Blog about dogs

You decided to buy a puppy and paid attention to the Belgian shepherd breed? In this case, it's time to learn more about these wonderful representatives of the dog world. Just remember one thing - this is not a “sofa ottoman”. A dog of this breed will be a wonderful friend and partner for sports, energetic people who are not accustomed to spend time at home and in trendy clubs. But in the apartment the Belgian shepherd feels very bad. Before you get such a pet, learn the features of the future furry friend, as well as evaluate the possibilities of your home, availability of free time and money.

Breed features

The Belgian Sheepdog is an extremely active dog that will become a faithful companion on hikes, cycle routes, will gladly accompany you on your morning jog and is ready to move 24 hours a day. Pay special attention to this, can you provide your pet with a sufficient level of physical activity?

This breed is unique, it includes 4 types of dogs, differing in exterior data. Many people are sure that they see representatives of different breeds, but no, the Gruenendael, Tervuren, Malinois, Lacenois are all Belgian shepherd dogs. Below we consider the features of each type separately.

Breed history

The Belgian Shepherd is considered a shepherd breed. The main feature of this group is a great intellect, the ability to independently make competent decisions in critical situations. The Belgian Shepherd is perfect for these descriptions. Communicating with her, you forget that there is no person in front of you.

In the XIX century a certain type of herding dogs was formed, all of them were hardy, unpretentious, perfectly amenable to training. Separate individuals became progenitors of various breeds known in our time. Not an exception and the Belgian Shepherd. She appeared thanks to Adolph Riiul, a veterinary school professor. He first started purebred breeding of these dogs in 1891. After some time, the shepherds acquired the features by which we recognize them today.

Breed characteristic

If you are looking for a reliable friend who has excellent guarding qualities, elegant appearance and cheerful disposition, then you will definitely like the Belgian Shepherd. Photos of these charming women always delight both children and adults. They are loyal and hardy animals, very affectionate and sensitive. But with strangers, they behave somewhat wary.

Sheepdogs are full of energy and must always be in motion. The dogs are very smart, they catch the teams just on the fly, so there are no problems in teaching them the basic commands. The memory of these animals is fantastic.

Annually held exhibitions fully show what the Belgian Shepherd is. Photo champions gives a clear understanding of what should be the ideal (in terms of breeding) representative of this breed. The Belgian Shepherd is a fairly large, but at the same time very elegant dog. The height of males reaches 60-66 cm, bitches slightly lower - within 56-62 cm. At the same time, the weight of the animal is relatively small, about 28-35 kilograms. For comparison, the short-legged basset hound sometimes weighs much more. The head of the Belgians is long, the skull and the muzzle have approximately the same structure. Nose black with wide nostrils. The forehead is moderately convex, the eyes are almond-shaped, of medium size. Triangular ears are located high on the crown and stand upright. The body is powerful, but not overloaded, light. Chest deep, lowered, not too wide. The croup is sloping, rather massive. The hind limbs are powerful, and the front ones have compact bones and strong muscles.

Virtues

First of all it should be noted character. The breed of the Belgian Shepherd is the standard of courage and independence. If the situation requires, your pet will not wait for the command, but will immediately respond. At the same time, dogs are very obedient and absorb any commands like a sponge. They perfectly coexist in the family and are the best "nannies" for younger children. Keep in mind that a dog is a mirror image of its owner, because he has been raising it since a month. Such traits as aggressiveness or shyness, despite their “humanity”, are also transmitted to your shaggy friends.

disadvantages

Certain flaws can be found in the exterior, especially if mating was made between different types of rock. These can be traces of pigmentation on the nose, eyelids, earlobes, as well as straight or weak shoulders, loose paws, a highly raised tail, the absence of a black mask on the face and other deviations in color. Too aggressive or cowardly behavior is also not considered normal, but it is often the result of a lack of socialization and proper training.

Belgian Shepherd Groenendael

This is a very bright representative of the breed. Graceful, luxurious dogs attract the attention of everyone without exception. The charm is added by the smooth, straight wool of an exceptionally black color. This creates a certain mystical halo, giving the image a mysterious, gothic look. Only a small white “tie” is allowed, as well as some white wool on the fingers. The Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is initially a candidate for recognition of its separate breed, but to this day it is not separated from the common branch. In terms of working qualities, character and learning, animals do not differ from representatives of another type of this breed. But consider the features of long hair care.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois

At first glance, this dog looks like a German Shepherd. Malinois is a red-haired, short-haired variety, distinguished by a black mask. It is noteworthy that in America they are distinguished as a separate breed (Kennel Club). In the city of Malin, the Belgian Shepherd Malinois was first bred. Photo of the first four-legged shows their absolute identity to modern representatives. Despite the apparent similarity with the Germans, these dogs are lighter and more elegant. The movements are also significantly different, the malinois are markedly seeded, and in the ring they should be trotted to show in all their glory.

A separate place in this group are working dogs. In this case, the breeders are not evaluated exterior, and working data. Consequently, the best of them participate in breeding, which allows us to improve the skills of the guard and guard service with each generation. From the point of view of experts evaluating the exterior, these dogs may have some drawbacks (color, tail tail, pigmentation). Therefore, separate exhibitions are held for them, where instead of graceful defiling around a circle, dogs pass an obstacle course and show how to act at the moment of danger. Historically, it is the Belgian Shepherd Malinois that is most used for security and guard duty.

Features of type tervuren

At first glance - this is the same Grünendal. The same luxurious, straight wool, absolutely identical physique. The only difference in color, but in this Belgian Shepherd Tervuren has no equal. With all the grace and visual appeal, the Groenendael is a very peculiar dog because of its coal-black hair. In some cases, the shepherd has a fiery-red color, which alternates with dark spots. Having met such a “little deer”, you will forget that just yesterday you liked the Belgian Shepherd Malinois. Photos of your pet will be a real family pride.

