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Belgian Sheepdog Dog Breed Facts
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Breed: Belgian Sheepdog
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Also Called: Groenendael, Chien de Berger Belge
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Height: The Belgian Sheepdog is about 22-26 inches tall.
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Weight: The Belgian Sheepdog weighs between 60-62 lbs.
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Colors: The Belgian Sheepdog can 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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Physical Appearance: The Belgian Sheepdog is 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/Personality: 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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Health Concerns/Problems:
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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 an average life of 12-14 years.
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Litter Size: The Belgian Sheepdog has an average litter of 6-10 puppies.
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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
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