The homeland of the Belgian shepherds is Belgium. There are four breeds known: Lakenen, Malinois, Grünendal, Tervuren. Breeds differ from each other in color, length of wool and texture. For centuries Belgian Shepherds have served as shepherds of cows and sheep. The Belgian Shepherd, whose breed history is described below, is friendly, loves children, especially if they grow together, loves the owners.
History of the breed
Initially, this breed of sheep dogs was bred specifically to protect cows and sheep that grazed on pastures. Among the breeders, the shepherds gained popularity because of their endurance and strength. In the 20th century, sheepdogs were used not only for animal protection, but also for the extraction of wool, from which later they made warm clothes.
The Japanese and the Europeans considered the four colors of the Belgian Shepherds to be just a kind of these dogs, and so it was until the American Kennel Club recognized that they were separate breeds.
Origin
All four breeds of the Belgian Shepherd dog, most likely, originated from the shepherds of Central Europe. This became possible thanks to crossing with mastiffs and dirhounds, which were brought in the 13th century from England. Thus, by the 19th century a lot of local shepherds had scattered with different wool cover and different colors.
In 1885 the breed of the Belgian Shepherd was registered for the first time. And in 1891, thanks to the breeder, Professor A. Reil, who not only singled out, but also brought four different types of Belgian sheepdogs to the tribal register, a Belgian Shepherd dog club was formed. The long-haired type of the black Belgian sheepdog in 1898 was called Grünnendal. At the same time, the coarse-wool type of sheepdog of the deer color was called a laken, at the location of the royal castle Laken (today this breed is very rare).
Mostly short-haired Belgian sheep dogs originated from the vicinity of a city such as Malin, so they are called malinois.
Long-haired type of sheepdog deer-sable color, which was called - tervenure, was brought out by one fan of the breed, who lived in the village of Tervuren.
Characteristics of the breed
This breed of sheep dogs has a delicate nervous organization. They are impulsive, so they react promptly to all kinds of stimuli. These sheep dogs are attentive, sensitive, have a pronounced personality. To unfamiliar people may be hostile, but in relation to the owner is extremely devoted. Belgian Shepherds are very active, always full of energy, so it must always move. This breed of sheep-dogs can not be kept on a leash.
At the end of the 19th century, malinois, used as a watchdog, had a significant admixture of the blood of true shepherd dogs. Such sheep-dogs are more solid, they demonstrate their working qualities better in the competition, which can not be said about the representatives of the other 3 types, which are more characterized by a calm disposition.
During training, you will need to be patient, as Belgian shepherds do not tolerate rough treatment. Nevertheless, such sheep-dogs need a firm but gentle hand of the owner. Shepherd dog, guard dog, military service dog, snoop, companion dog, sports dog.
Description
The Belgian Shepherd moderately long, proudly planted, not too wide head, with a straight forehead. From the forehead to the muzzle moderately pronounced transition. Cheeks smooth, dry. The muzzle to the nose of the nose is moderately narrowed. The Belgian sheepdog has tightly fitting lips, eyes of medium size. The edges of the eyelids are black, the eyes are brown. Ears are strong, set high, stand-up, have the shape of a triangle. The case is sturdy. The neck is long. The backbone is not rough. The sheep-dog has a narrow chest, strong and strong muscles. Powerful, wide, straight back. The croup is slightly skewed. The Belgian Shepherd dog has muscular, dry hind legs, paws of round shape, fingers on paws tightly compressed. The tail is of medium length, wide at the base, if the dog is calm, then it is lowered, without a hook at the end and without bending. All representatives of this breed have a thick coat, a pronounced undercoat.
- Short-haired Shepherd (on the head of the adjacent, smooth hair) - Malinois, has a deer color with a black mask and blackening.
- Long-haired species (on the head a short coat) - Grunnendal and tervenure.
- Coated sheepdog (6 cm ruffled, coarse wool, dry to touch) - lakenen, reddish-yellow color with black spots on the tail and muzzle.
- Tervuren; mostly light red deer with black tips.
- Grünnendal is an exceptionally pure black color.
- All representatives must have a black mask on their ears and face.
- Height at the withers: bitches about 56-62 cm, males about 60-66 cm. Weight approximately 28-35 kilograms.
Maintenance and care
That the Belgian sheep-dog normally developed, it will require regular long walks and correct socialization. If the sheep-dog has a long coat, then it should be combed once a week. All representatives of the Belgian Shepherd, except for the short-haired "Malinois", require a 30-minute cleaning of the wool, which is carried out once a week. Short-haired "Malinois" enough 15-minute brushing. In the spring and autumn, the cleaning of the coat should be more thorough. With representatives of this breed it is necessary to be engaged on a leash every day, except for this, they should run without a leash in the open areas.