Remains the last type secreted inside this breed. This is a laquenois, but it's very difficult to meet its representatives. Wire-haired Belgian Shepherds practically did not spread in Europe. Russia adopted this trend. The color of these dogs ranges from fawn to red with blackening on the face.

Since this is a large and agile dog, food should be appropriate. You can buy ready-made feed (dry and canned) super premium class, or prepare food for your pet yourself. The second option is somewhat cheaper, but takes more time. Generally, if you have a tight schedule, you can immediately forget about this dog. She will demand to play with her constantly.

It is imperative to introduce protein into the diet, both of plant and animal origin. Sources will be fish, dairy products and eggs. An energetic dog will definitely need a large amount of healthy carbohydrates that contain various cereals: wheat, rice and buckwheat. Fats also play an important role, as they are responsible for metabolic processes, the quality of wool and the accumulation of energy. Their source is butter and vegetable oil.

Do not forget about the need for vitamins and minerals, which in large quantities contain vegetables and fruits, fish oil, as well as specialized drugs. These elements are especially important when you have a Belgian shepherd. Puppies are extremely sensitive to the lack of important trace elements, this can cause serious developmental disorders.

Dog care

The first thing this breed needs is regular long walks and physical exertion. It is unacceptable to keep a dog on a leash. Sheepdogs are quite unpretentious, but long hair requires attention of the owner. It must be combed out, this is especially important during the period of molting. But to bathe a pet is not recommended even before important exhibitions. On average, dogs live for about 15 years, during which animals constantly have to be busy with something, otherwise natural activities will cause them to spoil things.

How to choose a puppy

Determine what you want from the dog. Do you dream of a stellar career at exhibitions, or want to find a reliable friend and protector? In this case, you need to pay attention to the parents, their differences, titles and skills. It is worth going to the kennel or to the breeder, to assess the condition of the dogs and the conditions for raising puppies, to read the pedigree. The chosen kid should have a brilliant coat and clear eyes, have a cheerful and curious character, actively move. Taking a puppy home is recommended at 1.5-2 months.

Health and Disease

In general, the Belgian Shepherd dogs are characterized by good health, but this does not negate the need for vaccinations. The dog must have a vaccination card in which the vet will make all the necessary entries. About once every 4-6 months, deworming procedure should be carried out. In the summer period, the dog should be regularly treated with anti-tick agents that carry piroplasmosis and other diseases. Proper nutrition and a sufficient number of walks in the fresh air also contribute to a long and happy life of your pet. Remember, if your pet felt bad and fell ill, you should immediately contact the veterinarian, not wasting precious time. Only a doctor can assess how serious his condition is.

The origin of the breed

The forebears of the Belgian shepherd were shepherd dogs, who at the end of the XVIII century guarded numerous Belgian pastures. They all differed from each other exterior. A group of amateur dog enthusiasts set an ambitious goal - to bring a new breed of herding dogs and make it a national treasure of Belgium. The project was headed by Adolph Reul, a professor of veterinary medicine.

In 1891, amateur dog breeders set to work; it took them 6 years to carry out their plans. As a result of selection, four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs were born: Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren, Lachenua. All of them had similar characteristics, the difference consisted in the coat: color, length and quality of hair. Standards for each species were published at the beginning of the 20th century.

The history of the origin of breed names is interesting.

1. Tervurenov named in honor of the hometown of the discoverer of the breed.
2. Malinois comes from the name of the city of Malin, in the vicinity of which the breed was derived.
3. Gruenendalpoluchili their name from the Belgian town of the same name, in which the breed breeders worked.
4. Lachenoah owe their appearance to the castle of Laken - there lived the breeders of one of the progenitor breeds of the Belgian shepherd.

For some time in Belgium, the French language and its dialects were officially used, in connection with which the pronunciation of the names in French manners is preserved: malinois, laquenoux.

Brief description of the breed Belgian Shepherd

Regardless of the affiliation to a particular species, the Belgian Shepherd dogs are characterized by a proportional physique, an elegant, powerful torso of medium size, well-developed relief muscles. These are universal service shepherds (security, tracking, protection), highly trained, with high intelligence and impeccable performance.

FCI breed standard

• Body type. Dry, harmonious. The sizes are average.
• Back. Fairly short, muscular, strong.
• Limbs. Straight lines, set in parallel. Powerful, but not heavy.
• Paws. Front - "cat", round shape. Rear - often oval. Fingers - tightly compressed, flattened. Elastic thick pads with dark pigmentation. Claws - very strong, dark.
• Gait. Movement active. The dog can walk at a trot, with a calm pace and a good gallop.
• Neck. Extended, with a straight silhouette, to the shoulder blades expands. Set high. The musculature is well developed. The neck is slightly curved.
• Head. Dry, good modeling. Highly raised, of moderate length. Muzzle slightly longer than the skull. Landing proud.
• Muzzle - middle length. Smoothly tapers to the nose. The shape resembles an elongated wedge.
• Skull - medium width. Proportional to the length of the head. Brow and zygomatic arches barely noticeable. The occipital protuberance is poorly pronounced.
• Forehead - flat.
• Nose. The back of the nose is straight. Mocha - black.
• Lips. Thin, flat, with rich pigmentation.
• Bite. Scissors. Strong white teeth are located in the developed jaws.
• Ears. Small in size. Set high. Triangular shape with pointed tips.
• Eyes. Medium-sized, almond-shaped. Slanting Brown. The eyelid is dark. Look smart, lively, inquisitive.
• Tail. Medium length, well set, thickened at the base. At rest - lowered down, the tip is slightly bent to the level of the hock joints. When excited - raised in the form of a curved curve. Should not be crooked and rolled up.
• Leather. Tight fitting, elastic. Bright pigmentation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and lips.
• Growth at the withers. Males - 62 cm. Bitches - 58 cm. Permissible deviations: -2 cm., +4 cm.
• Weight. Males - 25-30 kg. Bitches - 20-25 kg.

