One of the four Belgian Sheepdogs, the Belgian Shepherd also known as “Groenendael”, is the most popular. This breed is black in color, and may have touches of grey or white. They are muscular, athletic and agile. The Belgian Sheepdog is sometimes shy and must be socialized at a young age. This breed requires a lot of early socialization, and firm (but not harsh) training from an experienced trainer. Harsh training tends to make Belgian Sheepdogs uncooperative. They usually form a very strong bond to their family and can easily suffer from separation anxiety. They are usually extremely protective by nature and relatively suspicious of strangers, which make them excellent police/guard dogs.
Belgian Sheepdog Breed Information
Breed Group
Herding Group
Coat
Very dense undercoat with a medium harsh, long outer coat
Color(s)
Black, black with white, black with gray
Size
22-26 inches
Weight
60-75 lbs
Exercise:
Requires a lot of exercise, used to living outdoors
Temperament
Hardworking, intelligent, obedient, protective, energetic, may be shy,
Trainability
Easy to train, very intelligent
Average Lifespan
12-15 years
Common Health Problems
Skin Allergies, Hip dysplasia, eye problems, epilepsy, obesity
Most 24PetWatch Clients Insure Belgian Sheepdogs with:
My husband had been to get an oil change and the men at the garage had kindly put a free bottle of windshield washer fluid in the back seat. However, they forgot to tell him. On the way home he stopped by the grocery store. Zoe, my 3-year-old boxer, was in the back seat and bit into and drank the washer fluid! Zoe was immediately sick and we rushed her to our local veterinarian. We were then hurried to the Animal Hospital where they were more equipped to deal with poisonings. At first they didn't think Zoe would make it, but she pulled through. She stayed in the hospital for 2 days. Without Pethealth Zoe would have been put down. Pethealth covered a huge amount of the bill. We heard about 24Petwatch Pet Insurance through our local veterinarian. Zoe has a great personality, is wonderful with children and the joy of my life.
Client: Dianna Siteman, Ottawa, ON Pet: Zoe, Boxer, 3 years old Condition: Poison Ingestion Claim Submitted:$1160.32 Claim Paid: $1110.32
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