Belgian Shepherd Dog

Belgian Shepherd Dog (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge) refers to four breeds of dog: the Groenendael, the Laekenois, the Tervueren, or the Malinois. In some regions, they are considered seperate varieties of a single breed; in other regions, they are considered a single breed. All are hard-working, intelligent dogs of the same size and temperament, the only real difference is their coats.

The American Kennel Club recognises only the Groenendael under the name "Belgian Sheepdog", but also recognizes the Tervueren (with the alternative spelling "Tervuren") and the Malinois as individual breeds. The Laekenois can be registered as part of the AKC foundation stock service and likely eventually be recognised by the AKC.

The Australian National Kennel Council and the New Zealand Kennel Club recognize all four as separate breeds. The Canadian Kennel Club, Kennel Union of South Africa and the Kennel Club (UK) follow the FCI classification scheme and recognises all four as varieties of the same breed.

They are so closely related that, when breeding any two dogs of the same coat colour and length (eg Groenendael), it is possible for puppies of different "breeds" to be in the same litter. Eg. a Groenendael litter could contain a brown-coated long-haired puppy; in countries that consider them the same breed with 4 coat variaties, this is fine and the puppy would be a valid Tervueren, but the AKC considers it to be an aberration of the all-black Belgian Shepherd and disqualifies it in the conformation ring. This dog can be breed with other Groenendaels (indeed the AKC allows this because the dog is after all registered as a Groenendael!)and worked in obedience, agility and other sports venues. Likewise, a Tervueren could have a short-coated puppy; in some countries, this is merely the Malinois coat variation but the AKC again considers it to be a disqualifiable fault in the conformation ring.

In years gone past, the Groenendael and Tervuren were one breed with coat variations until the Club decided to petition the AKC to make the separation into two separate breeds.

Confused? Well, so are many owners.

Temperament
Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent, alert and sensitive to everything going on around them, and to develop extremely strong relationship bonds. This means that they need significant socializing as puppies, lifelong activity outlets, and will seek to be with "their human" all the time, preferably doing something rather than waiting around. They can find it very difficult to be left alone. During their juvenile years, they can go through irrational fears (similar to the child who believes there is a monster in the closet), and can suddenly develop anxiety over some object or place which has never been a problem before, although these fade over time with a good positive lead. They tend strongly to be a "one person dog."

Belgian shepherds like to please, and can over-react badly to "negative" (punishment or deterrence based) training, so they should as a rule be clicker- or reward-trained only. They can also behave as if they think that they are smarter than their owners, so it is important for the owner to know how to train dogs or to enroll in training classes. Professional training is highly recommended by trainers/acadamies specific to this type of dog, as well as continued training or development beyond the basics, such as obedience, agility and herding and other sports. This is because Belgian Shepherds as a rule require mental stimulation as much or more so then physical. Most Belgian owners know that rote or pattern-based training is not the ideal for Belgians. Nor is drilling a particular activity going to prove successful. If a Belgian does something right 3 times in a row, he, or she, does not see the sense in doing it the fourth time!

All the Belgian Shepherd breeds need a lot of activity and close interaction with people. Like most herding breeds, they need a job to do (be it frisbee in the park, herding, learning tricks, dog agility). Throwing a toy endlessly for the dog to fetch works for some breeds, but the Belgian breeds are intelligent and sociable dogs who can easily become bored with such simple and undemanding repetition. Many Belgians make superb assistance dogs who thrive on knowing that their jobs are indeed necessary for their chosen person.

Ownership
They are widely considered to be a fine looking dog, loyal, intelligent, fun, and well suited to family life. However because of their high sensitivity to criticism or to being ignored, their careful handling and socialising needs, their need for ongoing stimulation and purposeful activity, and their potential (in common with other high energy dogs such as Siberian Huskies) to develop problems or even become destructive if bored, they are not usually considered suitable for a first time or inexperienced owner, or one who cannot meet their needs.

Health
Belgians overall are fairly healthy as a breed, especially compared to many other breeds. Their main illnesses as a breed are epilepsy, hip dysplasia, thyroid conditions, and cataracts. A study at UC indicates that 17% (one in 6) will develop epilepsy, although most of these will only develop occasional petit mal seizure and not be seriously affected by it. Their more compact form means they are less likely to develop dysplasia than German Shepherds or other breeds (around 8% or 1 in 12). Cataracts can develop around ages 2-4.