Breed types depending on coat type and color

Inside the breed, there are four subspecies of the Belgian Shepherd, which differ from each other in texture, length and coat color: Malinois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Lakenois.

General characteristics of coat: thick, dense, good structure. The undercoat is silky. This type of wool provides dogs with reliable protection from adverse weather conditions. Depending on the type of wool the Belgian Shepherd is:

• longhair: Tervuren and Groenendael,
• Shorthair: Malinois,
• Wire-haired: Laekenois.

1. Grunendal - solid pure black.
2. Tervuren - saturated warm fawn with black pattern, gray with black mask and black pattern. Fawn color is preferred.
3. Malinois - rich fawn with a black mask and black pattern.
4. Laekenois is always fawn with traces of black on the tail and face.

All varieties of the Belgian Shepherd should have a pronounced mask, exciting lips, corners of the lips and eyelids. For all subspecies, small white markings are allowed.

The average life expectancy of the Belgian Shepherd is from 10 to 12.5 years. The case of longevity is recorded - 18.3 years. Physical activity directly affects this factor. Of course, it is impossible to “drive” a dog - its heart can not stand it, but the complete absence of active physical activity is unacceptable.

Breed character

Shepherd's roots left their mark on the character of the “Belgian” - these are absolutely non-aggressive, energetic, active dogs with a balanced psyche. Pet is always on the alert - protects and protects all members of the family owner, his children and property. Therefore, shepherd dogs of the Belgian breed are often used in the guard service.

Each of the four species has character traits inherent only in this species:

• Malinois. Gambling, character dominant. Better than others developed instinct "shepherd". Perfect guards and bodyguards.
• Grunendal. Very unpretentious dogs. We are happy to do any work. Can participate in fun relay races. Used in rescue services.
• Laqueno. They are distinguished from other representatives of the breed by their flexible temper, absolute good-naturedness and obedience.
• Tervuren. These watchdogs, with a temperament. No reason not to attack. During a threat, behave resolutely and without fear.

All four species are very friendly to familiar people. To strangers are reserved, without fuss and aggression. Cowardice and hyper excitability are grounds for disqualifying a dog.

Belgian Shepherd Dogs are highly trained, dogs like to carry out the owner's commands. They easily find a common language with all family members.Belgians do not like to communicate with small children, but they obey them without question.

While walking, the dog turns on the “shepherd” mode, monitors all members of the company - no one will be able to fight off the improvised “herd”. Belgians do not like to be bored. It is necessary to ensure that the pet has always been the case. You can instruct him to carry a bag, guard the stroller or bicycle - the pet will perform such work with pleasure and with all the dog's responsibility.

Care and maintenance of the Belgian Shepherd

Breed is suitable both for the street maintenance, and for apartment accommodation. Belgian Shepherds are hardy, unpretentious, endure heat and cold. If you plan to keep the dog on the street, you should take care of a spacious aviary with a booth.

Important! On the chain of "Belgian" can not be planted!

Regardless of the type of content, the dog will have to walk regularly, a lot and for a long time. Lovers to lie on the couch at the TV such an active breed is not suitable.

Care for the Belgian Shepherd is to regularly inspect the mouth, eyes, ears. Eyes, if necessary, washed with a weak decoction of chamomile. The teeth and oral cavity are cleaned 2-3 times a week. Auricles are cleaned of dirt and accumulated sulfur. Dogs whose claws do not grind their own need to trim them.

We should also talk about the care of the hair of the animal. Each subspecies of the breed has its own nuances:

1. Malinois. They do not cause troubles to their owners - their short wool is combed with a special brush or mitten several times a month. During the period of molting, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times a week.
2. Grunendal and Tervuren. These dogs have long and thick hair, it should be combed out once every 2-3 days. During the molt do it daily. The frequency of molting long-haired males - 1 time per year. Bitches molt more often - 2 times a year. Haircut representatives of these breeds do not, remove only overgrown wool between the fingers.
3. Laqueno. Like all hairless dogs, lacenois need regular trimming - removal of dead hairs. Their hair grows slowly - the breed does not need a haircut.

Wash dogs as needed. With shampoo - no more than 1 time per month, so as not to wash off the protective fat layer. If you follow all the recommendations - there will be no problems with the Belgians.

Health status

The Belgian Shepherd is considered a relatively healthy and strong breed. However, like many artificially bred breeds of dogs, they are not insured against the following hereditary diseases:

• epilepsy,
• dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints,
• retinal atrophy and cataracts,
• problems in the thyroid gland,
• torsion of the stomach,
• stroke
• oncological diseases.

The most susceptible to genetic diseases is laquenois. Inbreeding was often used when breeding this species - crossing of closely related individuals.

Without proper physical exertion, shepherd dogs can develop obesity. Excess weight causes physical discomfort and affects the mental state of the animal. There are allergic reactions to flowering plants, pollen and some food. Due to the heightened activity of the Belgian, limb injuries may occur.

Important! Sheepdog will not grow healthy without strict adherence to the vaccination schedule.

Upbringing and training

The puppy of the Belgian shepherd is not just a little puppy, it is a real clot of inexhaustible energy. Kids of this breed are extraordinarily active and inquisitive - they want to examine everything and try their teeth. Until the puppy grows up, it should not be left alone - you should always look after him. As soon as the baby gets spoiled, you need to distract him with toys. The dog must learn to understand what can be played and what is forbidden.

The Belgian Shepherd is fully family oriented, it considers itself a part of it and tries in every way to protect and protect. Therefore, an ill-mannered dog can be a real danger to outsiders. As soon as it appears to the dog that something is amiss, it will start to act. This is a manifestation of herding instincts. It is necessary to teach the animal obedience and restraint, the dog must rise to the defense of the owner only on command.

