Belgian Sheepdogs are protective defenders of their family . They are super loyal and obedient once a bond has been formed , which is why they are often learn working in law and military forces . Although they always require a job and a use , they also make excellent family companions .
Origin and History
The black - coat Belgian Sheepdog was developed by Nicolas Rose in the late 1800s . The Belgian name , Groenendael , comes from Rose ’s estate outside Brussels , known as Chateau de Groenendael . The heel became pop quickly and were used in various law forces throughout Belgium , France , and parts of the United States in the early 1900s . They were acknowledge by theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC)shortly after in 1912 .
As with other solid breed , the Belgian Sheepdog was employ throughout World War I. They were responsible for relaying messages and pulling cart . Their universe increased again after the war and lead to the formation of theBelgian Sheepdog Club of Americain 1919 .
They served again in World War II , but fortunately , their numbers did not decline noticeably . Their popularity has continued to increase with time .
Divergent Lines
The Groenendael is one of four varieties of sheepman originate in Belgium in the 1800s , all of which are classified as a single breed in their native commonwealth . The most recognizable of these is theMalinois . However , in addition to the Groenendael , there are two other lines : theTervurenandLaekenois . The AKC recognize all four lines as separate breeds .
Breed Characteristics
The Belgian Sheepdog is postulate of attention and will require a significant amount of time spent with you . They will happily join in on an adventure , but if you ’re going to leave the sign of the zodiac without them for long menstruation of time , this is not the strain for you .
Appearance
The Belgian Sheepdog is double - coat with a prospicient , coarse topcoat and a soft , obtuse undercoat . The priming is design to protect them from the elements and varies in thickness , dependent upon the environment in which they are live . The pelt on the head is short , with tufts of fur covering the gap of each ear . The fur on the rest of the body is long and there may be extra discover around the neck opening . The colarette , or pelt around the neck , is often more detectable in males .
Most of the time , these dogs are whole black , but you may see them in black-market with white on the feet or bureau . The AKC does not admit white on the tips of the front toes , but this is a colouration that may also be notice in the stock .
Belgian Sheepdog males stand 24 to 26 inches tall at the articulatio humeri and matter 65 to 75 pounds , while female measure 22 to 24 in tall and weigh 60 to 70 hammering .
Temperament
Belgian Sheepdogs are sheer , perceptive , and devoted . They ’re recognize for having a lot of vim and being loyal to a geological fault . They expect a significant amount of care and bonding time . They want to interact with the family , but will also gladly attach themselves to a unmarried person . That being enunciate , they can get severeseparation anxiety . If you – or someone your weenie is intimate with – are n’t home regularly , this is not the strain for you .
They ’re great with children , but due to their herding inherent aptitude , Belgian Sheepdogs may nip at ankle joint . Fortunately , this behavior can be trained out of them as puppy . Aside from that , they will be your child ’s most loyal protector .
Earlysocializationis a must with this breed , as with all others . fundamental interaction with new sights , experiences , sounds , and smells as a puppy will attend your dog ’s transition into a well - rounded grownup .
Training
The Belgian Sheepdog is intelligent and understands what you are learn them , but they do have a stubborn stripe that throw them comparatively unmanageable to take particularly , if they have not yet bonded to you . reliance and loyalty are earned with this stock , but once you have these , you will have a grueling prison term finding a more obedient dog .
Avoid punishment or scolding , as these methods can severely damage the bond you deal with your hound . In some cases , punishment can cause irreparable damage and you wo n’t ever get that strong bond back . Usepositive reinforcementtechniques and remain patient . Spend valuable time and gain your dog ’s trust and you will find melioration .
Exercise Requirements
physical exercise is critical with this strain , but take caution to protect their reefer and bones . Introduce puppies to exercise bit by bit to annul damage in the future .
offering pup between 9 hebdomad and 4 month honest-to-god light exercise in the form of play and brief walk . If they run on their own , that ’s acceptable , but you should never campaign them . abbreviated , 10- to 15 - minute of arc geological period of exercise a few fourth dimension each day are sufficient at this years .
From 4 to 6 month , permission puppies to walk up to half of a mile , and give them restrained example as needed . mostly , this will be about an hour each day .
After your pup reaches 6 months of age , at least two hours of exercise is typically necessary for them to remain happy and goodish . paseo should still be limited to half of a mile to avoid wear and deplumate on the joints . If possible , you’re able to also allow for them to roam freely in a fenced field for as long as they desire .
Health
Like all breeds , Belgian Sheepdogs are prone to several conditions :
Lifespan
The Belgian Shepherd has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years .
Grooming
Like dogs with standardized coat types , this breed is a heavy , twelvemonth - round spiller . They will also moult extra cloggy at least once per year dependant upon where they be .
To keep their coating goodish and prevent fur from throng up in corners around your home base , groom to spend at least 20 minutesbrushingtheir coat on a hebdomadary basis . If possible , it ’s commend to sweep them once per day with a stick brushing . This will take in mats and snarl in the early stages , making these leisurely to remove . It will also murder any deadened fur and distribute oils throughout the coat . To avoid stripping the innate oils from their fur , only bath Belgian Sheepdogs as needed .
Fun Facts About the Breed
The Belgian Sheepdog is well - bang for their commitment to their family , but here are some tidbit you may not know :
Purchasing or Adopting a Belgian Sheepdog
If you ’re looking for a Belgian Sheepdog pup , a good place to start is with theBelgian Sheepdog Club of America . The gild has a breeder directory available as well as helpful tips on how to encounter responsible breeders with caliber dogs . TheAKC PuppyFinderpage also has a stock breeder search . Expect to give around $ 900 to $ 1,800 , although higher - end show dogs from champion lines can cost as much as $ 3,000 .
Rescue Organizations
If you ’re interested in a deliverance wienerwurst , commence your search withPetFinderandSave - a - deliverance . you may also get hold of this breed - specific rescue organization :
Is this the Breed for You?
A Belgian Sheepdog is a good choice if you are an energetic person look for a high - vigour , clever companion . They ’re not the great stock for those who live in apartments , have sedentary lifestyle , or do n’t want to deal with a pile of andiron fur . Before convey a Belgian Sheepdog home , check that you ’re unforced to put in the effort to meet their pauperism .
