Rough Diamond Pets

Original Function: Shepherd, working dog.
Modern Function: Companion, working dog.
Appearance: Elegant, athletic dog with intelligent expression and a far-off gaze. When viewed from the side, Belgian Shepherds are square compared to German Shepherds more elongated profile.
Weight/Height: 56-66cm; 20-30 kg
Coat Colours/Texture: Groenendael: solid black medium length coat. Laekenois: wire-coat or rough - fawn, red or brown. Malinois: short coated - fawn, red or brown. Tervueren: long coated fawn or dark red.
Grooming: Longer coats brushed daily and in shedding times dead hair removed. Short coat a thorough rub down once a week.
Character/Temperament: Aloof with strangers but they should not be fearful or aggressive. Intelligent and alert and will defend their territories with dedication but will generally not attack unless warranted. They are high energy, with a high mental capacity, and are a breed that is quick to comprehend.
Compatibility with other animals/cats: Gets along well with other dogs. Some can have a strong prey drive and will likely chase cats or other small furry animals outdoors, but some Belgian Shepherds get along well with indoor cats if they have been raised with them.
Compatibility with people/children: Very good with well taught children and as a family dog. Cautious with strangers.
Indoors/Outdoors: Family dog - indoors primarily, but enjoys outdoors for exercise, which is a daily necessity.
Exercise/Training: They are active and intelligent and can be easily trained. Daily exercise needed particularly in high energy individuals (particularly Malinois) - to avoid them becoming destructive due to boredom. Versatile and highly intelligent, all four varieties of the Belgian Sheepdog excel at a variety of talents, including but not limited to police work such as, narcotics and bomb detection, protection and schutzhund, search and rescue, also obedience, agility, tracking, herding, sled and cart pulling and as a guide for the blind and assistant to the disabled.
Longevity/Health: Up to 14 years. Occur sometimes: epilepsy, skin allergies, stomach cancer, eye problems and occasionally hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Anaesthetic sensitive.