The Belgian Sheepdog originated in Belgium and is similar to other sheep herding dogs from the same region.
Originally bred for herding, the Belgian Shepherd is alert, fast and tireless. This breed shows great endurance and is bred to herd for long hours. It has a dense undercoat and a wooly, dense outer coat with long hair.
Personality
This breed form strong relationship bonds with its owner and is loyal, very affectionate, very intelligent, alert and sensitive to everything going on around them. The Belgian Shepherd is a great family dog. They have a lot of energy and need physical as well as mental exercise. This breed is often used as police dogs, assistance and rescue dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 14 years |
| Nicknames: | The Belgian Shepherd, and the Chien de Berger Belge. |
Belgian Shepherd Build Information
Originally bred for herding, the Belgian Shepherd is alert, fast and tireless. This breed shows great endurance and is bred to herd for long hours. It has a dense undercoat and a wooly, dense outer coat with long hair.
| Size: | Medium to Large |
Behaviour and Personality
This breed form strong relationship bonds with its owner and is loyal, very affectionate, very intelligent, alert and sensitive to everything going on around them. The Belgian Shepherd is a great family dog. They have a lot of energy and need physical as well as mental exercise. This breed is often used as police dogs, assistance and rescue dogs.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
The Belgian Shepherd needs basic grooming. Brush him weekly to remove dirt and loose hair. Once or twice a year this breed sheds a lot. Brush his teeth frequently and trim his nails when needed.
| Shedding: | Moderate - heavy |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
Belgian Shepherd Common Health Conditions
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, cancer, epilepsy, hypothyroidism.
Belgian Shepherd Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
There are four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd: the Belgian Groenendael, Belgian Tervuren, the Belgian Laekenois, and the Belgian Malinois. Belgian Sheepdogs are excellent workers because of their high intelligence and high energy level.
| Training: | Moderately easy |