Belgian Shepherd Dog - breed description and character of a dog

If you want to have an easy-to-learn dog that can be given commands and training, as well as acting as a pet of the family, it's time to consider a Belgian shepherd dog! The breed is universal, it is used as a guard dogs and a great companion. Dogs are active, independent, organized, not lost in difficult situations. But let's not be unfounded, let's explore all the most important characteristics of the breed in turn. Also consider the subtleties of content and care.

Historical data on the origin of the breed

It is certainly difficult to restore the chain of events that led to the emergence of the breed in question. But its first representatives appeared due to the hard work of a breeder from Belgium, which is why the breed had the addition “Belgian”.

A true breeder and experienced physician began his work in 1890. He set himself the task of making a shepherd dog a real watch and fighting dog, endowed with relevant characteristics. In the future, the breed was to become the property of Belgium, as happened later. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, we will study step by step.

At the initial stage, the veterinary breeder managed to bring 4 species of breed. Animals were not very different. The difference was perhaps in the quality and shade of wool, as well as the length of the body. Each line of the breed had its own names, taken from the Belgian cities.

Since the vet came from Tervuren, the first representatives called it that way. Another line of dogs - Malinois, originated from two derivatives "Malina" and "Mechelen".

The dogs with the Grunendahl registry are named after the city in which all the breeders' activities were actually carried out. The fourth line of this breed was called Laekenois, to date, little-known and not very popular representatives.

In view of the extensive selection activities of each of the four lines, they attributed their own standards.They affect the appearance of pets. Standards were adopted in the 20th century and have not changed to this day. We will look at them below.

Coat color

It has already been mentioned that today there are 4 breed lines. Each of them has its own characteristics affecting the appearance of the coat and the color itself. Determine what is in front of you line of the Belgian Shepherd, it can be on the wool cover. Check out to keep in mind.

1. Tervuren is distinguished by a reddish-brown coat. The coat is long and double-layered. According to generally accepted breed standards, white markings are allowed in the chest area.
2. Grunendal is famous for its fluffy undercoat with water-repellent, oily impregnation. Thick wool consists of two layers, the upper long, hard. The cover is not allowed to be glossy, curly, silky and soft. Otherwise, he will roll into the mats, which is uncharacteristic for representatives of the breed. As a rule, the grünandal are black, but there may be white spots on the paws or chest.
3. Malinois are the most common.Sheepdogs with a short coat with a reddish tinge with black splashes. On the face must necessarily be a black mask that distinguishes this line from the others. There are also black markings on the ends of the ears.
4. Lacenois is still not recognized in some countries, however, this line has certain standards. Representatives of the breed have a coat of reddish hue with white markings. Wool cover hard to touch. On the face there is no black mask, like its predecessors. But according to the standard, dark hair can be on the tail and head.

Breed standard

Since all the above representatives of the breed are similar in constitution, it is not necessary to consider each line separately. We give common standards that will suit all Belgian Shepherd Dogs. It is worth mentioning at once that animals are distinguished by a powerful, medium-sized body. They are harmoniously built, famous for their developed muscles and endurance. First of all, when choosing a pet, pay attention to external characteristics.

1. Weight and height. Dogs can not be called heavyweights due to the fact that they seem to be voluminous because of the thick coat.In the weight category, females with males are almost identical, there is no gender superiority in this regard. Body weight ranges from 25-30 kg. As for growth, females are lower than males; they are between 55 and 63 cm tall. Males are 60–65 cm.
2. Head. Lifts high enough, not too long, perfectly in harmony with the physique as a whole. Dry, delineated clearly visible. The length of the muzzle with the skull is almost equal. The skull is not very wide, but not narrow, but rather medium. The forehead is flat, has no protuberances. There are grooves on it. On the head in the back there is a mound (nape). The muzzle tapers to the nose, on which there is a pinch of black pigment. The lips of the dog are also pigmented dark, so it seems that the dog is smiling. Lips fit tightly, do not hang down. They are not fat. The dog's ears are rounded in the zone of the base, have a triangular shape and sharp ends. High set, as seen when the dog is interested.
3. Eyes. As for the eyes, they have an average size. The iris must necessarily be brownish, yellow shade is not allowed. The eyes are slanted in their shape, the gaze is straight, it reads a dumb question.
4. Teeth. Located on the powerful jaws, during the grasp the animal holds the prey with fangs. Bite is correct, for a serious defective creation is considered a situation where one jaw slightly or strongly protrudes forward. According to generally accepted standards, representatives of the breed can have a scissor-like or straight bite. The teeth have no gaps, but the absence of two premolars is allowed. The dog's cheekbones are thick, the muscles in this area are dry.
5. Body type. The neck itself has no dewlap, it is muscular, expands to the area of ​​the shoulder blades. Straight and long, which once again underlines the status of the breed. The chest is not too wide, but not narrowed, it is medium in size, deep and bulky. The additional size of the chest gives the coat. The belly of the dogs of the breed does not sag, moderately tucked up, there is no abrupt transition to the groin. The body itself is powerful, but there is no aggression in appearance. The dog is fit and harmoniously folded without unnecessary toughness. A pronounced withers flows into a straight back and slightly lowered and rounded croup.
6. Limbs. Paws are strong, the front is clearly longer than the rear. The backbone is muscular, but not heavy, the dog does not look bulky.Dry muscles are equally well developed on all four limbs. The shoulder blades are long, the shoulders are wide and muscled. Limbs are straight, which gives the dog a status and harmony.
7. Tail. Set low, in a calm state the dog is always lowered. When the animal is interested, the tail rises and twists a little. But it is not allowed by standards to be crocheted or dangling on its side.

