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Beagle

Friday

All About Beagles by Ashley Peach

Beagles are well known in the United States and extremely popular based on the cartoon Peanuts that ran in the newspaper for several years and actually created some movies and TV shows. Snoopy has always been popular with children, which of course makes the demand for these dogs in homes. So if you are one of those families that finds the beagle dog breed entertaining you may want to read up on how they came to be, their characteristics, and of course the proper care, training, and grooming.

Beagle

Beagle

Beagles are one of the most active dogs you will ever find. They love to play, shower affection, and just generally be a part of any family. They make great pets for anyone who wishes to have a dog with children. You will find that the beagle is a very small dog. In fact they only grow to be about thirteen to fifteen inches in height and weigh at most thirty pounds. They are not the softest pet that you could have, but their little hearts speak for themselves. Their coats are extremely thick, but very coarse and short haired. Most often this type of dog breed will offer tan, white, and black patches. The pattern of the fur will be determined by the parents and ancestry. Some of the beagles are only two colors rather than multi colored.

For grooming care you will find the short to medium length of hair is a moderate shedder, which means that grooming is fairly easy with this breed. The beagle needs to be brushed at least once a week to remove dead or lose hair and keep their skin in perfect health. While they have moderate skin irritation, you do want to make sure you groom them properly. It is not wise to bathe them often. You will also find that a damp towel that is soft works well for removing the hair. Moving from grooming we will discuss some of the training.

Training for any dog is extremely important. The thing you have to remember about the beagle is that they are very active. This means that while they are not as intelligent as other dogs they are able to be trained for a variety of things such as hunting or some tricks. It will take quite a bit of time and patience to get them trained as well. Most often they need a high energetic training course because they can get very bored easily. Obedience training can be a little difficult as they tend to want to play over being trained.

Beagle

Beagle

The beagle can be a great therapy dog based on their temperament. We have mentioned that they tend to be very energetic and affectionate, which makes them great for someone who needs the slobbery love of a good pet. They like to be in people’s laps as well as hang out on the floor playing with toys. For this time of characteristics you will find apartment living with small daily walks works out great. Unlike larger dogs they can be quite happy indoors for most of the day. This means that they do need at least one walk in the morning and one in the evening to get the best exercise, but other than that playing around the house and being a little devious will be the most enjoyable options. Make sure that you have plenty of toys for beagles or they may find their own. They can have a few health issues so make sure to provide a healthy diet with the proper nutrition and treats.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

German Shepherd

Friday

German Shepherd – The Most Sought After Dogs

German Shepherd dogs are beautiful animals and are some of the most sought after dogs around today. You can find a German shepherd dog is happy at working either as a watchdog, police dog, search & rescue, or family pet. German Shepherd dogs are also known as Alsatian. They are very intelligent animals, hard working and members of the Herding Group.

Yuri the German Shepherd

Yuri the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd has a double coat that consists of a medium-long harsh overcoat and a dense, wooly inner coat. The color of the coat may vary from black, brown, gray, or mixtures of these colors. In Europe these dogs were trained solely for the purpose of being a watchdog and guard dogs. They were often trained to work with police departments and in World War II they were used by armed services that were patrolling and carrying messages back and forth. Due the fact that they are highly intelligent animals the female German Shepherds are trained as service dogs that are used to aid visually impairment people.

People make the assumption that because these dogs are intelligent and hardworking that they would make well house pets. However, it has been found that this is not always the case. There have been incidents when these dogs attacked other people and children some say resulting from inappropriate training and poor behavioral encouragement. There have been studies, however, concluding that German Shepherds have one of the highest biting incident rates in humans as well as other dogs.

Training is an important necessity for all dogs and the German Shephard especially due to size, strength and their exceptional intelligence…you can teach your Shepherd almost anything so be the Alpha leader in his/her life and you will a rewarding time together.

Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. An aloof personality makes them approachable, but not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers.