The breed needs constant interaction with the person. If she does not have enough communication with the owner, the dog may become wayward and stubborn. Socialization of a puppy should be started at an early age, immediately after vaccinating a pet. A puppy is taught to communicate with strangers and pets, it should be in the city, go by public transport. To keep the dog in good physical shape and be cheerful - you need to walk with him for 2-3 hours daily.

Tips for training Belgian:

1. At the first stage of education, use a muzzle.
2. Never scream at a sheepdog, do not use physical impact and rude attitude - Belgians are very sensitive. The maximum that you can afford is a jerk for a leash.
3. Do not ignore the pet - the dog will suffer.
4. Dogs are sensitive to the atmosphere prevailing in the family - try not to raise your voice for the household and not to make scandals.
5. Sheepdogs quickly grasp basic skills. They do not need monotonous cramming. But the basic program is not enough - it is necessary to develop the skills of a dog.
6. If the dog is not used in the service, find another active activity. For example, sports competitions.

A dog who has not learned the rules of good tone will bark at passing cars, cats and passersby. May even bite. Therefore, it is important to start socialization and training in a timely manner.

How to feed a Belgian Shepherd

Most Belgian owners adhere to natural nutrition. Puppies need 5 receptions per day. In 6-8 months they are transferred to the adult mode - 2 meals per day. Natural feeding requires a great responsibility from the owner - it is necessary to correctly make a balanced diet, which is based on meat products.

In addition to meat and offal, the menu includes:

• cereals,
• vegetables - fresh and boiled,
• fresh greens
• fish,
• eggs, better quail,
• kefir, cottage cheese and yogurt,
• fruits.

The daily feed intake is 3% of the dog’s weight.

List of banned products:

• pastry and flour products,
• sausage, smoked meats and salted foods,
• fatty meat, lard,
• spicy seasonings and spices.

If the owner of the shepherd can not cook natural food, the pet is transferred to the finished industrial feed.

Important! The feed must be holistic or super premium.

List of suitable feeds:

1. Guabi Adult Large and Giant Breeds - for large and giant breeds,
2. Bosch Adult Maxi,
3. 1st Choice Adult Medium & Large Breed,
4. Flatazor ELITE ADULT MAXI,
5. Arden Grange Adult Large Breed - with fresh chicken & rice.

The daily rate of dry food - 290-300 gr.

Regardless of the type of food, the dog must have round-the-clock access to clean water. Naturally fed dogs are given vitamin-mineral complexes for the purpose of a veterinarian.

Photos of representatives of the breed

Malinois. Clear black mask. Fawn color with black pattern.

Tervuren. Rich fawn with black pattern.

Tervuren. Gray with black pattern.

Grunendal. Pure black solid color.

Laqueno. Fawn color with traces of black pattern on the face and tail.

Reviews of owners of the Belgian Shepherd

Vladimir: “My malinois is an amazing dog with huge ears and piercing eyes. This is a real typhoon in the house. The activities of this shepherd can only envy. For her, nothing is impossible - it can even jump and rip an apple from a tree with its teeth. You can not bring the dog to boredom, to his own good. I immediately wrote down the puppy to a professional trainer so that he would instill in him the necessary skills. In the case of malinois - it is a necessity. Six months of training with the coach did their job - the dog remembered the entire basic course. I did not want to train for protection, my Nord barked at anyone who tried to enter the courtyard so well. ”

Renat: “I, as an owner of a malinois with experience, will say one thing - if you do not have experience in raising a Belgian shepherd dog, then do not start it. To keep such a guard in the house is a huge responsibility and daily work. It takes a lot and actively to walk, all the time to take a sheepdog with some kind of work. Mandatory professional training. The case is troublesome and expensive. Want to live in peace - do not take the Belgian. "

How much is a Belgian Shepherd puppy?

Belgian Shepherd puppies can not be cheap and do not sell them in the poultry market. If the price of a puppy is lower than 30 000 rubles - it is worth a good thought that they are trying to sell it.

In Russia, puppies of a pet-class (not suitable for breeding and exhibitions) cost 30-35 thousand rubles. Pets without champion titles, but admitted to mating - from 35,000 rubles. The most expensive representatives of the show class - from 60 000 rubles.

In Ukraine, a similar range of prices. Puppies can be bought at prices ranging from 5,000 to 17,000 UAH.

Description of breed Belgian Shepherd

In 1891, the first representative of the breed Belgian Shepherd Dog was born. A veterinarian from Belgium became the founder of this amazing dog breed. The result of his work in breeding were dogs with excellent herding skills. And in the end she was able to be proud of the whole of Belgium.

In total, there are four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd.

Malinois is the most common breed. They have excellent security and search qualities. Currently, they are the ones who serve in the canine divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. They are also great companions.

Possess thick and dense coat. Be sure there is a black mask on the face. Wool on the rump of fawn color, allowed a small white spot in the chest.

Grunendal

Representatives of the Groenendael have an unusual appearance and are very different from Malinois. They are also used in security structures, the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and are suitable for work at customs. In the First World War these dogs were used as rescuers, sappers and demolition men.

According to the description, the coat is long, black and very soft to the touch. On the neck it is longer and forms a magnificent gate, which immediately catches the eye.

The subspecies Tervuren has short hair in the head and long hair in all other parts of the body. Color red with an admixture of black. Tervureny also have excellent security and search qualities and serve in the structure of the Ministry of Interior.

They are characterized by red color with a slight black coating. Blackness is located in the head and tail. The coat itself is a little ruffled. In our country, representatives of this breed are not very popular among breeders. But it is Lachenoos who possess the most balanced psyche from the Belgians.

Life expectancy is on average 11 - 12 years, but with perfect care and excellent feeding, representatives of this breed can live to 15.

The height of an adult male is on average 62 centimeters, bitches - 58. There is also a small interval of ± 2 - 4 centimeters in both directions.

Rules of maintenance and care

The spacious aviary will be the ideal place to keep a Belgian shepherd, but the city apartment will be her perfect home. On the leash of the Belgian is better not to plant.

