Search over 8 Belgian Shepherd Dog dogs across Australia
The hardworking Belgian Shepherd is known for its lively personality and makes a great companion for active families or solo dog owners. Although they may take time to warm up to strangers, Belgian Shepherds are loyal and protective of their family members once you become part of the pack.
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The hardworking Belgian Shepherd is known for its lively personality and makes a great companion for active families or solo dog owners. Although they may take time to warm up to strangers, Belgian Shepherds are loyal and protective of their family members once you become part of the pack.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Belgian Shepherd Dog Guide
About Belgian Shepherd Dog
The Belgian Shepherd, also known as the Groenendael or Belgian Sheepdog, is one of four dog breeds that originated in Belgium. They are protective dogs by nature so they naturally take on guardian roles within their family packs. As guardians they will watch over their family members diligently and alert them if something looks suspicious or out of place. They typically make excellent watchdogs because of their keen sense of hearing and alertness.
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Weight
27 to 34 kg
Height
56 to 66 cm
Grooming
A slicker brush is the best tool for brushing a Belgian Shepherd as it can penetrate deep into the coat and remove any dirt or debris. It is also important to use a comb with widely spaced teeth to ensure the coat is thoroughly detangled.
Origins
This breed has its roots in the original herding dogs used by Belgian farmers to herd sheep, cattle, and other livestock. The Belgian Shepherd dog was developed from crosses between these local herding dogs and several other breeds.
The first recorded use of the name “Groenendael” for this breed was in 1886 when a kennel club was formed in Brussels to register purebred Belgian Shepherd Dogs. The name comes from the village of Groenendael near Brussels where many of the early specimens were bred. The breed quickly gained popularity due to its agility, strength, intelligence and loyalty.
The Belgian Shepherd soon became popular for their intelligence and obedience, which made them well-suited for use as police and military dogs. This increased popularity led to the creation of an official breed standard in 1892 by Professor Reul from Liege University.
Eventually, four varieties were officially recognized within the Belgian Shepherd breed: Groenendael (long-haired black), Tervuren (long-haired fawn/black), Malinois (short-haired fawn/black) and Laekenois (wire-haired fawn). The Groenendael ended up keeping the name of the Belgian Shepherd or Belgian Sheepdog, while the other breeds took on the names of the varieties. Today, when speaking about the Belgian Shepherd, people are generally referring to the Groenendael variant.
Key Characteristics Of Belgian Shepherd Dogs
Are Belgian Shepherd Dogs Family-Friendly?
Yes, Belgian Shepherds are generally friendly and can do well with families. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them great companions. However, they may be shy and wary of strangers, so it is important to socialise them early.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Belgian Shepherd Dogs may suffer from:
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Anesthesia Sensitivity
Nature / Temperament
Alert, Devoted, Protective, Quiet, Energetic
Suitable Environment
Belgian Shepherds will thrive best in an environment with structure and leadership from their owners. They need consistent rules and boundaries so that they know what behaviour is expected of them, which will help them become well-mannered members of your family. The Belgian Shepherd needs sufficient space to be able exercise and keep their mind stimulated. Access to a secure backyard or an open field (with supervision) would be ideal for these dogs to get their daily exercise needs.
Despite being large and energetic dogs, they can do well in apartments so long as their exercise needs are being met outdoors.
Other Considerations
● Belgian Shepherds are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. Their needs are high and they can be strong-willed.
● Most Belgian Shepherds can get along well with other dogs and cats if they’re raised with them from an early age.
● While Belgian Shepherds love the company of people, they aren’t as sensitive to being left alone as other dog breeds.
How can I take good care of my Belgian Shepherd Dog?
Nutrition
A high-quality protein source should make up the majority of a Belgian Shepherd’s diet. This can include lean meats such as chicken, turkey, fish, and beef as well as eggs. These proteins provide essential amino acids that will help support healthy muscle development and repair. A premium puppy food that is tailored to the Belgian Shepherd’s age will be the best choice most of the time. Water is essential for keeping your Belgian Shepherd hydrated throughout the day so it’s important to make sure they always have access to fresh clean water.
Most Belgian Shepherd puppies will typically require meals 3 to 4 times a day, depending on how much they eat for each meal. Get more specific advice from your veterinarian before making any major diet changes.
Grooming
Belgian Shepherds have a thick double coat of fur that sheds constantly. Daily brushing is recommended for the Belgian Shepherd’s coat, as the length of their hair and its texture may cause it to become easily matted or tangled.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Bathing should only be done when necessary and using a mild shampoo designed for dogs.
Belgian Shepherds need regular nail trims in order to keep them from growing too long. This should be done once every four weeks or so, depending on how quickly your dog’s nails grow.
Belgian Shepherds benefit from having their teeth brushed two or three times per week with a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for pets. This will help prevent plaque build up which can lead to gum disease if not kept in check.
Exercise
The Belgian Shepherd has a lively, energetic personality and a strong work ethic. It is important that this breed receive adequate exercise to maintain its physical and mental health. This includes plenty of daily activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy and healthy. In addition to regular outdoor activities, a Groenendael should be given access to a secure fenced-in yard or other safe area so they can run off-leash without getting into trouble.
Belgian Shepherds have strong hunting and herding instincts so they must be kept on a leash at all times when out on walks.
Training
The Belgian Shepherd is an intelligent breed that requires patience and consistent training in order to build a strong bond with its owner. It is important for owners to start training their Belgian Shepherd puppy as soon as possible. Belgian Shepherds are very sensitive and alert dogs that are eager to please their owners. Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise are best for these dogs as punishment can lead to fearfulness or aggression.
It is also important for owners of the Belgian Shepherd to provide mental stimulation through puzzles or games that challenge the dog’s problem-solving skills. Some owners enrol their Belgian Shepherd puppies in training classes. If you do, ensure that the training methods are based on positive reinforcement.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Belgian Shepherd Dog Questions
The Belgian Malinois is no more or less aggressive than other dog breeds, and can be very affectionate and gentle as a housepet. They may be trained to be aggressive towards intruders if they are intended to be guard dogs.
Yes, a Belgian Malinois can live outdoors if necessary. However, a Belgian Malinois kept as a housepet will prefer to stick close to their owner.
If you are looking for a Belgian Malinois for sale, we recommend that you adopt from ethical, responsible breeders. Doing this will ensure that the Belgian Malinois puppies you get are healthy. Most Belgian Malinois puppies for sale will cost between AUD $600 and $2000.
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