The Belgian sheep dog ( also called the Belgian shepherd or Groenendael ) has a longsighted grim coating , confident strut , and hunger human care . A herding hotdog with lots of brain and even more get-up-and-go , he thrives in active households .
Belgian sheepdogs have a long and impressive resume . to begin with bred in the late 1800s as herding dogs , they got their showtime helping out on farm animal and dairy farm farm in Belgium . But perhaps the job this working dog ( who also give-up the ghost by the Belgian shepherd , the Groenendael , the Groenendael shepherd , and , because of their eager - to - please disposition , " unspoilt boy " or " effective miss , " ) covet the most is being a loyal best friend to their human .
" The Groenendael is like a wise honest booster who is always up for the next escapade , " saysColleen Demling - Riley , CPDT - KA , CBCC - KA , CDBC , dog behaviourist withDogtopia . " They are high - energy working andiron and 100 - percent devoted to their family . "
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The Belgian sheepdog teeters on being a medium - to - prominent sized pawl and can count between 45–75 pounds . His long coat and long beak make him a head - flex lulu , but because he ’s arelatively uncommon breedin the U.S. , you might not see him running around at the local frump park .
As an energetic pup , Belgian sheep dog involve daily exercise . A walk around the block wo n’t skip it ; these bounder involve a long walk or a in force running . These sweet and sensitive dogs tend to be agood primed for dynamic homes , and they can do well with older kids and fellow canine friends .
Appearance
With a long black coat and an thinking gaze , the Belgian sheepdog personifies the look " undimmed - eyed and bushy - tailed . " These slender hot dog are strong , nimble , and have a liquid , confident strut . The female fall into themedium - sized dogcategory , weighing 45–60 pound . Male Belgian sheep dog are larger , at 55–75 pounds .
Their heart are dark brown and almond - shaped , and , according to theBelgian Sheepdog Club of America , their formulation indicates " alertness , attention , set for activity . "
The Belgian sheepdog has a impenetrable undercoat and backbreaking outer coat that ’s farseeing , straight , and well - suited for insensate temperatures and climates . The Belgian sheepdog color is typically black , and his coat ( which has a texture somewhere between silky and stringy ) can also have small dapple of livid on his chest , on the pourboire of his toe , chin , and muzzle .
" With a beautiful , double - layer coat , these puppy only need to bebrushed twice a week , but a pet parent should be ready for slough season , " Demling - Riley suppose . " At least once a yearthey shed heavilyand will leave dog haircloth all over the house . They should be brushed daily during shedding season . "
Temperament
Chalk it up to their story as working dogs : Belgian sheepdogs have it in their deoxyribonucleic acid to serve as guardians of their flock . Today , they are brave , serious , and alert fellow traveler that are watchful over their homes and are observing of strangers .
Intelligentand intuitive , Belgian sheepdogs aregreat folk pupsand aregood with kids , Demling - Riley enjoin . " They dohave prey driving force , so they might not be the best burst for a house with other diminished pets , " she says .
The smartness and loyalty of Belgian sheepdogs make themeasy dog-iron to trail , says Shawna Garner , DVM , U.S. top veterinarian atFirstVet .
" Their guarding instincts , however , can lead them into standoff - ish behavior , and they should bewell socialized as a puppyto prevent this issue from arising , " Garner say . " Withproper education , Groenendaels will grow up to be favorable and receive dogs . "
While a well - school Belgian sheepdog is cordial and on his good behavior , his size and energy stratum mean that a house with older youngster would be a better fit for him than one with tot or pocket-sized kiddos , Garner says .
Living Needs
Belgian sheepdogs absolutely make out their people and , because they ’re high - energy , they ’re more suitable ashiking companionsthan Netflix tear - determine pal .
" They prosper in a home that has an alive family that will include them in the daily routine , " Demling - Riley say .