Each type of Belgian Shepherd requires an individual approach to care. But there are general rules that are mandatory in implementation.

1. Grooming. Combing and combing Belgian wool should be two - three times in seven days. Especially this procedure is necessary during seasonal molting.
2. Also needed periodic inspection of the eyes and ears dogs. In process of pollution cleaning procedures are required.
3. It is often not necessary to bathe a dog. Twice a year is enough as the wool is polluted.
4. Walking for a shepherd dog is necessary as air. They should be frequent, long and active. The minimum amount of walking for the Belgian is 2 times a day, the duration of the walk is 1.5 hours and more.
5. Feeding. Proper development is directly dependent on the feed. It should be followed from the very childhood of the dog.

Currently, the Belgian can be fed in two ways.

• Natural food - porridges, beef, chicken, vegetables, dairy and sour-milk products. With natural feeding the dog needs to additionally feed vitamins and minerals.
• Ready feed. They greatly facilitate the feeding of the animal and initially contain all the necessary nutrients. It is best to dilute dry food with lean meat broth, kefir or water. So he is better absorbed and the dog does not eat it.

Malinois, Tervbrena, Laekenois and Grunendal combines character and temperament. There are no distinctive features.

• Activity,
• Direct and lively mind
• Cleverness
• Curiosity,
• Goodwill
• Sweetness.

But there are distinctive features that each species possesses separately:

• Malinois. The guard instinct is well defined, it can perform the function of a bodyguard. Enough gambling dogs with the characteristic features of a leader.
• Laquinoy. Good-natured, obedient and docile. More pronounced traits of a dog - a companion, less protective qualities.
• Tervuren. It has pronounced security qualities. With a clear threat to his master, the behavior is fearless and confident. Have a good exposure, and in vain will not show aggression.
• Grunendal. They differ from the rest of their sensitivity, unpretentiousness. They can be applied everywhere. Starting from agility and ending with a responsible service to save people.

Belgian Shepherd - active and quick-witted dog

Depending on the dog's training, training, and the relation of the owner to the dog, both positive traits and negative traits may appear in it. Good attitude, a little patience and a puppy will become a worthy representative of its breed.

Training

The Belgian Shepherd Dogs are excellent in training, but inexhaustible energy and excessive curiosity can be a stumbling block.

That is why it is best to turn to a professional - dog handler. He will build training in such a way as not to break the nature of the animal and the dog was very interested in learning new things and executing commands.

It is necessary to educate the Belgians, as an untrained dog is a clear threat to others. The owner should know what is in the pet's mind and control its actions completely.

This behavior is due to the fact that the Belgians are very strongly attached to their master and their family members and will protect them to the last. If this behavior is not controlled, then the dog can perceive the danger of any person and animal.

The Belgian Shepherd is a very healthy breed with a strong immune system. But, like all life on our planet, they can get sick.

Diseases that are transmitted from generation to generation can be:

Vaccination

Before you put the first antiviral vaccine in 10-15 days to make de-worming of the Belgian puppy in compliance with the instructions for use and dosage.

The first vaccine is placed at the age of 45 days from distemper. At 2 months of age, that is, 14 days after the first vaccination, a rabies vaccine is given. The third vaccination is affixed after changing teeth at the age of 6 months. Further annually once. All data on vaccinations are recorded in the dog's veterinary passport.

Breeding

The only nuance in the breeding of the Belgians is a ban on interspecific crossing of the breed. The rest of the Belgians independently reproduce in a natural way.

Belgian Shepherd Dogs are an amazing breed of dogs that will suit both an experienced breeder and a beginner. She gets along great with children and is not aggressive. Perfectly trainable and loves to learn new things. A Belgian is an excellent guard, bodyguard, friend, companion.

Breed origin

The first representative of the breed was the result of the breeding work of a Belgian veterinarian, it happened in 1891. He set himself a rather ambitious goal - to create a breed of excellent shepherd, which would become a national treasure.

As a result, 4 varieties of Belgian shepherds were bred, which, with relatively similar characteristics, differed only in length, quality and color of the coat.

As for the names, everything is simple - the names of the Belgian cities were taken as a basis. Tervurons were named in honor of the native city of the first breeder of this type, “Belgian”, malinois came from Mechelen or Malina.

Grunendal - named as the town of the same name, in which they were bred. And only laquenoy - small and unrecognized species, distinguished themselves. Their name is associated with the castle Laken, in whose territory the breeders of one of the breeds lived, which was used in breeding work. In the early 20th century, standards for each species of breed appeared.

Colors and coat

At home, 4 species of "Belgian" are representatives of the same breed, but in other states they are either shared or not recognized by all of them. As already noted, the sheep dog is distinguished by wool and its coloring:

1. Grunendali have a double, thick coat, with a dense texture and abundant undercoat. She is tough, long. Silky, curly or glossy guard hair is considered a blemish. Greunandals with monochromatic black color are more common, less often with white markings covering the region of the sternum and fingers.
2. Laquinoy - type of Belgian, unrecognized in some countries.Representatives of the breed are covered with coarse, rather stiff coat, with a reddish tinge and white patches. Laekenoos do not have a black mask, such as Malinois, but the standard allows for darker hair on the face and tail.
3. Malinois - short-haired shepherd dog of a red shade with charcoal, face covered with a black mask and the same edging is on the ears.
4. Tervuren - coat color is the same as in malinois - it is red with “coal”, but in length it is like that of grunendal. White markings on the sternum and fingers are permissible.

Even considering the similarity of Belgian Shepherd dogs, each species still has its own characteristics:

• grunendali - sensitive, unpretentious pets, can perform almost any work - from cheerful relay races to emergency, rescue activities,
• tervureny - beautiful watchdogs, very mature, never attack for no reason, if there is a threat - they behave very confidently and fearlessly,
• Malinois - with strong instincts of the guard and bodyguard, very reckless, with a pronounced dominant character,
• Laekenois - in comparison with the others, the representatives of this species are distinguished by good nature, obedience and an agreeable temper.

