likewise, a Tervueren could have a short-coated puppy; in some
countries, this is merely the Malinois coat variation but the AKC again
considers it to be a disqualifiable fault in the conformation ring.
In years gone past, the Groenendael and Tervuren were one breed with coat
variations until the Club decided to petition the AKC to make the separation
into two separate breeds.
Appearance
Temperament
Belgian Shepherds are bred to be highly intelligent, alert and sensitive to
everything going on around them, and to develop extremely strong relationship
bonds. This means that they need significant socializing as puppies, lifelong
activity outlets, and will seek to be with "their human" all the time,
preferably doing something rather than waiting around. They can find it very
difficult to be left alone. During their juvenile years, they can go through
irrational fears (similar to the child who believes there is a monster in the
closet), and can suddenly develop anxiety over some object or place which has
never been a problem before, although these fade over time with a good positive
lead. They tend strongly to be a "one person dog."
Belgian shepherds like to please, and can over-react badly to "negative"
(punishment or deterrence based) training, so they should as a rule be clicker-
or reward-trained only. They can also behave as if they think that they are
smarter than their owners, so it is important for the owner to know how to train
dogs or to enroll in training classes. Professional training is highly
recommended by trainers/acadamies specific to this type of dog, as well as
continued training or development beyond the basics, such as obedience, agility
and herding and other sports. This is because Belgian Shepherds as a rule
require mental stimulation as much or more so then physical. Most Belgian owners
know that rote or pattern-based training is not the ideal for Belgians. Nor is
drilling a particular activity going to prove successful. If a Belgian does
something right 3 times in a row, he, or she, does not see the sense in doing it
the fourth time!
All the Belgian Shepherd breeds need a lot of activity and close interaction
with people. Like most
herding breeds, they need a job to do (be it
frisbee in
the park, herding,
learning tricks,
dog
agility). Throwing a toy endlessly for the dog to fetch works for some
breeds, but the Belgian breeds are intelligent and sociable dogs who can easily
become bored with such simple and undemanding repetition. Many Belgians make
superb assistance dogs who thrive on knowing that their jobs are indeed
necessary for their chosen person.
An amusing series of humorous cartoons showing the lighter side of the
Belgian Shepherd personality can be found
here.
Ownership
They are widely considered to be a fine looking dog, loyal, intelligent, fun,
and well suited to family life. However because of their high sensitivity to
criticism or to being ignored, their careful handling and socialising needs,
their need for ongoing stimulation and purposeful activity, and their potential
(in common with other high energy dogs such as
Siberian Huskies)
to develop problems or even become destructive if bored, they are not
usually considered suitable for a first time or inexperienced owner, or one who
cannot meet their needs.
Health
Belgians overall are fairly healthy as a breed, especially compared to many
other breeds. Their main illnesses as a breed are
epilepsy,
hip
dysplasia,
thyroid conditions, and
cataracts.
A study at UC indicates that 17% (one in 6) will develop epilepsy, although most
of these will only develop occasional
petit mal seizure and not be seriously affected by it. Their more compact
form means they are less likely to develop dysplasia than
German Shepherds or other breeds (around 8% or 1 in 12). Cataracts can
develop around ages 2-4.
See also
External links
Home | Up | Bandog | Barbet | Basenji | Basset Fauve de Bretagne | Basset Hound | Bavarian Mountain Hound | Beagle | Bearded Collie | Beauceron | Bedlington Terrier | Belgian Shepherd Dog | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren) | Bergamasco | Berger Blanc Suisse | Bernese Mountain Dog | Bichon Frisé | Biewer | Black Russian Terrier | Black and Tan Coonhound | Bloodhound | Bluetick Coonhound | Boerboel | Border Collie | Border Terrier | Borderjack | Borzoi | Bosnian Tornjak | Boston Terrier | Bouvier des Flandres | Boxer | Boykin Spaniel | Brazilian Terrier | Briard | Brittany | Bull Terrier | Bull Terrier (Miniature) | Bull and Terrier | Bulldog | Bullmastiff | Bully Kutta
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