Originally bred for:
Herding and guarding sheep (Breed group: Pastoral).
The Four Varieties of Belgian Shepherd
All
varieties are physically the same, the only difference is the coat.
|
Variety |
Groenendael |
Lakenois |
Malinois |
Tervueren |
|
Coat
type |
Long haired Dogs have
longer thicker coats. |
Rough
'wiry' haired |
Short
haired |
Long
haired Dogs have
longer thicker coats. |
|
Coat
colour |
Black only |
Red to
brown |
Red to
brown |
Red, fawn
and grey with dark overlay and dark mask.
|
Character:
Intelligent, attentive, agile and hardy. Very
loyal. Protective of property.
Easily bored and if left alone for long periods very destructive. Require extensive mental and physical stimulation.
Average life span:
12-15 years
Height at shoulder: Dog: 24-26
inches Bitch:
22-25 inches
Average food bill:
Around
£5 per week for a dog
Ideal
environment: Preferably country life.
Not suited to a town environment and definitely not suited to living in
an apartment.
Training:
Belgians learn fast and think for themselves.
A handler needs to be kind and confident.
These dogs are sensitive and a tough approach towards these dogs just
will not work.
Coat
Care:
Professional grooming is not normally
required
and the coat does not matt. However
the Groenendael and Tervueren will need more grooming,
especially the dogs.
Always
ensure when buying a Belgian Shepherd that you see the parents (or at least the
mother with the puppies) and that they have both been eye tested (clear within
the last 12 months) and hip scored.
The average total hip score for Belgian Shepherds is 11 and the lower the
figure the least risk of hip dysplasia later on.
(Belgian
Shepherds are a breed in their own right and are not related to German
Shepherds)
.