Breed character

Despite external discrepancies, all four-line dogs are almost identical in character. A lot of advantages and almost no drawbacks - it's all about the Belgian Shepherds.

1. Dogs are unpretentious by nature, ready for any job, including heavy physical service. Most often they are recruited into an emergency rescue squad or emergency room.
2. On the other hand, perfectly folded dogs are self-controllable, ideally suited for the protection of premises and territory. But dogs are not made to sit on a leash, they need a binge. Fearlessness gives shepherd charm.
3. Representatives of the breed love to dominate the person, but this applies only to those who can not declare itself as an authority. For this reason, a dog of this breed needs a master with a strong character.
4. Sheepdogs good-natured in relation to the family and children. They can distinguish a five-year plan from a one-year-old child, in games they compare their sizes with the size of a child. Pets flexible, quickly learn and are amenable to training.
5. Since, in their historical past, shepherd dogs were considered shepherd dogs, over time they did not lose their skills and did not become more vicious. The dogs are disciplined, kind, active, with a stable nervous system.
6. If the dog has already grown enough, all the instincts for the protection and protection of the owner have been formed in it. When the owner walks with the dog, the shepherd dog is wary of others and in the event of a threat the guard will show his qualities.
7. Despite the ability to protect the owner, the dog is not adjusted negatively to guests or ordinary passers-by, if they do not arouse suspicion. The dog will behave with restraint, not cowardly.

Training and education

1. Before acquiring such a wonderful breed, you shouldn’t exclude the fact that in fact you are letting into your house a very energetic ball of wool. Puppies are distinguished by curiosity and activity. It is not recommended to leave the pet alone until it grows up.As soon as the puppy begins to play pranks, distract him with toys.
2. Such simple procedures will allow the animal to understand what you can play with and what not. In no case do not show aggression and physical strength when raising a puppy. A dog can get a tremendous psychological trauma. The pet will be afraid of everything, including you. Also, he will not be trained.
3. This breed is excellent for all family members, and the dog must be properly educated. Otherwise, the pet may show anger and aggression towards strangers. For the common man, a dog can be a potential threat. If the dog feels that something is wrong, he can begin to act independently.
4. In the modern world, professional dog handlers demand restraint and unshakable obedience from sheepdogs. The dog must necessarily obey and protect the owner. In this case, the shepherd should act only after he hears the appropriate command.
5. It is not necessary to exclude the fact that the represented breed needs constant communication with a person. If the animal is not socialized and little time is given to it, the shepherd dog becomes wayward and stubborn. During training, forget about the use of rudeness, screams and physical impact.Sheepdogs are very sensitive.
6. Only in the extreme case of a pet, you can occasionally pull the leash. The advantage of this breed is also in the fact that the pet always reacts to the atmosphere that prevails in the family. The dog perfectly feels the mood of the owner. It is strongly not recommended to ignore the animal, otherwise the shepherd will suffer.
7. The breed in question has excellent memory. Therefore, with the right upbringing of the pet, he will not have difficulty in mastering the basic commands and skills. Also, the owner will not have to monotonously repeat the same thing over and over again. It is worth considering that when raising a shepherd, you have to go beyond the classical program.
8. If you are not going to use the dog for its intended purpose, it must find an occupation. It is recommended to participate with a pet in various sporting events and competitions. The dog must be given a 3-hour exercise. Only in this way will he be able to maintain his form and good mood.
9. An important fact is that the dog should be socialized as soon as possible.It is recommended to engage in this procedure immediately after the animal is given all the necessary vaccinations. Sometimes it is recommended to walk with the puppy around the city.
10. The dog must be given the opportunity to communicate with strangers and animals. Pet must learn to behave in transport and society. If you do not do these procedures, the dog will bark at the car. Also, a pet may bite passers-by or, on the contrary, be afraid of everything and constantly hide. At the initial level of education on the dog is recommended to wear a muzzle.

Breed content

1. The Belgian Shepherd was originally bred as a breed that lives in the open air. Therefore, there is nothing specific in the care of animals. If you want to always look great pet, you have to make some effort. The most important thing in this matter is quality food.
2. The dog also needs timely vitamin courses. If the animal is poorly fed, it will not have a beautiful fur coat. On the feed also depends on the development of bone tissue, and even character. It is not so important what you feed your pet.He can cook on his own or buy premium food.
3. The main condition in this question is properly formulated diet. Also, do not exclude the fact that the dog prefers. The rest of the care will not cause any additional difficulties. Pet must be combed with a comb or a massage glove once a week. During the molting procedure should be carried out every day.
4. If you do not remove the dead coat, the dog may develop skin irritation and even eczema. There is nothing critical in this and pathology can be cured. Here only at this time the pet will suffer. Consider, eczema has been treated for quite a long time. It is enough to bathe an animal up to 4 times a year.
5. It should be separately noted that the Belgian Shepherd Dog is strictly forbidden to be bathed by non-professional means. The shampoo should be directional specifically for the breed. Otherwise, the pet may develop dermatitis. You can only detect the disease in the acute stage. Light reddenings are imperceptible due to undercoat.

A Belgian Shepherd Dog should be started only if you have enough time. You also need to lead an active lifestyle.Such a dog will not be able to sit at home all day, especially alone. Pet needs to be given the opportunity to splash out all the accumulated energy in various games and trainings. Sheepdogs need to be given regular physical exertion, without it the dog will lose its shape, and will constantly be in an apathetic state.

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