Yorkshire Terrier

Thursday

Yorkshire Terriers – A Small Apartment Dog by Susan Bailey

Yorkshire Terriers are known as Yorkies. These dogs are marked with their friendliness, cheerfulness and elegance. Belonging to the small dog breeds, Yorkshire Terriers are one of the popular and attractive toy dogs. If you live in a small home and prefer a soft, little, cute and sweet-natured dog, quite naturally the Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect choice for you. Although these dogs have a true fascination for long walks, they do not usually miss out the chances to run around the garden or home if they are allowed so. They possess a jovial mind, so it is better to arrange various toys for them to play.

Yorkshire Terrier

Probably there is no one on the face of earth who does not get hypnotized while looking at a Yorkie‘s charismatic appearance blended with intelligent attitude. They can weigh less than six pounds typically, however they will never back down if they perceive anything threatening in the environment. Sensitiveness, loyalty and showing affection to the family members are its integral characteristics. They are true descendants of Terrier, so are their temperaments.

As said before, these dogs are very brave, despite of their smaller size they do not hesitate to become defensive when the time comes. They instinctually contribute enough to protect its land from the intruders. Blessed with a keen sense of hearing, Yorkshire Terriers typically alert their owners about any possible intrusion, even at the slightest sound. This leads them to become reactive and noisy frequently, hence you should think twice before getting one, especially if you are living in a congested neighborhood.

Truly Yorkshire Terriers are the pride of various shows. However, grooming them exclusive for this purpose demands strict dedication, enthusiasm and time. It is really difficult task since they have such a long and beautiful coat all over their bodies. If you are interested in taking extra care of the coat, you should contact a specialized breed club or professional breeders. The Yorkshire Terrier is absolutely not for you if you do not have much time to spend on its grooming.

If you can take care of Yorkshire Terriers grooming, you can rest assured about these dogs’ ability to mix well with other pets. If brought together, Yorkshire Terriers can mix very well with cats and other dogs without any apparent problem. However, since they carry all the instincts of Terriers, they are truly possessive about owners. So you must take enough care before introducing your Yorkshire Terriers to new animals belong to your family to avoid confrontations and altercations.

Quite obviously, you should take care if you have children since mishandling may harm Yorkshire Terriers badly due to their small size. However, they love to play with kids, if the kids are sensible enough. Yorkshire Terriers simply love to sleep on the owner’s lap. House training for Yorkshire Terriers is very easy. In order to ensure their safety, crate training is very essential for them. Typically, Yorkshire Terriers are healthy breed with long life span.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Golden Retrievers

Thursday

Golden Retrievers And Some Things You Didn’t Know About Them by Richard Cussons

How it all began with Golden Retrievers: Sir Dudley Majoribanks wanted a hunting dog, but not just any hunting dog. He wanted one that was just as a much a companion as it was a retriever of the birds he shot. The then popular Irish Setters and Spaniels were only good for showing him where the birds had fallen but their coats, much too fine, kept them from finding them in harsher areas. So, Dudley Majoribanks created the Golden Retriever and, coincidentally, one of the most popular breeds. Of course, it was not an easy task–it took him years to create the dog he envisioned (years and multiple breeds).

Golden Retriver Puppies

Golden Retriever Puppies

From 1865 to 1889, Majoribanks used his pups to further the idea of the ultimate hunting dog. When he finally accomplished his goal, the result was a mix of the Setter, lesser Newfoundland, Springer Spaniel and the Water Spaniel.

Majoribanks had his Retriever.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds (second only to Labrador Retrievers) and with good reason: their gentle temperaments and sweet faces make them a favored family dog. But, also, their water-repellent coats and high intelligence make them ideal for hunting, which Majoribanks would be proud to see continue. This mixture of intelligence and loyalty mark them as a natural choice for families. This is a devoted breed, one that will do everything they can to please.

Standing between 20 to 24 inches and weighing 55 to 80 pounds, this is not a dog meant for great intimidation (of course, its friendly position cancels that idea, no matter what the size). Instead, this is a dog built for activity: whether hunting, retrieving or merely playing with its owners, the Golden Retriever is meant to move.

