The Belgian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Groenendael dog, is endowed with great intelligence. It is characterized by self-confidence and enormous energy. He is a smart dog and a devoted friend who is always ready for the next adventure.
Belgian Shepherds, bred in Belgium as herding dogs, began to help on livestock farms at the end of the XNUMXth century. Their inborn agility, ability to guard and herd game, and obedience made them perfect as a watchman and shepherd of herds. Beginning in the first decade of the twentieth century, Belgian Shepherds were more widely used, e.g. in the police, border guards or as sled dogs. They even served during the world wars as messengers of the Red Cross, carrying medicines and water flasks for wounded soldiers on the battlefield. They also led medics to unconscious people. Today, Belgian Shepherds are used in search and rescue teams, they act as a guide dog for the blind and a helper for the disabled. In addition, their ability to detect drugs and explosives has found application in police and military service.
In most official records, this breed is called the Belgian Groenendael. This dog was named after the village of Groenendael in Belgium.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a shepherd dog of the wolf type that is subject to working trials. The FCI registers this quadruped as a breed with pattern number 15, consisting of four varieties: groenendael, malinois, tervuren and the less popular laekenois.
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a slender, well-muscled dog with a well-proportioned body build. The head is long, the top of the skull is slightly flattened, the muzzle is moderately pointed with a slight stop. The dog's bite is even or scissor-like. Medium-sized almond-shaped eyes are brown and their expression indicates the dog's alertness, attention and readiness to act. Erect ears are triangular in shape and are in proportion to the size of the head. The Belgian Shepherd Dog's legs are parallel, straight and strong, and the feet are feline in shape. The fluffy, bushy tail is strong, especially at the base.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog has a dense undercoat and a harder outer coat that is resistant to weather conditions. The hair is moderately long and straight, with a ruff around the neck and extra hair on the legs, tail, and under the body. The coat color of the Groenendael Belgian Shepherd is black.
The weight of the breed representatives is 29-34 kg for dogs, 27-32 kg for bitches. Adult Belgian Shepherds are 61-66 cm tall for males and 56-61 cm for females.
The Groenendael Belgian Shepherd is the most popular of the four Belgian Shepherds. He is a very bright and obedient dog, decisive and perceptive. Shows a strong caring and territorial instinct. This breed requires intensive socialization, preferably from an early age, lest it become shy or overly sensitive.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog is always alert and loyal to his family. He behaves well towards children, especially if they are socialized early on. Likewise, with proper socialization, it maintains good relationships with cats and other pets. This breed should be part of the family, close to the household and the owner. Occasionally, Belgian Shepherds can instinctively display shepherding behavior such as chasing and circling, walking aimlessly for hours on end, and "stepping on people's heels." However, they must be consistently unlearned. Belgian Shepherds need leadership, daily exercise, and training and companionship. Otherwise, they may be prone to destructive behavior. Therefore, they require an experienced, thoughtful caregiver.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog is known for its agility and energy. However, it is prone to several diseases. The most common symptoms are hip and elbow dysplasia, which means your dog's joints should be checked regularly to keep them mobile.
Cataracts are also a health problem that Belgian Shepherd owners should pay attention to. Any cloudiness in the eye or signs that your pet's eyesight is worsening is best to consult a veterinarian. Another problem faced by this breed is its tendency to obesity, which can lead to further medical conditions such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, pancreatitis, and high blood pressure.
Belgian Shepherds live an average of 13 to 14 years.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog, due to its long and thick top coat and thick undercoat, requires daily brushing of its coat. Especially during the moulting period, more time should be spent caring for your pet. You should then cut out the tangles that form mainly in the ruff and on the legs, and trim the hair between the fingers and outside the ears. The Belgian Shepherd Dog sheds profusely twice a year and sheds large amounts of hair practically all year round. Your pet's ears and teeth must undergo regular care.
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