The Belgian Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation.
Their high energy levels require regular exercise, ideally at least 30 minutes of intense physical activity per day.
Belgian Shepherds are highly trainable, making them excel in various dog sports and activities.
With proper training and socialization, they can become loyal and loving companions for active families.
Herkunft und Geschichte
The Belgischer Schäferhund has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The breed was initially used as a working dog by shepherds and farmers.
In 1891, the Club du Chien de Berger Belge was founded in Brussels, marking the beginning of the breed's development as a distinct entity. The first standard was written in 1892, describing three varieties: Langhaar, Rauhhaar, and Kurzhaar.
The breed's history is marked by controversy over its appearance, with different clubs emerging to promote different characteristics. However, the Société Royale Canine St. Hubert recognized the Königliche Union der Klubs für belgische Schäferhunde as the sole authority.
The Belgischer Schäferhund was first registered in the stud book in 1901, with the Malinois Vos de Polders being the first officially recognized dog of the breed. Today, the breed is recognized in four varieties: Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervueren.
Herkunft: Beginn der Zucht
The Belgian Shepherd breed has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Until then, these dogs were primarily used as working dogs by shepherds and farmers.
In Belgium, there was a large number of herding and driving dogs that were bred without any standardization, resulting in a diverse range of characteristics. It wasn't until 1891 that the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was founded in Brussels, putting an end to this unorganized breeding.
The club's first standard divided Belgian herding dogs into three types based on their coat texture: rough, short, and long hair. This standard was a significant step towards establishing a clear breed identity.
The Belgian Shepherd's character, morphology, and working ability were all considered essential qualities by breeders, and the breed has remained true to its original nature ever since.
Here are the four recognized varieties of the Belgian Shepherd breed:
- Groenendael: long-haired, black
- Laekenois: rough-haired, fawn-colored with black ticking
- Malinois (Mechelaar): short-haired, fawn-colored with a black mask
- Tervueren: long-haired, fawn-colored with black ticking and a black mask
Herding
The Belgian Shepherd's herding abilities are impressive, but it's essential to consider their high energy levels and sensitivity. They require consistent training and socialization from an early age.
Their intelligence and agility make them excel in herding, but they're not for beginners. The FCI-Standard Nr. 15 describes them as a "furchtloser Schutz- und Wachhund, sensibel" or fearless protection and watch dog, sensitive.
They're naturally inclined to herd, but their herding style is more suited to smaller spaces due to their size. The FCI-Standard Nr. 15 states that the height for bitches is 56-62 cm, while for dogs it's 60-66 cm.
Their herding abilities are best utilized in environments that provide them with mental and physical stimulation. The article mentions that they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, making them unsuitable for inexperienced owners.
Here are the four varieties of Belgian Shepherds and their characteristics:
Their herding abilities are a testament to their intelligence and athleticism. With proper training and socialization, they can excel in a variety of roles, from herding to protection work.
Aussehen und Wesen
The Belgian Shepherd has a unique appearance that's both elegant and majestic. They can grow up to 66 centimeters in height, with a slender build that's never bulky despite their size.
Their fine heads are carried high, giving them an air of nobility. The two long-haired varieties, Tervueren and Groenendael, are particularly striking, with a quadrangular build when viewed from the side.
Belgian Shepherds are naturally alert and watchful, always ready to defend their pack. This instinctual trait makes them excellent watchdogs, requiring an owner who can provide the necessary guidance and structure.
Aussehen: Äußere Merkmale
The Belgian Shepherd has a distinctive appearance that's hard to miss. They're a medium-sized dog with a maximum height of 66 centimeters.
Their elegant and proud demeanor is noticeable, especially in the two long-haired varieties - Tervueren and Groenendael. They have a light build that never appears bulky, despite their size.
In contrast to their German Shepherd cousin, Belgian Shepherds are more slender and shorter. Their body shape is almost square when viewed from the side.
Their gait is less expansive, but they can sometimes outdo it in terms of speed, agility, and jumping ability.
Wesen: Eigenschaften
The Belgian Shepherd is a breed that's full of life, always on the go, and very fond of children. They need to be part of a family that can trust them unconditionally.
They're intelligent, but also very sensitive, and they love to play and swim. Their playful nature can last well into adulthood.
As a former herding dog, the Belgian Shepherd still has the instincts of a great guardian. They're naturally alert, lively, and quick to react, always ready to defend their pack.
Their strong protective instincts make them an excellent watchdog, but they're not the right fit for anxious or uncertain owners. They need a confident partner to balance their energetic personality.
The Laeken is the calmest of the breed, with a more relaxed temperament despite its typical Belgian energy. Its unique, rough coat sets it apart from other Belgian Shepherds and makes it a standout among breeds.
The breed's overall balance and composure make them a great fit for work as service dogs, such as with law enforcement. Their athleticism and agility also make them well-suited for activities like broad-sport and agility training.
Wer Frisst Der Belgische?
The Belgian Shepherd is a breed that requires a tailored approach to their diet. Their energy needs can vary greatly depending on their age, weight, and level of activity.
A young Belgian Shepherd has different nutritional needs than a senior dog. This is because their growth rate and energy expenditure are higher.
You should consider your dog's individual circumstances when choosing the right food. This includes factors like their age, weight, and activity level.
A working Belgian Shepherd requires more calories and nutrients than a less active dog. This is because they burn more energy throughout the day.
Pflege und Haltung
The Belgian Shepherd is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. The short-haired variety only needs to be brushed once a week, while the long-haired variety requires more frequent grooming, ideally 3-4 times a week.
Their beautiful long coat is actually quite easy to maintain and doesn't tend to mat or tangle easily. In fact, it's recommended to brush them more frequently during shedding season, which occurs twice a year.
You'll also want to keep an eye out for signs of health issues, as the breed is generally quite healthy due to strict breeding standards in place. With regular exercise and proper care, your Belgian Shepherd can live a long and happy life.
Regular exercise is crucial for Belgian Shepherds, and they require more physical and mental stimulation than many other breeds. This can be achieved through activities like agility training, which they excel at due to their impressive jumping ability and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was kostet ein Welpe Belgischer Schäferhund?
Ein Belgischer Schäferhund-Welpe kostet zwischen 1000 und 1500 €, abhängig vom seriösen Züchter und den Papieren. Der Preis kann je nach Züchter und Hintergrund variieren.
Sind belgische Schäferhunde schwer zu erziehen?
Nein, Belgische Schäferhunde sind nicht schwer zu erziehen, da sie intelligent und leicht zu lernen sind
Sind belgische Schäferhunde in Deutschland erlaubt?
Ja, Belgische Schäferhunde sind in Deutschland grundsätzlich erlaubt, jedoch gelten individuelle Anforderungen je nach Bundesland. In einigen Bundesländern, wie NRW, ist ein Sachkundenachweis erforderlich.
Sources
- https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgischer_Sch%C3%A4ferhund
- https://www.zooplus.de/magazin/hund/hunderassen/belgischer-schaeferhund-malinois
- https://www.welpen.de/hunderassen/belgischer-schaeferhund/
- https://www.dogweb.de/belgischer-schaeferhund-zuechter-und-welpen-in-nordrhein-westfalen/
- https://www.house-of-fenris.com/wie-viel-fuer-einen-welpen.htm
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