This can cause a problem for some households, however. Many people see the Golden as the ultimate dog. In some ways, it is, but there are disadvantages. One, as mentioned before, is the need for activity. Golden Retrievers were not created to simply lay around the house. It needs something to spark its intelligence and use its natural instincts. If you do not have the time to devote to this breed, then you should not consider purchasing a pup. But, it’s not just time spent exercising–your Golden wants time with you. That matters most. The affectionate dogs cannot stand to be left alone. If they are, for longer periods of time, they may become destructive.

Of course, many people respond to this by either: locking their pet outside or crating him. Neither one of these options is overly wise. The Golden is prone to digging when left outside for too long and could escape the yard, and, if left in a crate, the dog would be miserable. No, you need time to spend with this breed. Otherwise, you will both be unhappy.

Another disadvantage to this breed can also be argued as its greatest advantage: A Golden Retrievers temperament. To the Golden, everyone is a friend to be licked and loved. In some ways, this is excellent. You can trust your pet never to harm your children, your other animals or even strangers who visit the house. In other ways, however, this is a problem. The Golden does not make even a tolerable guard dog. If you are looking for something to defend you, this is not it. This breed was meant to be sweet, not to become aggressive if a stranger should appear in the doorway. Now, yes, the Golden Retriever will bark (they can actually become quite vocal) but that is all they are likely to do. Even intense training is no guarantee that your Golden will defend you. It’s hard to suppress centuries of loving instinct.

But, if you are searching for a dog that will love you and try its best to please you, then the Golden is the perfect match. This is a dog that will always greet you at the door, even when you’ve just stepped out for a minute, and this is a dog that will want to be with you no matter where you are. If you have the time and energy to devote to it, Golden Retrievers will never let you down.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Labrador Retrievers

Thursday

Training Labrador Retrievers – The Three Most Important Aspects of Labrador Training by Lauren Schwaar

Many consider training a Labrador Retriever, or any dog for that matter, a daunting task. Some dog owners ignore the training aspect of dog ownership completely, and choose to let their dog run wild and unrestrained. Unfortunately, this approach makes life miserable for both the dog and its owner.

labrador-blk

Black Labrador

Golden Labrador

Golden Labrador

Chocolate Labrador

Chocolate Labrador

Perhaps you have a Labrador already that fits that unpleasant description. Maybe you have tried to teach your dog to sit, stay, lie down, and refrain from chewing on your shoes. Maybe you think that your Labrador doesn’t respond, doesn’t pay attention, or is just too stupid to learn correct behaviors. Or maybe you’ve just never taken the time to correctly train your lab.

It’s unfortunate how many poorly-trained Labs roam this earth today– because with just a little bit of work, a Labrador Retriever can be transformed from an unresponsive pain-in-the-rear to a social, obedient, refined companion.

Social Nature

There are several components to training labs that must be understood before you will be successful in training your own Labrador. The first concept you must firmly grasp is that Labradors are social animals. They adore their human masters and often spend the majority of their time and effort conjuring up ways to please you. Of course, this trait isn’t apparent in all cases– after all, how could a Labrador puppy possibly be trying to please you by ripping a hole in the living room carpet? But by spending time watching your Lab, you will begin to realize that this quest for your approval provides the motivation for much, if not all, that your Labrador does.

Intelligence

The second component to Labrador training is recognizing a Lab’s intelligence. All dogs possess some intelligence (of course, some obviously less than others). Labradors are no exception. Labradors are working dogs– they are commonly employed as drug-sniffers, seeing-eye dogs, rescue dogs, and hunting companions. None of this would be possible if Labs were not easy to train and intelligent enough to be dependable. Some of you might be thinking, “Some Labradors are obviously intelligent, but my dog must have gotten the wrong genes.” Think again– while your Lab may seem unintelligent, many of the “dumb” things we’ve all seen our Labs do are the result of either poor or lacking training or retained “wild” instincts that aren’t compatible with their current surroundings. Labradors are very intelligent creatures and will respond well to training of all types– even training that is not optimal or well presented.

