BELGIAN SHEPHERD

[2blondebabes]

I am not sure if I spelled it the right way or if there are different breeds that are similar, but does anyone know about this kind of dog. I think it is supposed to be like a German Shepard but longer hair. My sister is thinking about getting one and I can't say I have heard of them. Are their tempermants anything like a german shepard? I love GS but I guess since I have small kids, that would make me nervous since they do tend to be protective and I am not sure how it would react around a bunch of screaming little kids.

[johnwa]

I would just do simple Internet search for this breed.

[MyBoyGus]

I know somebody that has one. He is relatively calm and laid back, a really sweet dog. I don't know if they are all that was but this one is.

[theGoldenPup]

Beautiful dogs. Somewhat similar to GSD, but, that's kind of like comparing labs and goldens. Because they're a herding breed (like GSD, border collies, corgies etc.), they may have a tendancy to be shepards and herd/'guard'. That is in no way a bad thing. IF your sister does her research and finds a good breeder (can be difficult, like with goldens), and is responisble, (basic obed. classes and such), this could potentially be a really good breed for her.
After reading up and meeting some dogs of this breed, she'll know even better if it would be a good dog for her.
The behavior around kids would mostly depend on training. The tendancy of the dog may be to do a bit of herding if the kids are running, but with basic obedience that wouldn't be a problem. Don't let breed reputations make you try to influence her choice! Research, good breeder, and training make a world of a difference!
Let us know what happens!
GoldenPup

[2blondebabes]

I actually did do a search and couldn't really fine the information I wanted. It dealt more with conformation and size, etc. My concern is that the dog won't get much formal training because she is already so busy with her 3 little girls. I don't really like to generalize behavior for all dogs of a certain breed but I was thinking that without much training a dog with guarding instinct may not be the best pick. Also, she has never owned a dog before and I fear she may be getting in over her head with that type of breed and the type of family she has. I forgot to mention that all 3 of her girls (8, 5, 3) are VERY afraid of dogs. They never liked my 12 year old lab who never hurt a flea, and they all ran screaming from my puppy Riley when she was just 7 weeks old!

[theGoldenPup]

That seems a bit foolish to me...if she doesn't have teh time necessary for raising and training a dog like that...and a BIG dog too...just doesn't make sense.

Maybe you could persuade her to go the rescue route adn get an older belgian? (And have the kids meet it...but doubt that'd go well.) Just do your best to educate her BEFORE she gets a BYB or a pet store pup. You do NOT want to risk health or temperment with dogs like this!

I happened to read a bit more about this today. There are four types of 'beligian shepard', the beligian malinois, the belgian tervuren (sp?), beligian groene...(can't spell it, but this is what AKC says is the 'beligian shepard'), and belgian laekanois (not reconized by AKC), all have slightly different coats and peronalities....

GoldenPup

[2blondebabes]

I did find that information too buy I am not sure which specific breed she is looking at. It is one of those things that is really none of my business - except that my own kids are there a lot - but it is hard to understand why she would go with a large breed of dog that doesn't seem like it would be especially good for families with small children, especially when they are all scared of dogs! If she really really wants a dog I think she should go with a small breed that the kids won't be so intimidated by. :confused: :204

[Ami]

Ami's buddy is a male Groenendael. They are best buds, known each other from 8 weeks of age (got them the same time). They should be socialized from day 1 (as for all breeds), or you will have a really tough dog on your hand.

They are VERY active, and need TONS of psychic and physical, and they require alot from their owners.

I wouldn't have it as a first dog, and not in an apt, they need alot of space in a large fenced yard.

[LauraLynn]

I will post more about this breed later but wanted to clarify that they are NOT related to the German Shepherd except that they are both from the Herding Group - the Belgian Shepherd is a general term for any of these four varieties:

The Belgain Malinois (shorthaired fawn)
The Tervuren (longhaired fawn)
Groenendael (longhaired black)
and Laekenois (wirehaired)

[Jenmomto2]

Ok, is it a Belgian Sheepdog? I'm not sure if they're the same. ANyway, i had a Belgian sheepdog/German Shepherd X and ended up having to find her a new home when she was 5! They are extremely hyper dogs and need LOTS of stimulation.My Sasha ended up becoming very bored and barked all the time.I have 2 small children and just could not cope with her so i found her a farm to live on.
Because they're a hurding dog they need lots of room to run etc.

Jenny

[2blondebabes]

That is what I am afraid of. I know that there are many great dogs in all kinds of breeds, but I still believe that if a dog is bred to work or guard, etc. it is hard to turn them into a housedog with no specific job to do. Especially when a person has 3 small kids who don't even like dogs to begin with! Thanks for the info! :085