Belgian Tervuren dogs

The Belgian Tervuren is also known as: Chien de Berger Belge, Tervuren

Fast Facts

Group classification: Herding	Country of origin: Belgium	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 55 - 65 lb	Height (M): 24 - 26"	Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Weight (F): 40 - 50 lb	Height (F): 22 - 24"

General Description of the Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is a medium-sized dog that is strong, square and well-proportioned. The head is long without being overly so and features dark brown eyes that are slightly almond shaped. The expression is one of alertness, curiosity and intelligence. Ears are set high on the head, triangular and stiff with a height that is equal to the width at the base. The skull top and muzzle are of equal length, giving the head a balanced and proportionate appearance. The muzzle is not overly pointed or overly cheeky, but rather moderately rounded. The nose should be totally black without discoloration with well defined nostrils. The tail is strong and sturdy at the base and slightly curved when the dog is active. Body color ranges from fawn to mahogany with black tipping. As the Belgian Tervuren matures, the coat becomes darker. The chest area of the Tervuren is predominately black or a mixture of dark gray and black. The coat is medium in harshness with long guard hairs to protect against harsh climates. Hair is longer around the collarette area, breeches and tail.

Belgian Tervuren Temperament

The Belgian Tervuren is energetic and highly alert. Though somewhat independent by nature, this dog is nevertheless easy to train. It is crucial to socialize this breed from puppyhood to prevent shyness or aggression. Because the Tervuren is a herding dog, it can sometimes nip at the heels of small children or other pets. You'll find that the Tervuren is a loyal and protective pet and is ideal as a family watchdog. The Belgian Teruven is most content when it has a task to do, so it is very important to work with your dog daily. They require a good bit of exercise and activity and are not the right dog for a sedentary owner. Though totally devoted to its entire family, Belgian Tervuren may "play favorites," gravitating toward one family member above the rest.

Caring for a Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is a highly active dog, and requires regular vigorous exercise. Allow your Tervuren to run free in a park or field, or take it for a long jog every day. This breed is a continual shedder, and will shed quite heavily during the warmer months. This is why it is so important to groom your Tervuren daily, using a sturdy bristled brush as well as a detangling comb. Mats should be trimmed with grooming shears, and you may also need to trim the hair that grows between the toes. When bathing your Belgian Tervuren use a mild dog shampoo and try not to bathe more frequently than once a month. Health concerns of note include seizures, canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy.

Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is also known as: Chien de Berger Belge, Groenendael

Fast Facts

Group classification: Herding	Country of origin: Belgium	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 55 - 75 lb	Height (M): 24 - 26"	Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Weight (F): 40 - 60 lb	Height (F): 22 - 24"

General Description of the Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is a muscular and sturdy medium-sized dog with a well-proportioned body. This dog sports long, straight guard hairs that are neither wiry nor silky, with a moderately harsh texture. The undercoat is thick and dense, although its density can depend on the climate in which the dog lives. A lush fringe of hair protects the neck, and the ears are protected by tufts of hair as well. The hair on the head and lower part of legs is shorter than on other parts of the body. Coloring is almost always pure black, although on some Belgian Sheepdogs there will be small areas of white on the forechest, toes, muzzle or chin. The head features a flattened skull top rather than a rounded one and triangular ears that are well-proportioned and erect. The muzzle is around the same length as the topskull and pointed moderately. Nose should be black with no discoloration, as should lips. Eyes are dark brown in color and the expression is one of intelligence and curiosity. The tail is sturdy at the base with the bone reaching the hock. When the dog is active the tail is raised with a slight curl close to the tip.

Belgian Sheepdog Temperament

Belgian Sheepdogs are protective and territorial dogs that should be socialized frequently and from a young age. They respond best to firm yet loving discipline and will not do well when reprimanded harshly. They make great family pets and are appropriate for families with children as long as they are raised with children from puppyhood. You'll find that the Belgian Sheepdog is loyal and an ideal watchdog, as well as a playful and energetic companion. This breed needs lots of love and attention and shouldn't be confined to a kennel for long periods of time. It is important to work with your Belgian Sheepdog daily, as this breed thrives on interaction and is always ready to please its master.

Caring for a Belgian Sheepdog

Because of its abundant coat, the Belgian Sheepdog requires attentive grooming. You'll need to brush the coat thoroughly each day, and more than once a day during shedding season. In addition to using a sturdy, firm-bristled brush, you'll want to also comb the coat using a coarse-toothed comb to discourage tangling. If mats form in the coat, simply trim them carefully. The hair between the toes will also need a careful trimming on a regular basis. These dogs shed heavily, especially during the warm weather months. The Belgian Sheepdog is a notably healthy breed, and health problems are rare. The dog is somewhat prone, however, to seizures, skin disorders, allergies, hypothyroidism, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and hemangiosarcoma.

Belgian Malinois dogs

The Belgian Malinois is also known as: Chien de Berger Belge, Malinois

Fast Facts

Group classification: Herding	Country of origin: Belgium	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 65 - 68 lb	Height (M): 24 - 26"	Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Weight (F): 60 - 65 lb	Height (F): 22 - 24"

General Description of the Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a dog of medium size that is fawn to mahogany in color with a black mask and black tipped fur. The Malinois is a short-haired dog and looks similar to the German Shepherd, but there are several differences between the two breeds. They are smaller and lighter than the German Shepherd and do not feature the black saddle that is associated with the German Shepherd. Also, the Belgian Malinois is in general a more energetic and agile breed than the German Shepherd. These beautiful, well-proportioned dogs sport a chiseled and refined head with triangular shaped ears. Eyes are almond in shape, black-rimmed and usually dark brown in color.

Belgian Malinois Temperament

The Belgian Malinois is highly energetic and born to work. Their personalities can range from friendly to reserved with people and animals they don't know. These dogs are very protective of their property and owners, but usually not unnecessarily aggressive. The Belgian Malinois thrives in an environment where tasks must be performed, and without anything to do the dog can become bored or even depressed. This dog requires lots of exercise and activity, and responds best to owners who are able to provide firm structure, discipline and positive reinforcement. The Malinois can be great with children, provided it is introduced to them as puppies. Both dog and child should be taught how to safely interact with one another.

Caring for a Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a low-maintenance breed as far as grooming is concerned. They should be brushed every few days to keep the coat healthy, and more frequently during heavy shedding periods. Excessive bathing should be avoided, because it can remove the waterproofing capacity of the coat. The most important aspect in caring for a Belgian Malinois is providing the dog with plenty of exercise and activities. These dogs are happiest when they have something to do, and are filled with energy and enthusiasm. The Belgian Malinois is capable of living outdoors in temperate climates, but it is much happier when it can live inside with access to a yard. Though generaly very healthy, this breed is occasionally known to be afflicted with canine hip and elbow dysplasia.

The Belgian Malinois is a very-fast-learning, highly-trainable, high-energy, versatile working dog. They can make great pets for highly-active, high-energy families. But a Belgian Malinois will not be happy unless he gets lots of daily exercise and has a job to do. Because of this breed's trainability and intelligence, Belgian Malinois are often used today as police dogs, military dogs, and homeland security dogs. Domestic Belgian Malinois excel at obedience, schutzhund, agility, flyball, Frisbee, herding, sledding, and tracking. It doesn't matter so much what their job is, as long as they have one. These are busy "perpetual motion" dogs who need more than just a daily walk. They enjoy hiking, running, and biking, and make good jogging partners. They do best with a fenced-in area to thrash around in. (The alternative is the Malinois zipping around your house, leaping over furniture and smashing into things.) The Malinois is very loving toward his family and reserved toward strangers. They are naturally protective of their owners without being aggressive. They make good watchdogs as they are incredibly alert and will notice sights, sounds, and smells that you don't. They have a high prey drive and will chase small animals. Many Malinois will chase vehicles. When raised around children, Malinois are good with them. However, young children need to be taught not to run past the Malinois waving their arms and shrieking, as this may trigger the Malinois' prey drive. Also, keep in mind that Malinois are tremendously physical animals and might run into a child accidentally... over and over again. He might also try to herd children. (He might also try to herd you and other animals in the house, sometimes all at the same time.) The Malinois is extremely sensitive and social and will want to be part of your family. If he feels neglected, he will entertain himself. By digging holes in your mattress, for example.