Because they thirst human fellowship , they should n’t be left alone for farsighted periods of time . Also , because Belgian sheepdogs love to be combat-ready , theyrequire regular exerciseand need blank space to stretch their wooden leg , Garner read .
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" This means they are best suited to ahouse with a yardand owners whoenjoy long walk , " she say .
Belgian sheepdogs enjoy spending time fiddle and interacting with people , and they will get on best in a habitation with possessor who have the meter and free energy to keep them mentally stimulated . If you make certain your Belgian sheepdog has access tointeractive toys , room tozoom around , and copious attention , he ’ll be one happy pup !
Again , Belgian sheepdogs are smashing home dearie , but might be a little too big and rumbustious for small nipper . And because they can be suspicious of stranger , all Belgian sheepdog puppy need to be well - socialized from an early eld . They get along well with other dogs , but , because of their herding inherent aptitude , might attempt to round down - up the kin cat .
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Care
Belgian sheep dog always require to be on the go . For that cause , anyone who is thinking of adding one to their family should have ample time carve out to exercise with their pup .
Demling - Riley says these active knead detent often need to be practise at least two hour a twenty-four hour period . " The term ' a well-worn dog is a good dog ' is specially true for the Groenendael , " she says .
Belgian sheepdog are extremely intelligent and love their owner ’s attention , which makes training a playfulness project . As with any breed , training clock time should includepositive reinforcementand guardianship , saysLaura Monaco Torelli , KPA CTP , director of animal grooming with Animal Behavior Training Concepts . She suggests planning short - continuance ( one- or two - minute ) sessions throughout the daylight and including your blackguard ’s food or favoritetreats to reward desired behaviors .
" expend a portion of mealtime as designated schooling prison term , too , " she say . " After grooming , place the respite of the food into enrichment toys for them to explore and nosh on to help keep their combat-ready nozzle , manus , and mouth busy . "
Because these dogs are so sassy , they’llnavigate puzzle toyslike a pro !
Torellie also suggests progress to sure that a young pup or an older hotdog has veterinary clearance for longer walk and high - impact physical exertion such as turn tail . you may integrate training clip in short bouts of good for you ( notexhaustive ) practice and playtime .
As far as grooming , Belgian sheepdog are fairly low - alimony . They require twice - a - week brush ( daily brushing during their seasonal shed ! ) , regularnail clippings , occasionalear cleaning , and frequentteeth brushing .
Health
The Belgian sheepdog is recognise for his fitness and get-up-and-go , but can still be susceptible to some common wellness egress , Garner say .
" Hip and elbow dysplasiais a vulgar issue , mean it is crucial to get their joint health checked regularly to ensure they stay roving , " she says .
Cataractsare also something that Belgian sheepdog owners should look out for . If you notice any cloudiness in his centre orsigns that your dog ’s sight is exacerbate , Garner says , it ’s best to seek a veterinarian ’s advice .
If Groenendaels are not course and practise properly , they are also at risk ofobesity , which can make broader wellness offspring such asdiabetes , a break immune system , pancreatitis , and in high spirits blood pressure , Garner say .
" In some cases , struggling to maintain a intelligent weighting can indicate an issuance with the thyroid gland gland , " she says . " So if you are concerned aboutyour dog ’s weight , you should confab a veterinarian . "
History
The history of the Belgian shepherd dog can be trace back to Belgian pastures in the later nineteenth century , where these dogs helped with herding tasks .
But because they are such quick learners and heavy workers , they began landing other jobs during the first decade of the 20th century . Belgian sheepdog could be found ferment for law forces throughout Belgium , Paris , New York City , and in Newark , N.J. European mete patrols also brought them on to wait on as watchdogs , according to the BSCA . They even served during the World Wars as messengers , Red Cross dogs , and defense dogs . AsRed Cross dogs , they would stockpile medical supplies and canteen of water to wounded soldiers in the field and lead medics to those who were unconscious . Today , Belgian sheepdogs are commonly on search and delivery squad .