Like all herding dogs, the “Belgian” are devoid of aggression, are very energetic, balanced and active. A pet never loses its vigilance, protecting and protecting both the owner, family members, and property. Dogs of this breed showed themselves well in the guard service and protective service.

Familiar people are welcomed kindly, outsiders - with restraint, without aggression and fussiness. Cowardly individuals are disqualified, timidity and excessive excitability are among the shortcomings.

Sheep-dogs from Belgium are well trained, they are happy to carry out tasks, trying to please the owner. The dog finds a common language with all households, including small children. But he does not like to talk with kids, although he will obey.

Belgian Shepherd Dogs are not loafers! It is impossible that the pet is bored, but it is also not suitable for him to run back and forth behind the toy. Such a pet can be charged with carrying a bag from the store, guarding the stroller at the entrance, a bicycle, and a dog with full responsibility will be able to carry out this work. Going for a walk by the company, the owner can be sure that not a single comrade will break off from an improvised “herd” with such a “shepherd”.

Education and training

When purchasing a puppy of a given breed, a person lets in to his house a real bunch of energy. Kids are active and very inquisitive. While he is not a little older, leave the pet alone is not worth it. And with any pampering, it should be distracted by toys. Gradually, he will understand what can be amused and what is not.

The dog is focused on his family, but an ill-bred animal can be a threat to strangers. Sensing something was wrong, he can begin to act - in fact, when grazing livestock, this is what he expected. But today they demand something else from the shepherd dog - obedience and restraint, it is important that the dog protects the owner only after hearing the appropriate command.

The Belgian Shepherd needs constant contact with people, if this does not happen, it can become stubborn or capricious. When training, you can not use physical impact, rudeness, screams, as the "Belgian" is very sensitive. The maximum that is allowed is jerking over the leash. They also react to the atmosphere prevailing in the family, the mood of the owner. If the owner ignores the pet, the dog will suffer from such neglect.

Dogs of this breed have a very good memory, they quickly learn basic skills, and the owner will be able to avoid monotonous repetitions of the same. However, be sure to go beyond the main program. If the dog is not working, the owner is better to find her a lesson. For example, "Belgians" are successful in almost all sports competitions.

For the dog to be cheerful and keep its physical form, it needs a daily 2-3-hour load. Socialization should be early, it should be dealt with after instilling a pet. The puppy should be in the city, communicate with strangers, animals, learn to behave in crowded places and transport.

If the dog does not master the rules of good tone, he can bark at cars, bite passers-by, or, conversely, cowardly hide. At the initial stage of upbringing, you can dress a too active pet in a muzzle.

Belgian Shepherd dogs require regular, uncomplicated care, including regular inspection of the auricles, eyes, and mouth cavity. Ears are cleaned of dirt, eyes are washed with chamomile broth if necessary, teeth are cleaned a couple of times a week.

Dogs who are not engaged in vigorous activity must periodically claw their claws. But how to care for hair depends on the type of breed:

1. Gruenendali and Tervureny have a long, thick coat that needs to be combed every 2-3 days. And during the link this procedure must be performed daily, especially if the pet lives in the apartment. Long-haired males change the fur coat 1 time per year, females - 2. Representatives of this breed are not sheared, it is enough to remove the growth between the fingers.
2. Malinois - even less troublesome, it is enough to process their short wool with a special brush or mitten 2-3 times a month. When molting - 2-3 times a week.
3. Laquinoy - like most wire-haired dogs, they need regular trimming - removal of dead hair. And they do not need a haircut, as the hair grows very slowly.

With good care and proper nutrition, shepherd dogs live an average of 12.5 years, there is a registered long-liver in this breed - 18 years 3 months.

Diseases

“Belgiek” is considered a fairly healthy, strong breed, but they are not insured against the development of the following diseases:

• epilepsy,
• twisting intestines,
• dysplasia of large compositions
• cataracts
• stroke
• oncological diseases.

In addition, shepherd dogs often develop obesity without proper exercise. And if the owner does not follow the pet's diet, then he may suffer from food allergies.

Most Belgian Shepherd dogs are fed natural food. In this case, the pet needs additional sources of vitamins and microelements. Puppies are given food 5 times a day. Gradually, approximately by half a year, they transfer to the adult 2-single feeding mode.

The owner should make a balanced diet consisting primarily of meat and offal. Additional products are cereals, vegetables, herbs, fish, eggs, kefir, yogurt, fruit. It is recommended to boil porridges in water or broths, mix with meat, vegetables, and season with vegetable oil.

You can not give the Belgian Shepherd the following:

• flour and confectionery,
• fat meat,
• spicy and seasoning dishes
• salted, smoked products.

If the owner does not have the opportunity to prepare food for the pet, then you can transfer it to industrial rations. Only this should be a premium or super premium quality product. Regardless of the type of feeding, the dog should be provided with 24-hour access to clean, drinking water.

Where better to buy a puppy

Buy a quality puppy, with excellent data, stable psyche and pedigree can hardly be from random sellers or in the bird market. In this case, you will have to look for a nursery with a good reputation or an experienced breeder who cares about his reputation.

Pet-class puppy, not suitable for exhibitions and breeding, but otherwise healthy, cheerful baby costs about 30000-35000 rubles. Pet, admitted to mating, but not reaching out to champion titles, costs from 35,000 rubles, and for the handsome show class, which tipped a great show career, will have to pay 60,000 rubles and more.

In Moscow, there is only one kennel "From Solnik" http://solnik.ru/new/index.php, engaged in the breeding of this breed.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a rather rare breed in Russia, which is why its interest is growing. But before you buy a puppy, you should know in advance about all its forms, features and nuances, and only then go after the pet. This is not a sofa dog and will require time, attention and serious training.

The Belgian Shepherd is not a decorative pet, it needs a firm hand and obligatory training. If the plans of the future owner do not include regular classes with a four-legged friend, then you should look at the less demanding representatives.

