Belgian Shepherd

We’ll talk about Belgian Shepherd today. It is a medium-sized dog that gets along well with children. However, this alone is not enough to bring them home. So, learn more about them by reading further. This page will include information about their cost, health, and lifespan.

Belgian Shepherd 

• It is a medium-sized athletic breed with a muscular body. They have cat-like feet and well-padded circular paws. Dewclaws are usually removed, and the hind feet may be slightly extended.
• The toes have strong nails that are generally black but might be white to match the white toe tips. 
• The eyes should be almond-shaped and dark brown, with a sharp, intellectual expression. The appearance of a fine head might be ruined by bulging, round, or light-colored eyes.

Second Name

Chien de Berger Belge is the other name for this breed. 

Nickname

• Max
• Baz
• Bruno 
• Marvel
• Pieter 
• Anika
• Petra
• Lara
• Adal

 History

• It’s one of four shepherd dog breeds that originated in Belgium in the late 1800s.
• It was founded in September 1891 to select which of the numerous diverse breeds of dogs best represented the Belgian shepherd dogs.

Characteristic

• Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris 
• Origin: Belgium 
• Group: Herding Group 
• Coat: Thick double coat with coarse black fur 
• Coat Color: Fawn grey and black 
• Height: 24-26 inches
• Weight: 60-80 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Personality: Alert, devoted and protective 
• Hypoallergenic: No 

Read also: Keeshond- Health, Price and Sale 

Behavior

Before bringing them and introducing them to your family, get some knowledge about their behavior. This blog will help you with that. 

Sensitivity

• They’re also quite sensitive and affectionate, making them good family companions.

Kid-Friendly

• If they have been nurtured with children, they are good with kids.
• However, they have a record of nipping at their heels when they play together. This can be corrected by proper training.  

Other Animal

• They get along best with other dogs and cats if they’ve been around them since they were puppies.
• Sometimes they become closest friends with cats and other animals and will defend them as if they were part of their flock, and other times they will all agree to be indifferent to one other.

Care They Need

Caring for our pets is our duty. Pets are very important to us as they give us emotional support. In return, they need our love and time.                       

Food & Diet

• However, because they are prone to gaining weight, their diet should include physiologically adequate proteins, healthy fats, pulverized bones, and vegetables, which are high in critical vitamins and minerals, for maximum health and performance.
• 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food split between two meals every day

Exercise

They are lively, energetic dogs who require a lot of exercises. 

• Adult dogs require 60 to 80 minutes of daily activity, which can be broken down into three or four 20-minute intervals.
• For variety, take the dog for a walk or include a training or play session.

Read also: Serval Cat-Cute or Dangerous?

Training

Small animals should be introduced with caution and under the supervision of an adult. Although being incredibly attentive and sensitive to the guidance of a confident owner, Belgian Shepherds may be tough to train for an unskilled owner.

• You may progressively increase the length of each training session from 30 minutes to an hour as the dog matures. Teach them basic commands. 
• They like learning, being active, and spending time with their owners, thus most of them are willing to participate in many training sessions every day.

Grooming

The long, natural coats of Belgian Sheepdogs give them a rustic aspect, thus they should never be combed or cropped to the point of losing that appearance. 

• Brush your Belgian Shepherd with a pin brush, a slicker brush, and a metal rake comb once a week for around 20 minutes.
• Nail trimming and cutting are essential elements of canine grooming. A dog with well-clipped nails displays great cleanliness and health.

Health Problems

They are generally healthy, although, like other breeds, they are prone to some health concerns. Although not all Belgian Sheepdogs may contact any or all of these illnesses, it’s vital to be aware of them if you’re thinking about getting one.

• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cataracts
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis
• Retained Testicles  

List of Mixed Breed

• Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix
• Belgian Malinois Husky Mix 
• Belgian Malinois Mix
• Belgian Malinois Poodle Mix.

Hairstyle

• The long, natural coats of Belgian shepherds give them a rustic aspect, thus they should never be combed or cropped to the point of losing that appearance.

Speed

• Belgian Shepherd may reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour), making them one of the world’s fastest dogs.

Rank

• They now rank 122nd of the 155 breeds and variations recognized by the American Kennel Club, dominating in dog performance sports.

Read also: Samoyed-Height, Lifespan and Puppies for sale 

To Buy/Adopt 

• Even though they are purebred canines, they may end up in shelters or rescue organizations.
• Remember one thing never purchase a dog if you love them. 

Babies

• The female will give birth to a litter of 6-10 Belgian Malinois puppies following a gestation period of 71-90 days.
• The female Malinois is ready to breed at six months, and her mating heat lasts two to four weeks.

Price

• A puppy will cost you roughly $1,000 on average.
• The amount you pay will be determined by the breeder and the puppy’s genes, which can range from $2,500 to $3,500.

Overview

• They are noted for their intelligence, alertness, and sensitivity; they are often highly trainable, watchful, and hardworking, with a strong guarding instinct that makes them protective of property and family.
• They are ideally suited for security duty. 

Good & Bad About Them

Good

• It comes in several coats and sizes. 
• It has strong protective instincts and is attentive and cautious.
• It is an extremely intelligent breed. 
• It is huge and powerful, yet also graceful and lovely.
• It performs exceptionally well in activities requiring performance.

Bad

• Participating in demanding dog sports regularly with your dog.
• Boredom or a lack of exercise might lead them to destructive behavior.
• They might show aggression towards other animals. 

Belgian Malinois

• Belgian Malinois is one of the Belgian Shepherd breeds.
• The Malinois is a more lively Belgian shepherd breed than the other Belgian shepherd types. Malinois is, without a doubt, one of the most lively dogs on the planet.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd

• Males are 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers, while females are 22 to 24 inches tall. However, Malinois are often lighter than German Shepherds.
• Malinois males weigh 60-80 pounds, while females weigh 40-60 pounds. A male German Shepherd may reach 90 pounds, while a female can reach 70 pounds.

Fun Facts 

• The Belgian Shepherd (pronounced “mal-in-wa”) is called after the Belgian city of Malines, where it was invented.
• It is one of four Belgian sheepdog breeds that originated in different sections of the nation and were all bred for herding. The Mals have shown to be extremely flexible throughout the last century, expanding their resume far beyond herding.
• Five Belgian Sheepdogs had been recruited to the New York City police department, according to a short announcement in the January 1908 issue of the AKC Gazette. At the time, the breed was still relatively unknown in the United States, and this was the first time the AKC had listed them. 
• During World War I, the Belgian Malinois got their start in the military as Red Cross messengers and aides. They also pushed ambulance carts and carts containing weaponry, according to some sources.

Reference Link

• https://g.co/kgs/5YQ3n8

Belgian Shepherd-FAQ