About
Characteristics
Healthcare
Normally Treatment Method
Supplements

About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 76-89 cm

Height range  : 56-66cm

Weight range : 18-34kg

Coat : Long|straight|double coat|dense undercoat|harder shiny guard hairs|weather-resistant

Life expectancy years : 10-14

Colors: black|solid black|fawn|sable

Activitity Level : Very Energetic

Origin: Belgium

Similar Breeds : Belgian Tervuren|Belgian Malinois|Belgian Laekenois|Dutch Shepherd|German Shepherd

 

History

The Belgian Sheepdog descends from Belgian shepherd dogs of the late 19th century and became associated with the long black-coated Groenendael lines. Belgian shepherd clubs formed in 1891 and early judges identified square , medium-sized shepherd dogs differing mainly in coat type and color. The breed served as a herder , guard , police dog , messenger , sentry and draft dog including during World War I. AKC recognized Belgian coat varieties together in 1912 and separated Belgian Sheepdog , Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Malinois into distinct AKC breeds in 1959.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

smart|courageous|energetic|friendly|protective|reserved with strangers|obedient|watchful

Personality

intelligent|alert|sensitive|devoted|protective|energetic|people-oriented|quick learner|enthusiastic|confident

Needs

ample daily exercise|mental stimulation|human companionship|early socialization|firm positive guidance|space to move

Social Needs

people-oriented and unsuitable for neglect|can do well with children if raised with them|may be uneasy with strangers or other animals without socialization

Grooming 

weekly to twice-weekly brushing|daily brushing during heavy shedding periods|bath when dirty or after messy outings|regular nail care|ear cleaning once or twice monthly|coat can mat if neglected

Nutrition

high-quality complete and balanced AAFCO-aligned diet|age-appropriate feeding|twice-daily adult meals|puppies often three meals daily|supplements generally not needed unless vet recommends them

 

Breed Standard

An elegant , natural , medium-sized and square dog with a long straight black coat , dense undercoat , pricked ears and a proud carriage. The breed should appear hardy , balanced , agile and built for endurance with no exaggeration.

Did you know?

The Belgian Sheepdog is also known as the Groenendael and was used in World War I as a messenger , sentry , ambulance and draft dog. Piccard D’Uccle is considered by many to be the father of the breed.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Hypothyroidism

 

Symptoms

1. muscle rigidity , violent paddling , jaw snapping , excessive salivation and loss of consciousness may occur
2. temporary post-seizure disorientation or pacing might appear

1. early night vision loss , bumping into objects in the dark , dilated or hyper-reflective pupils may occur
2. eventual loss of daytime vision might develop

1. hind limb lameness , bunny-hopping gait , stiffness after rest and reluctance to jump or climb stairs may occur
2. localized muscle atrophy in the hindquarters might develop

1. unproductive retching , hard or swollen abdomen , intense restlessness , pacing and hypersalivation may occur
2. rapid breathing and signs of cardiovascular shock might develop

1. unexplained weight gain , profound lethargy , bilateral symmetrical hair loss and dry brittle coat may occur
2. recurrent skin infections might develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Epilepsy

1. typically may manifest between 1 and 5 years of age
2. PetMD also indicates it is often first noticed between 2 and 3 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability with heritable predisposition in Belgian Shepherd lines

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. typically may become clinically noticeable between 3 and 7 years of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability and notes DNA screening and annual ophthalmic clearance

Hip Dysplasia

1. severe juvenile cases may emerge between 4 and 12 months
2. many cases might present later as adult or senior osteoarthritis

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability and notes OFA or PennHIP breeding clearances

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. may occur in adulthood and risk might escalate in mature and senior dogs especially around meals and exercise

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability because of deep-chested narrow-waisted conformation

Hypothyroidism

1. most commonly may be diagnosed between 2 and 6 years of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate probability as a tracked autoimmune and endocrine concern

Reasons

Epilepsy       

1. the text indicates the standard chemical balance and electrical neurotransmitter pathways in the cerebral cortex may be disrupted.
2. No single missing nutrient is identified in the provided material.
3. The content suggests a complex polygenic heritable trait affecting brain signaling may be involved.

 

Hip Dysplasia:

1. no specific chemical lack is indicated and the text describes a developmental orthopedic mismatch in the hip joint.
2. The content suggests rapid growth , high-impact exercise and overnutrition may aggravate the inherited problem.
3. It indicates the disorder is structural and polygenic rather than caused by a defined missing compound.

 

Epilepsy       

1. the text indicates the standard chemical balance and electrical neurotransmitter pathways in the cerebral cortex may be disrupted.
2. No single missing nutrient is identified in the provided material.
3. The content suggests a complex polygenic heritable trait affecting brain signaling may be involved.

Hip Dysplasia:

1. no specific chemical lack is indicated and the text describes a developmental orthopedic mismatch in the hip joint.
2. The content suggests rapid growth , high-impact exercise and overnutrition may aggravate the inherited problem.
3. It indicates the disorder is structural and polygenic rather than caused by a defined missing compound.

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. no specific chemical deficiency is identified and the content points to an autosomal recessive mutation.
2. The text suggests retinal metabolic survival and cellular health may be impaired.
3. It indicates progressive photoreceptor degeneration may occur rather than a dietary lack.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. no specific chemical deficiency is indicated in the provided material.
2. The text suggests anatomy and feeding or stress behaviors may create the major risk.
3. It indicates gas and fluid distention with twisting may occur without any stated missing nutrient.

Hypothyroidism

  1. 1. thyroid hormones may be insufficient because the text describes underproduction by the thyroid gland.
    2. The content suggests immune-mediated lymphocytic thyroiditis may damage thyroid tissue.
    3. It indicates slowed metabolism may result from reduced hormone availability rather than a simple dietary shortage.

Normally Treament Methods

Epilepsy:

  1. 1. lifelong anticonvulsant medication such as phenobarbital , potassium bromide or levetiracetam may be used
    2. routine blood chemistry monitoring might be needed

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

  1. 1. there is no available medical cure or surgical treatment to halt PRA
    2. management may focus on home safety adaptations and lifestyle adjustments for a blind pet

 

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. treatment may include weight optimization , low-impact exercise therapy , NSAIDs and joint fluid protectants
    2. severe joint degradation might require total hip replacement or other surgery

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

  1. 1. immediate emergency veterinary stabilization may include intravenous fluids , gastric decompression and emergency surgery to untwist the stomach
    2. preventative gastropexy might be performed and single large meals with risky post-meal exertion are not recommended

 

Hypothyroidism:

  1. 1. lifelong synthetic thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine may be used
    2. periodic blood hormone monitoring might be needed. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Epilepsy :

  • 1. medium-chain triglyceride oil can,might be helpful for alternative cellular brain energy
    2. vitamins E and C can,might be helpful for antioxidant support
recommend product

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. lutein can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support
    2. zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for retinal support
    3. astaxanthin can,might be helpful for oxidative stress support
    4. vitamins A , C and E can,might be helpful for eye antioxidant support
recommend product

Hip Dysplasia

  • 1. glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for joint support
    2. chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    3. MSM can,might be helpful for joint comfort
    4. marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can,might be helpful for inflammation support
recommend product

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. probiotics can,might be helpful for gut motility support
    2. digestive enzymes can,might be helpful for reducing excess gas production
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. zinc can,might be helpful for skin barrier support
    2. selenium can,might be helpful for metabolic pathway support
    3. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin and coat support
recommend product

電話

+852 6358 3131

地址

香港中環德輔道中84-86號章記大廈9樓01室

營業時間

週一到週日，早上10點到下午9點