Appearance

The breed has moderate lines, characterized by harmonious proportionality, intelligence and unpretentiousness, perfectly adapted to the content in the aviary in the open air.

All varieties of the Belgian Shepherd are resistant to different seasonal weather changes and adverse weather conditions. This breed has a harmonious shape and a proud head landing, which creates the impression of a very elegant dog fortress.

Breed standards

In accordance with the FCI classification, the Belgian Shepherd Dog belongs to the first breeding group, the Shepherd Dog. The dog is evaluated in a natural stance, and the most important parameters include:

• square format
• breast location at elbow level
• muzzle along its length is equal to or slightly greater than the length of the head.

The main standards of any type of Belgian Shepherd include:

• with a clean plastic, proportional and long, rather dry head with a smooth and shallow transition from the line of the forehead to the face,
• the region of the skull is average in width, proportional, with a square frontal part, not marked brow ridges and moderate foot,
• the muzzle is medium in length, with good fullness under the eyes and a gradual narrowing to the nose area,
• lips are dry and thin, with very pronounced and characteristic pigmentation,
• strong teeth with white coloration, located on properly developed jaws, with a bite “ticks” or “scissors”,
• the eyes are medium in size, without strong immersion and excessive protrusion, slightly almond-shaped, dark brown, with eyelids having black pigmentation,
• ears of small size, with a high fit, a clear triangular shape, with a rounded shell and a hard upright cartilage,
• well defined, with a slight lengthening, rather vertical, with good muscling and neck extending to the shoulders, has no suspension, and the “way out” is well pronounced,
• body of a powerful type, but without weighting, square in format, with a length from shoulders to buttocks approximately equal to the height of the animal at the withers,
• with a straight topline and an obvious shoulder girdle, the lumbar region is short and wide, with fairly good muscling,
• the back is muscular and short, well muscled and slightly sloping, not too wide croup,
• the chest area is not wide and with sufficient depth, characterized by an arched joint in the upper part of the ribs,
• the tail, well set on a strong and conspicuous base, medium in length, not shorter than the level of the hock, freely hanging down at rest and slightly rising when moving.

The front legs of the dog are parallel when viewed from the front, with rounded legs and dark, strong claws. The hind limbs are powerful, but without gravity, with rounded legs and arched toes.

It is interesting! According to the established standards, the size of an adult dog is on average 61-62 cm, and females 57-58 cm, with a weight of 25-30 kg and 20-25 kg, respectively.

Varieties

To date, there are four main varieties that are not distinguished into separate breeds, and the Belgian Shepherd Dog belongs to the four main varieties, which differ markedly in the external exterior:

• Grunendal - one of the most unusual and versatile varieties used as a guard and a police dog, suitable for working at customs. During the First World War, the variety was used as a rescuer, sapper or demolition man. The peculiarity of the variety is the presence of blue-black and soft wool, which is longer in the neck and forms a luxurious collar. According to the standards, coal-black coloring should be inherent in the nose, claws, lips and eyelids. Eyes - dark brown,
• Tervuren - a species characterized by stiff and short hair on the head, as well as long coat on other parts of the body, especially in the chest and neck. Color in accordance with the standards of the breed, must be red with coal. However, in recent years there are more and more instances that have a coat of any shades of red with a black mask. In this case, warm red color is welcomed, and dogs with insufficiently bright coloration do not claim to be rated as “excellent”
• Malinois - A popular species that can be an excellent companion, watchman and guard. The body of an adult dog is medium in size with protruding and well-marked relief muscles. Coat thick and with a noticeable density. There is a black and distinct mask covering the lips, eyelids and face, and the main coat color should be fawn. Breed standards allowed for white breasts,
• Laquinoy - It is characterized by red color with some blackening, which mainly manifests itself in the muzzle and on the tail. Coat, as if a little disheveled. The presence of a small amount of white color in the chest, as well as on the fingers of the hind limbs. This type of Belgian shepherd is not very popular among domestic dog breeders, but it is believed that it is the laquenois that has the smoothest character of all the types of "Belgians".

Important! When choosing a species for exhibition shows and breeding, it must be remembered that carrying out any interspecific crossing is prohibited, with the exception of insuperable circumstances and with the presence of permission issued by the official council of the breed.

Belgian Shepherd Character

The Belgian Shepherd, regardless of the species, has a very direct and lively, intelligent and questioning look. By her character, this is a very active and intelligent dog with excellent guarding qualities.

Absolutely all the "Belgians" have an excellent memory, which makes it easy to transfer even long courses of special training and education. A dog of this breed must necessarily feel the “strong hand” of its owner, but the presence of excessive rudeness in raising is unacceptable, as it can provoke the development of cowardice or strong neurasthenia in a pet.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog cannot be called an overly friendly breed, but such an aggression is quite capable of controlling such a breed.. To strangers, the “Belgian” most often remains indifferent, unless a stranger tries to invade the space of a dog or owner.

Lifespan

The average life span of a Belgian of any variety is about eleven or twelve years, which is a good enough time for pedigree and purebred pets. However, proper care and compliance with the conditions of detention, allow the pet to live and remain active even up to fifteen years.

Content Belgian Shepherd House

The puppies of the Belgian shepherd are very mobile, they are distinguished by activity and extraordinary curiosity, therefore, the appearance of such a pet in the house must be prepared in advance. Best of all, a dog of this breed feels in a fairly spacious street aviary, but even in apartment conditions this pet will not cause any special problems.

Care and hygiene

Despite the fact that the care for the "Belgian" is extremely individual, and directly depends not only on the specific features, but also the characteristics of a particular individual, there are a number of generalized recommendations that allow you to maintain the health of such a dog for many years.

First and foremost, proper care involves regular care of the coat of an animal, which is of sufficient length and thickness. Regular combing or combing of the hair, allows you to remove dead hair and massage the skin, which is especially important during the molting period.

