Belgian Sheepdog Puppies for Sale
Belgian Sheepdog Dog Breeders
Belgian Sheepdog Breed Clubs
Names for Belgian Sheepdogs
Belgian Sheepdog Breed Standards
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Breed
Description |
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Also Called: Groenendael,
Chien de Berger Belge |
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Height: The Belgian Sheepdog
male should be 24-26 inches in height; females 22-24 inches, measured at the
withers. |
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Weight: The Belgian Sheepdog
should weigh around 62 lbs. |
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Colors: The Belgian
Sheepdog should be black. May be completely black, or may be black with
white, limited as follows: Small to moderate patch or strip on forechest.
Between pads of feet. On tips of hind toes. On chin and muzzle (frost
may be white or gray). |
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General Appearance: The
first impression of the Belgian Sheepdog is that of a well balanced, square
dog, elegant in appearance, with an exceedingly proud carriage of the head
and neck. He is a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of
life. His whole conformation gives the impression of depth and solidity
without bulkiness. The male dog is usually somewhat more impressive and
grand than his female counterpart. The female should have a distinctly
feminine look. |
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Temperament: The
Belgian Sheepdog should reflect the qualities of intelligence, courage,
alertness and devotion to master. To his inherent aptitude as a guardian of
flocks should be added protectiveness of the person and property of his
master. He should be watchful, attentive, and always in motion when not
under command. In his relationship with humans, he should be observant and
vigilant with strangers, but not apprehensive. He should not show fear or
shyness. He should not show viciousness by unwarranted or unprovoked attack.
With those he knows well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous of
their attention, and very possessive. |
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Care: The coat needs
to be brushed a few times a week to keep it in healthy condition. The
Belgian Sheepdog does not shed regularly, but when shedding season comes you
will need to pay more attention to the coat to rid it of dead hair. |
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Training: Early training
will prevent Belgian Sheepdog puppies from developing a sharp temper. |
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Activity: The Belgian
Sheepdog is a working dog and needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the
leash as much as possible. |
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Life Span: The
Belgian Sheepdog lives about 12-14 years. |
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Litter Size: The
Belgian Sheepdog averages about 6-10 puppies per litter. |
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Country of Origin:
The Belgian Sheepdog originated in Belgium. |
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Brief History:
Developed in Belgium for guarding and herding of sheep. Belgian Sheepdogs
were formally recognized as the Belgian Shepherd Dog in 1891. Present in the
gene pool of these dogs there were dogs with long coats, short coats, rough
or wired coats and a variance of colors. Making the Belgian Shepherd Dog
with four varieties. The Groenendalel (known simple as the Belgium
Sheepdog), with a solid long black coat, the Laekenois, a rough or wire-coat
in fawn, red or brown, the Malinois, a short coated in fawn, red or brown
and the Tervuren, a long coated fawn or dark red dog. The American Kennel
Club has recognized three of these four varieties. The British Kennel Club
regards them as a single breed and the Federation Cynologique states one
breed with four varieties. Because of this, the dogs are always registered
on their coat type and color, not of their parents. |
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Registries: AKC, ANKC,
CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC |