Belgian Shepherd Dog

February 15, 2024

Belgian Shepherd Dogs are among the most commonly used dogs in police and military service. The ever-increasing splitting of the gene pool has resulted in a total of four varieties, of which the so-called Malinois are the most common dogs.

Content: Belgian Shepherd Dog

profile
Special features
What should be taken into account regarding nutrition?
Health and care
Origin & History
The right accessories
Conclusion

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Belgian Shepherd Dog - Profile

Character: Alert, lively, cheerful, stable, loyal
Size: Large
Height: Approx. 56-66 cm
Weight: 20-30 kg
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Coat type and colors: Four varieties: Groenendael (long-haired black), Tervueren (long-haired reddish brown), Malinois (short-haired), Laeken (rough-haired)
Special features: Lots of energy
FCI Group: Herding Dogs and Cattle Dogs, Sheepdogs

Belgian Shepherd Dog - Special Characteristics

The Belgian Shepherd Dog exists in four variations. The most well-known of the subspecies is the Malinois with short, soft light brown fur. The Laeken or Laekenois also have short light brown fur, but rough. The Tervueren and Groenendael both have long hair, with the Tervueren being more light brown to dark brown in color and the Groenendael having a thick black coat. The large, strong body is almost square in shape and aesthetic. Nevertheless, the dogs are working dogs and quickly feel under-challenged.

The agility and the ability to jump particularly far and high are the clear strengths of this dog breed . These dogs have a strong character and want to be challenged a lot and are not for inexperienced dog owners. The dog is best kept in a large run, e.g. a garden plot, where they can pursue their strong guarding instinct.

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Training working dogs is not complicated, but due to the long mental maturation period, it requires a high degree of patience and perseverance in training. You should definitely give the dog challenging work or keep him busy with dog sports . His inexhaustible energy makes it difficult to really exhaust the dog. Be sure to take him on a bike ride or jogging.

Belgian Shepherd Dog - What should you consider when feeding them?

The Belgian Shepherd's diet is not particularly complex. When the dog is a puppy, you should feed it a diet rich in minerals to encourage healthy growth. However, too many carbohydrates or fat can harm your four-legged friend, especially during the growth phase. Apart from that, a balanced diet with a high meat content from high-quality sources is recommended. In addition, the food should consist of 20-30% fruit and vegetables. The Belgian Shepherd is ideally suited to the BARF method of feeding. You can reward him with treats . Belgian Shepherds do not tend to be overweight. To avoid gastric torsion, a rest period should be observed after feeding.

Belgian Shepherd Dog - Health and Care

You can do a lot to ensure that your dog is healthy and well-groomed through the right diet and annual routine visits to the vet. The German Shepherd's coat should be brushed regularly. This usually doesn't take a lot of time and is done quickly even with the varieties with longer fur. The Groenendael and Tervueren should be brushed about 3-4 times a week. A rich shine will thank you! The coat does not tend to mat and is therefore not unusually demanding to care for.

In addition, you should check and clean or trim the ears, teeth , paws and claws about once a week. This intensive care program will turn the Belgian Shepherd into a beautiful animal and will strengthen the bond with your four-legged companion.

Belgian Shepherd Dog - Origin & History

The ancestors of the Belgian Shepherd Dogs were used by Belgian farmers as early as the 15th century. The dogs' diverse morphologies were consolidated into four varieties in strictly separate breeding processes at the end of the 19th century. The veterinarian Professor A. Reul played an outstanding role in this. The first standard was created on April 3, 1892 and was drawn up by the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club. By 1910, the type and character of the Belgian Shepherd Dog had been established. Of all the types of Belgian Shepherd Dogs, the Malinois was the most popular and is now often used as a police and military dog. They are also often trained as drug detection dogs for customs, guide dogs or rescue dogs.

Belgian Shepherd Dog - the right accessories

This workhorse is rarely lured behind the stove by dog toys. However, with a few balls, a Frisbee or sticks, you can play fetch with him until he drops. This big dog really wants to be kept busy. Therefore, you might want to consider training him to be a rescue dog or something similar.

Of course, a suitable collar or harness is also essential. Treat your dog to a nice dog basket with a soft cushion in which he can relax after strenuous work and excursions. A soft dog brush and nail clippers are also part of the basic equipment of every dog owner.

Conclusion

The Belgian Shepherd is a versatile and energetic working dog that exists in four varieties: Malinois, Laeken, Tervueren and Groenendael. This breed requires demanding training and plenty of exercise, but is loyal and alert. A balanced diet and regular grooming are crucial to their health. Originally bred in the 15th century, they are now widely used as police, military and rescue dogs. With the right care and accessories, the Belgian Shepherd becomes a loyal and powerful companion.

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