He Belgian shepherdAs the name implies, he is a native of Belgium, where they originally raised as work dogs. Exist Four Varieties of the Race, each of which is named after the regions of the country where they raised for the first time. These are the Malinois, Groenendael, Tervueren and Laekenois. It is an ancient race that has been highly appreciated in its native Belgium, but in recent times, it has become better known in other parts of the world, thanks to its attractive appearance and its loyal, noble and friendly nature.
Size: Medium - large.
Weight: Between 20 and 30kg.
Hair type: Dense and smooth.
Character: Intelligent and sensitive.
Health: According to the variety.
Life expectancy: Until 14 years.
Elegant and proud, it is a strong, but not bulky dog. During World War I, these dogs distinguished themselves in the battlefields, serving as messengers, ambulance dogs and even as an infantry support. It is not surprising that today this race successfully performs activities such as obedience, grazing and monitoring. They are also excellent in search and rescue work, guide dogs and therapy dogs.
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The Belgian pastor is intelligent and very sensitive to everything that happens in his environment. Form strong ties with its owner and family, which makes it an excellent family pet. That said, being so intelligent, they must be well socialized, trained and educated correctly from an early age as a way to avoid unwanted behaviors. They are dogs that stand out in all kinds of canine activities and are highly appreciated for their excellent characteristics.
History and origin of the Belgian Pastor Dog
TO End of the 19th century, there were a large number of grazing dogs in Belgium, which belonged to a wide heterogeneous variety. To put some order to this situation, some passionate about these dogs formed a club, led by the Professor A. Reul, of the CUREGHEM VETERINARY SCHOOL, which can be considered as the true pioneer and founder of the Belgian Pastor race. The race was officially born between 1891 and 1897. On September 29, 1891, the "Club du Chien de Berger Belge" In Brussels, and again in the same year, on November 15, Professor A. Reul organized, in Cureghem, a confluence of 117 dogs, which allowed to make a census and make an choice of the best specimens. In the following years a true selection was created, practicing extreme inbreeding among some stallions. April 3, 1892, the Du Chien de Berger Belge club had already prepared a very detailed breeding rule. Only one race was admitted, with three varieties of fur. However, as stated at the time, the Belgian pastor was nothing more than a popular class dog, for this reason, the race lacked prestige among the high classes of society of the late nineteenth century. As a consequence, it was not until the year 1901 that the first Belgian shepherds were recorded in the Book of Origins of Société Royale Saint-Hubert (Lash). In the following years, the drivers of the race went to work tenaciously to unify the profiled characteristics of the race and correct the defects. It can be said that around 1910 The type and character were already perfectly defined. During the history of the race, the question of the various varieties and colors allowed gave rise to many controversies. On the contrary, there has never been a disagreement regarding morphology, character and attitude towards work.
Physical characteristics of the Belgian pastor dog
The Belgian shepherd is a medium linear dog, harmoniously proportionate, which combines the elegance, proportionality and power, of medium size, with the dry, strong, accustomed muscle, accustomed to life outdoors and built to withstand the so frequent atmospheric variations of the Belgian climate. For the harmony of the forms and the altered position of the head, it must give the impression of that robust elegance that has become the domain of the selected representatives of a work race. The Belgian pastor will be static in his natural positions, without physical contact with the presenter. The Belgian pastor fits the geometry of a square. The chest has descended to the elbow level. The length of the snout is equal or slightly greater than half of the length of the head.
Head: High flow, long without exaggeration, straight and well chiseled. The skull and snout significantly have the same length, at most with a slight advantage for the snout, which gives the impression of a perfect finish.
Cranial region: middle width, in proportion to the length of the head, quite flat and rounded, with a slightly pronounced medium groove; Viewed in profile, parallel to the imaginary line that extends the snout; small occipital crest developed; Non -prominent eyebrows and cygomatic arches.
Truffle or nose: It must be black and symmetric geometry.
Snout: medium length and well chiseled under the eyes; Gradually he thinns towards the nose, in the form of an elongated cone; straight nasal cane and parallel to the extension of the top line of the forehead.
Lips: thin, well adherent and strongly pigmented.
Jaws / teeth: strong and white teeth, regularly implanted with force in a well developed jaw. Scissor closure; He tolerated the folded clamp, which is preferred by sheep and cattle shepherds. Complete dentition, corresponding to the dental formula; The absence of two premolars (2 PM1) is tolerated and molars 3 (m3) are not taken into consideration.
Cheeks: Chiseled and well flat, although muscular.
Eyes: medium, neither prominent nor sunk, slightly almond, oblique, brownish, preferably dark; black lords of black; direct, alive, intelligent and interrogative look.
Ears: quite small, inserted high, clearly triangular, well rounded, the end pointed, rigid, taken straight and vertically when the dog is attentive.
Neck: of remarkable evidence, slightly elongated, quite straight, well muscular; Gradually widens towards the shoulders and is free of a small way; lightly arched neck.
Body: powerful without heaviness; The length from the tip of the shoulder to the tip of the thigh is approximately equal to the height to the cross. This is accentuated and the one with the upper, firm, short and well muscular. The chest is slightly wide and low, the ribs arched at the top. Seen in front, the chest is not wide. The lower line begins under the chest and rises gently in a harmonious curve to the belly, which is neither fallen or retracted, but slightly elevated and moderately developed.
Line: Well united, strong in the base, of average length preferably on the corvejón. At rest, pendant, the tip slightly curved backwards, higher in action, without passing over the horizontal, the curve towards the tip is more accentuated, however, which at no time can form hook or deviation.
Fur: elastic and well -stretched on the body, the edge of the lips and the eyelids strongly pigmented.
The four variants of the race: Since the layer varies in length, direction, appearance and color between Belgian shepherds, this particular point, a criterion has been adopted to distinguish between the four varieties of the race: Malinois, the Groenendael, the Tervueren, and the theekenois. These four varieties are evaluated separately and each can obtain their own proposal from Cac, Cacib or Reserve. Later we deepen the four varieties of the Belgian shepherd in each
Nature of the fur: In all varieties, hair should always be dense forming an excellent protective layer with the inner layer.
Dimensions: The height to the desired cross is an average of 62 cm for males and 58 cm for females, with scales of their limits less than 2 cm and more 4 cm.
Weight: around 25/30 kg in the case of males and 20/25 kg in that of females.
The four varieties of the Belgian Pastor Dog Race
The race is distinguished by its four varieties; Malinois, Groenendaels, Tervueren and Laekenois. Each represents a region of Belgium. These four varieties of the race come from this Central European country, where they occupied a prominent place in raising cattle and grazing work. Even today, the Belgian shepherd is used as a work dog, for example in the Canine units of the Gign, intervention group of the National Gendarmerie, the Belgian police.
Belgian pastor Malinois
Since its origins, this variety of Belgian shepherd has mainly stood out as a grazing dog. Malinois is also at the service of the Special Police Forces from different countries. It is a very useful dog thanks to its highly developed style that makes it indispensable for military and police operations.
The story of the Belgian pastor Malinois
The Malinois variety It is an officially recognized race in 1909 which is mainly found in Belgium, where he held an important position. The Malinois was used to drive sheep herds. In 1910, the character, means and habits are already established by the Belgian shepherd club.
Physical characteristics of the Belgian pastor Malinois
The Belgian pastor Malinois is distinguished by his short hair and long head. A Malinois female weighs on average between 20 kg and 25 kg and 28 to 30 kg for the male Malinois, the average size is 60 cm to 66 cm to the cross for larger males, the female is slightly smaller with 58 cm and 62 cm to the cross. All these qualities allow you to have excellent agility.
The character of the Belgian pastor Malinois
Belgian pastor Malinois is a very smart dog, shows a great joy of living, is affectionate and protective, will always be ready and determined to protect its owner, knows how to demonstrate joy with children and love to play with them.
He pastor's health problems Malinois
Malinois is a robust and agile dog, however, its greatest fears are hip problems, although it is relatively exposed than other races. This dog has no other risks to fear, especially because it is developed to resist the different atmospheric variations of Belgium.
Activities in which the Belgian pastor Malinois stands out
It's a multifunctional dogIt can be a great family dog but also an excellent work dog. If you are a fan of Cani-Cross or Agility, it will be your favorite partner.