Important! Combing long-haired breeds is done twice or three times a week, using special massage brushes. In the spring and summer, one should not neglect correctly treating the pet's hair from ectoparasites.

In addition to the coat, close attention should be paid to the condition of the ears, eyes, teeth and claws. Ears and eyes should be systematically inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. Teeth are cleaned with special toothpastes, which helps prevent the appearance of tartar. Periodically, you can give your dog special chewing bones. Claws are trimmed fairly regularly, with the help of special claws.

Fully cares about the physical health and longevity of the Belgian shepherd is impossible without providing such a pet with frequent and quite active walks. Walking the "Belgian" is required at least a couple of times a day, allotting at least a couple of hours for such an event. During daily walks, one must play with the dog, using a ball or any other toys for this purpose.

How to feed a Belgian shepherd

Particular attention should be paid to feeding the Belgian Shepherd puppy, which will allow you to get a well-developed, powerful and healthy pet. The protein must be ingested by the dog in the form of raw beef, boned, lived and film. Мясо нарезается на не слишком мелкие кусочки.It is also necessary to feed the dog oceanic fish of cod breeds, including pollack, cod and haddock. Fish fillets are also cut into small pieces. Meat dishes are preferably supplemented with vegetables, which use leaf lettuce, zucchini and carrots.

As practice shows, cereals are optional, that is optional food, but if necessary you can give the Belgian shepherd buckwheat pierced with the addition of a small amount of vegetable oil.

To improve the process of digestion, you need to supplement the diet with fermented milk dishes, in the form of a mixture based on 1% kefir and 5% cottage cheese, as well as bio-kefir or bio-yogurt.

Feeding the Belgian Shepherd can be not only natural products, but also dry industrial feed. The so-called "drying" is selected in accordance with the age qualities and physiological state of the animal. Manufacturers produce rations designed for feeding active and adult dogs, as well as pregnant and lactating bitches.

High-quality ready-made rations, as a rule, are fully balanced, so you will not need to supplement them with vitamins and minerals. But when feeding a dog “naturalkoy”, it is meant to introduce special vitamin-mineral complexes into the daily ration.

Diseases and breed defects

The most common disadvantages of the "Belgians" can be presented:

• aggressive or cowardly character,
• nasal lobe, lips and eyelids with pigmentation,
• a little overshot
• bright shade of the eye,
• too straight shoulders
• weakened, straightened hock,
• very loose paws,
• very high or hooked tail,
• lack of undercoat,
• gray color, not warm enough or blurred shades,
• uneven or too small mask.

Disqualifying are pronounced defects, which can be considered the presence of:

• pronounced undershot or snack,
• hanging or artificially set ears,
• short tail, docked or amputated tail,
• white spots in unauthorized places
• uncontrollability or excessive aggressiveness
• excessive nervousness and cowardice.

The most common breed diseases to which representatives of the Belgian Shepherd breed are exposed are:

• epileptic seizures or seizures
• bloating or intestines,
• dysplasia of the elbow or hip joint,
• allergic reactions
• the appearance of excess weight
• cataract.

As practice shows, with proper care, as well as adherence to the prevention and vaccination regimen, the “Belgians” have sufficient endurance and rarely get sick. However, dog vaccination is mandatory. Before vaccination, about ten days, you must give your pet an antihelminthic drug.

In one and a half months, the vaccine PuRPY-novibak is given, two weeks after the first vaccination, the donor is vaccinated with lepto-novibac, and at six months, after a tooth change, the doctor is vaccinated with lepto-novibak and NOBIVAK-RAVI.

Buy Belgian Sheepdog

It is categorically not recommended to purchase any kind of Belgian Shepherd from an unlicensed breeder or “with hands”. Among other things, it’s very difficult to independently determine the pedigree features of all four varieties of the “Belgian”, so it is advisable to choose a pet with the help of an experienced canine.

The acquisition of the breed must be abandoned by lazy and sedentary people, because the Belgian shepherds need regular, sufficient physical and mental loads, and with a lack of attention and the lack of necessary activity, the destructive behavior of the pet quickly manifests itself.

What to look for

Many unscrupulous breeders often do not pay enough attention to the upbringing of pets from the first days of their lives, and when breeding breed dogs they are guided only by a good pedigree.

The result of this activity is the implementation of untrained, wildly and cowardly puppies, which are then very difficult to raise or train.

Puppies should be weaned and accustomed to new living conditions at approximately one month of age.. Special attention should be paid to the conditions of detention not only of the mother, but also of puppies. The allotted area must be dry, well lit and clean.

Important! It is recommended to ask the total number of puppies in the selected litter. The smaller the number, the stronger the babies themselves, as a rule, are getting enough food from their mother.

It must be remembered that a healthy animal must be active and vigorous, has a good appetite. The puppy's coat should be rather thick, with a characteristic shine, and the eyes and ears should be clean, without visible pathological secretions. Among other things, when choosing a "Belgian" one must take into account the fact that, unfortunately, epilepsy and dysplasia are congenital diseases, therefore they are not cured.

The price of the dog breed Belgian Shepherd

The cost of a puppy can be very different. Pricing, as a rule, directly depends on how well titled parents are used in mating, on the popularity of the breeder, as well as on the puppy's “classiness”, its age and many other factors.

On the territory of our country, at present, the most common and popular among breeders are the varieties of grunendal and malinois, which can be easily purchased in nurseries. Single breeders are engaged in breeding lacenois and tervuren, so queues are lined up for such varieties and it is quite difficult to buy them.

The cost of common varieties is quite affordable.. For example, you can purchase a monthly gründänd puppy by ad or “with hands” for about 15-20 thousand rubles. There are also puppies from random or amateur breeding and at a cost of 10 thousand rubles, but a pedigree and completely healthy pet from a specialized nursery, suitable for exhibition shows and breeding, will cost a potential buyer 35-50 thousand rubles or more.