The Belgian Sheepdog
The
Belgian Sheepdog is a serious and watchful breed with a strong
protective and territorial instinct. This breed
excels as a police
dog and natural guardian, as well as agile, strong, intelligent,
loyal, and active.
Since 1891, these dogs were known as Belgian Shepherds. Since
that time, four separate varieties of the Belgian Shepherd
have been
developed. They have the same basic body type but with
different coats (color, texture, and length). In Belgium and France
these dogs are all registered as Chien de Berger Belge. In every
country in the world EXCEPT the United States, they are considered
one breed
with
four
varieties. In the United States, the AKC recognizes
the four varieties as separate and distinct breeds.
In
addition to the Belgian Sheepdog or Groenendael (long black coat),
the other Belgian Sheperds include
the Belgian
Malinois (brown, short coat), the Belgian Tervueren
(long coat any color but black) and the Belgian Laekenois (wire
coat). Of
these, only the Laekenois is not recognized by the American
Kennel Club.
The Groenendael, as with other Belgian
Shepherds, was developed in Belgium. This particular variety
was primarily associated with
the Chateau de Groenendael and was developed by Nicholas
Rose, a Belgian breeder. This dog was bred to be an intelligent
and loyal
dog and
has been used in search and rescue, police
work, message
carriers, and ambulance dogs in World War I. Today, the
Groenendael is more often used as a companion dog and
as a performance dog. They are very popular and excel in agility,
tracking, obedience, and more.
The Groenendael was recognized by the American
Kennel Club in 1912 as Belgian Sheepdogs and was placed in the
working group. In 1959, the breed was split into three separate
breeds,
and later was moved to the Herding Group. At this time, the Laekenois
is only recognized as a foundations stock dog.
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