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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Belgian Sheepdog
The Belgian Sheepdog is a medium sized muscular dog with an agile, proud carriage.
They have a short outer coat and a thick, wooly under coat. The coat color is usually
fawn, red, mahogany or grey with black tips, mask and ears. Some white is allowed
but only on the chest and feet. The hair should be shorter around the head, ears
and lower legs. The hair should be longer around the neck, forming a collar and
on the back of the legs forming a fringe. The head should be long, flat and equal
to the length of the muzzle, which is slightly tapered. The nose should be black
and the lips firm and tight. The teeth should meet at a level or scissor-like bite.
The medium, almond-shaped eyes should be shades of dark brown. The triangular ears
should stand erect and be set high. The muscular neck is slightly arched and the
top line level, sloping slightly at the withers. A medium width chest is deep reaching
to the elbow. The front legs are straight and muscular with emphasized withers and
round well arched toes. The back legs should also be muscular with oval shaped toes.
Declaws should be removed from the back legs and it is optional to have them removed
from the front legs. The tail should be medium in length and carried above the top
line.
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Temperament
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Belgian Sheepdogs, also know as the Groenendael, are alert, proud, loyal, confident,
smart, affectionate, and extremely protective. They are very loving and devoted
to their families. Belgian Sheepdogs need ample attention, training and companionship.
They should be socialized from birth, since they are naturally reserved with strangers
and dog aggressive. They are instinctively protective of their homes and families
so this behavior should not be encouraged since it can turn to aggression. They
are loyal to their families and are good with children once introduced. If properly
socialized, they will also get along with other household pets. Belgian Sheepdogs
do not react well to kennels and will become bored and destructive. Make sure to
thoroughly research the breeder before purchasing this breed. If they show fearfulness
or excessive aggressiveness avoid the purchase.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 24-26" ; Weight: 55-65 lbs.
Female Height: 22-24" ; Weight: 55-65 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed has no major health problems. Some minor problems can include skin allergies,
eye problems and occasionally hip dysplasia.
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Living Conditions
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Groenendaels do fine in an apartment but better with a medium-sized yard. They love
the outdoors, but prefer to be with their family.
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Exercise
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Groenendaels are a working breed and need lots of exercise. They need time off of
their lead to run free in an enclosed area.
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Life Expectancy
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About 13-14 years
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Grooming
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This breed needs daily brushing. Clip out mats that may form on the coat and clip
between the toes and the tips of the ears. Though a light shedder, it sheds heavily
twice a year.
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Origin
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The Belgian Shepherd is the only breed that comes in 4 different types: the Malinois,
the Tervueren, the Groenendael, and the rare Laekenois. They are named after the
areas in Belgium in which they originated: Malines, Tervuren, Groenendael and Laeken.
The Belgian Sheepdog is a hard working breed and has been recognized since the Middle
Ages. The breed was standardized in the 1890s when a Professor of the Belgian School
of Veterinary Sciences recorded their variations and divided them into groups based
on their coat type. The Malinois was the first to be standardized and also the first
variety out of the breed to become popular. In 1965, the Malinois was registered
with the AKC. The Groenendael and the Tervuren are also recognized by the AKC. All
varieties of this breed are recognized by the UKC. This breed is still very rare
in the United States.
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Group
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AKC and UKC Herding Dog
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