The training of the Belgian pastor Malinois
The Malinois He is a pastor dog and a guard dog. Its defense, protection or grazing services require a selection in the level of more sensitive dogs. Therefore, it is important to understand that the choice of this breed must adapt to the expectations you will have of your dog. In fact, if you want a family dog "Passe-Partout", it will be necessary to focus on a Malinois reproductive family and not work. On the contrary, if you want a dog that practices security or sport such as RCI and others, you will have to resort to a work dog breeder. We cannot say that a working dog is better than a domestic dog, it must be specially adapted to your way of life and according to your expectations. Remember that the breeder and trainer of your dog will be a very important choice to choose the ideal puppy. Do not hesitate to be accompanied by educational or behavior professionals to choose your puppy.
The training of the Belgian pastor Malinois
The first thing to do is socialize your dog: walk through the city, the park, the market, etc ... daily. If you apply these 3 basic rules, you will see a good educated Malinois. In fact, Malinois's education will be easy if you feel comfortable in society (with other dogs and people) and learn to appreciate the different environments. It will take you from 1 year to 2 years to adequately educate your Malinois in all possible environments and situations. Take your time to discover a lot of things about your dog and you will be pleasantly rewarded. It is important to work the concentration to have an irreproachable listening quality. It is a breed of dogs that will seek to please you, so make you want to love you and you will see that he will reward you a hundred times more.
Belgian pastor Groenendael
Belgian pastor Groenendael It is the second most popular of the four Belgian shepherds, probably thanks to the beautiful black coat. It is certainly a spectacular, elegant and distinguished dog. Beauty, however, is not the only characteristic feature of this pastor dog because it is a very intelligent and balanced animal that can be educated without problems. It is a truly exceptional dog.
The story of the Belgian pastor Groenendael
Many authors and experts coincide in the role of Nicola Rosé As creator of the Belgian pastor Groenendael, considered the first creator of this variety. Rosé was the owner of the Castle of Groenendael, near Brussels, of which the race took its name. The first name of the race was "Pastore Rosé". The history of the race began with a crossing, carried out by Rosé, between two of its specimens. The offspring of this cross was first exposed to 1898 In the Brussels exhibition. In 1900, Société Royal Saint Hubert gave Rosé permission to include in the book of national origin the specimens of the new breed created. Later, the race had a rapid expansion and success. Later, the race had a decrease in popularity, but then they resumed around the 50s.
Physical characteristics of the Belgian pastor Groenendael
This is a robust and elegant dog at the same time, it is endowed with a dry and well developed musculature. The Groenendael gives an impression of intelligence and sweetness in his gaze and rhythm. It differs from other Belgian shepherd by its long black fur. A Groenendael male It will weigh between 28 kg and 30 kg and 20 kg and 25 kg in the Groenendael female. The male measures on average between 60 cm and 66 cm, the female will often be smaller with an average of 56 cm up to 62 cm.
The character of the Belgian pastor Groenendael
This breed overflow of vitality, shows great intelligence, is very vigilant and likes to work as a pastor dog or as a guard dog thanks to his protection instinct. The Groenendael also has a lot of courage and determination, at the same time it is a great guard dog and an excellent companion.
The training of Belgian pastor Groenendael
It is necessary to educate and train the Belgian pastor Groenendael as a puppy. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the race, we advise you to make different types of exercise regularly. The first aspect to work is socialization, inhibition of bite and mental stimulation with some activation games. Remember to teach you the basic obedience commands and then, once assimilated, move on to the most advanced. Agility is another element to exercise Belgian shepherd Groenendael.
The health problems of the Belgian pastor Groenendael
This dog does not have a particular susceptibility to certain diseases, except hip dysplasia, which is very common in large dogs like shepherds.
The Belgian Pastor Tervueren
You will wonder what is the difference between a Malinois and a Tervueren. Objectively, there is not much, each puppy of each race will have its character, but they can be very similar, on the other hand, you will find much more hard personalities in work farms than in beauty or family farms. It remains to be seen what suits you more.
The story of the Belgian Pastor Tervueren
It was in 1910 When this breed was born after many mates. All its characteristics are perfectly established according to the standards of the breed. It is a versatile, intelligent, easy to train and easy to adapt to the roles that are granted. He has had a notable export to countries such as Canada, the United States, France, Italy, where they are used as police and border guard dogs. In World War I, most dogs were requisitioned by the Red Cross with the purpose of passing messages and transporting the injured.
