Dog breeds :
Belgian Shepherd Dog - Groenendael / Groenendael
Aust GRAND Ch Mirribandi Kashmyr Dream, owner: Kathryn Todd
General
A balanced dog of medium proportions, harmoniously
proportioned, intelligent, rustic, accustomed to open-air life, built to resist the bad
weather of the seasons and the atmospheric variations so frequent to the Belgian
climate.
By the harmony of his shape and the proud carriage of his head, the Belgian Shepherd
Dog must give the impression of that robust elegance which has become the heritage
of the selected representatives of a working breed.
In addition to his inborn aptitude for guarding flocks, he has the precious qualities to
be the best guard dog for the property. When necessary he is, without hesitation, a
tenacious and ardent defender of his master. He is vigilant and attentive, his look is
alert and enquiring, denoting his intelligence.
Characteristics
The Belgian Shepherd Dog was developed in Belgium as a herding dog to
work sheep. He is enthusiastic and remarkably quick. He shows a natural
tendency to be in motion. The Belgian was developed for endurance. He
must be able to move and tend the flock all day and to guard it from all
invaders. In addition to his inborn ability as guardian of the flocks, he is an
exceptional watchdog and a tenacious and brave defender of his master
and family. He is vigilant, and highly responsive to his owner's direction.
He is alert, intelligent and inquisitive. While he is firmly loyal to those he
knows and loves, he typically exhibits reserve with strangers.
Temperament
The Belgian Sheepdog should reflect the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness
and devotion to master. To his inherent aptitude as a guardian of flocks should be
added protectiveness of the person and property of his master. He should be
watchful, attentive, and always in motion when not under command. In his
relationship with humans, he should be observant and vigilant with strangers, but not
apprehensive. He should not show fear or shyness. He should not show viciousness by
unwarranted or unprovoked attack. With those he knows well, he is most affectionate
and friendly, zealous of their attention, and very possessive. Viciousness is a
disqualification.
History
On September 29,1891, the "Club due Chien de Berger Belge" (Bel-gian
Shepherd Dog Club) was organized to determine the characteris-tics of
the native shepherd dogs in Belgium. They defined a consistent type of
native dog, anatomically identical but differing in hair texture, hair length
and colors.
During the first decade of the twentieth century, owners and breeders in
Belgium urged acceptance of additional Varieties based on color and the
adoption of "place names" to designate those Varieties. The black,
long-hairs were given the name Groenendael. The fawn, rough hairs were
given the name Laekenois. The short-haired fawn with black mask and
charcoaling was given the name Malinois. The name Tervueren was given
to the long-haired fawn with black mask and charcoaling. "Tervueren" later
became the designation for the long-hair other than black.
His abilities as an intelligent and versatile working dog soon gained him
popularity in other countries as well. The first Belgian Shepherd Dogs were
imported into the United States in the early 1900's. Although earlier
identified as three separate breeds, when U.K.C. registered the Belgian
Shepherd Dog in 1991, they were once again united as a single breed with
four distinct varieties.
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