ADDITIONAL BELGIAN SHEEPDOG PICTURES
Family: Shepherd
Breed Group: Herding Group
Origin: Belgium
Date of Origin: Late 19th century
Originally used for: Herders, Watch dogs, Companions, Police dogs
Used today: Police Dogs, companions
Other Name(s): Belgian Shepherd Dog, Chien de Berger Belge, Groenendael
History of the Breed: In the late 19th century the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed to
determining if Belgium had a true native shepherd dog. The club did find native breeds within Belgium and as a result created a Shepherd
Dog standard. This standard recognized three varieties: dogs with long coats, short coats and rough coats. As a result four breeds were identified,
the Groenendael also called the Belgian Sheepdog, the Malinois, the Tervuren, and the Laekenois. The AKC does not recognize the Laekenois.
General Appearance: A large square-proportioned sheepdog with a distinctive long black coat. The head is wedge shaped
with a long tapering muzzle and a black nose. The dark brown eyes are almond shaped and medium sized. The ears are triangular and stand erect.
The body has a deep but somewhat narrow chest reaching to the elbow. The loin is relatively short and strong. The tail reaches to the hock and
carried low with the tip bent back level with the hock. The dog is covered in a rich black long coat with a ruff around the neck
and extra feathering on the underside, legs, and on the tail.
Height & Weight:
Height 22-26 Inches
Weight 60-65 Pounds
Coat: A double coat, with the undercoat being very dense and the outercoat being full and moderately long, with a ruff around the neck
and extra feathering on the underside, legs, and tail.
Color: Black
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: This is a working breed and needs extensive socialization from an early age and firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master.
Friendly with children: Yes, needs to be socialized
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, needs to be socialized
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Epilepsy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 12-13 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 122
First Registered by the AKC: 1912
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, Inc. (BSCA)
Belgian Sheepdog Association of Great Britain (BSDA of GB)
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