Physical characteristics of the Belgian Pastor Tervueren
The Tervueren has a powerful bone structure, an elongated head and a fur frequently of a coal and sand color. The weight varies from 28 kg to 30 kg on average for males tervueren and 20 kg to 25 kg for Tervueren females. The height to the cross of a male is 60 cm to 66 cm and for a female the size varies from 58 cm to 62 cm.
The character of the Belgian pastor Tervueren
He Tervueren pastor It is a little less nervous than a Malinois. It is an excellent dog because it is very quiet, but be careful to have a solid basis of education, otherwise, it can become a bit rebellious.
The training of the Belgian pastor Tervueren
There are no big differences between a Malinois and a Tervueren, so I invite you to consult the training of the Malinois and adapt the same principle to your puppy Tervueren. Do not forget that your education is possible, even if you are already an adult and is 5 years old.
The health problems of the Belgian Pastor Tervueren
The Tervuren suffers from a lack of diversity due to too important consanguinity. Unfortunately, it can cause some of health problems, among which stomach cancer stands out. It also seems to have a predisposition to epilepsy and muscle dystrophy.
The Belgian Pastor Laekenois
This is the oldest and most rare variety, There are very few out of Belgium and the Netherlands. This variety of Belgian shepherd was definitely recognized by the International Federation, on January 1, 1956, the current standard was published on March 13, 2001.
The story of the Belgian pastor laekenois
Belgian pastor laekenois takes his name from Laeken Castle, which is near Brussels. The first dogs belonging to this variety protected grazing around the castle. Some claim that the race had been extinguished and that to rebuild it, there were some connections between the "Bovari Delle Fiandre" and the giant "Schnauzer". Serious problems of consanguinity have been found in the race.
Physical characteristics of the Belgian pastor laekenois
Theekenois has a hard layer, dry and wrinkled appearance, its fur folds to give it maximum protection against the cold. This type of Belgian shepherd Malinois, unlike the Groenendaels and Tervuren has a reddish color throughout the body with only the tail and in the nose a lined up with a black layer. The body of theekenois is powerful without being heavy. His back and kidney line is rectilinear. It has a short but muscular back. A measure of 60 cm to 66 cm on average for males, compared to 56 cm to 62 cm for females. The weight of a male laekenois ranges between 25 kg and 30 kg, while one female laekenois It weighs between 20 kg and 25 kg.
The character of the Belgian pastor laekenois
Belgian pastor laekenois is a dog that Love the concept of work, its main instinct is loyalty, it is very protective and is constantly on guard. The four varieties have identical behavior characteristics. A dog dedicated to the family and its owner, has an innate aptitude for the role of guardian of the flock and property. Always attentive, his animated gaze and interrogator denotes intelligence. If necessary, it is an excellent dog for self -defense, which manages to develop an indomitable courage and extraordinary agility. Tireless and affectionate playmate with children.
The training of the Belgian pastor laekenois
The process of training of theekenois develops similarly to the other three variants of the race.
The health problems of the Belgian pastor laekenois
Theekenois do not have their own special disease. The only real problem is hip dysplasia.
How to feed a Belgian shepherd dog
It is fundamental feed your Belgian shepherd with a formula that meets your nutritional needs during the different phases of your life. In Wolf Azul We have a wide range of feed with specific formulas for all stages and needs of your dog. Your dog's feeding is an individual choice, but it is highly advisable to consult with your veterinarian and breeder to define the frequency and quantity of meals both in their puppy stage, and in their adult life. Clean and fresh water must be available at all times. The Belgian shepherd, well cared for and fed, has a life expectancy from 14 to 16 years.
Care of a Belgian Pastor Dog
He Belgian shepherd care It is relatively simple thanks to its average size and contained fur. However, additional brushing sessions will be needed during seasons of mute or fall. Your nails should be cut regularly to avoid excessive growth and possible breaks. Its ears should be checked regularly to avoid the accumulation of wax and dirt that an infection can cause. The teeth must be brushed regularly by toys designed for this purpose or by a brush with canine paste.
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