Consistency

Finally, one of the biggest keys to training any dog, and in particular Labradors, is consistency. This is one of the most over-looked and ignored aspects of training that is proved over and over again to promote the most success in dog training. Most dog owners never realize that their training efforts are all going to waste because they don’t consistently enforce the rules and commands that they are attempting to teach their dogs! The basic principle is this: when you tell your Labrador to sit and he doesn’t sit, reprimand the dog firmly and then MAKE HIM SIT. Shouting, throwing things, and saying the command louder won’t help. In fact, these actions will only teach your dog that when you say a command, he should run away because you’re about to have a temper tantrum. The only thing that will instill obedience and understanding in your Labrador is by giving a command then showing him IMMEDIATELY AND REPEATEDLY what you expect from him. This will not only speed up the training process but will enhance your relationship with your Lab by removing the constant frustration of him not doing what you say. In many cases, your Labrador doesn’t yet understand what you want from him. So by showing him calmly and gently, you teach your dog what you want and also make training sessions enjoyable for both you and your Labrador.

These three concepts are absolutely imperative for you to understand before you begin to train your Labrador. They are some of the fundamental principles that separate failed attempts from success, and in order to be truly satisfied with your Labrador’s training, you must understand and implement them. When you pair them with proper techniques and guidelines, you will be on the right track to training a Labrador Retriever that will not only be obedient, but will be a true companion for years to come.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Border Collie

Wednesday

The Border Collie by Michael Russell

The Border Collie is a sheep-herding dog of exceptional qualities. For many years the Border Collie has excelled at sheepdog trials as a dog with uncanny instinctive abilities to herd sheep. The dog performs this function often without any direction from the herder. When direction is given it is through low whistles or hand signals on the part of the human Master.

Border Collie

Border Collie

The Border Collie will lie down with uncanny timing and precision, will dart in or out at just the right moment to guide the sheep, all the while maintaining an intense eye contact or “staring” at the sheep; this eye contact is a well known characteristic of the breed. Anyone who has seen this dog perform at herding trials cannot help but be fascinated by the outstanding talents of the breed.

The Border Collie originated as the name implies, from the border territories of England and Scotland. The first Sheepdog Trials were held in North Wales in 1873, where a dog named “Tweed” won the trial and also a prize for being “the most handsome dog”. It is said that this dog became the foundation of the Border Collie breed.

The Border Collie was imported into Australia as a working sheepdog. The breed developed in that country as a versatile herding dog. It was used very successfully on both sheep and cattle and in the vast ranch lands of Australia became well known as the herding dog of choice. When it later began to be imported into the United States, it also joined the ranks of the dogs who are shown in dog shows and is popular as an Agility dog and Obedience dog.

The dog is extremely agile, able to crouch, spring and corner skilfully for the purpose of driving the recalcitrant sheep or cattle into line. The Border’s coat should not be overly abundant yet should be double and thick enough to be weather resistant. In appearance it is most like the collie but with shorter length of feathers. There is a “smooth coat” variety of this breed, however this variety appears mostly in Great Britain and the most popular type of coat is the “rough coat”. The dog is of medium height and build and comes in many colors, but white should never be predominant.

This breed is highly instinctive. Coincidentally, both The Border collie and the Newfoundland have been used in the genetic studies of the Human Genome Research Project as the DNA markers for comparison of strong inherited behavioral tendencies. The Border Collie is noted as one of the most intelligent of breeds and is not happy without a job to do. It learns quickly and enjoys the challenge of learning. This is not a dog who will be happy left alone for hours in a house and also should not be left unsupervised in an unfenced area. This dog needs mental and physical stimulation to be happy and healthy.

The dog does well in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Sheep Herding Trials and is a popular Conformation breed. Furthermore their medium size and high intelligence have made them quite useful as Search and Rescue dogs. These dogs should always exhibit stable temperament and be absolutely without shyness. People who have this dog as a pet or as a utility dog will have a loyal and faithful friend, one who will respond eagerly and willingly to any request and is happiest when asked to perform a job.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Beauceron

Wednesday

The Beauceron: French Herding Breed by Michael Russell

The Beauceron is a very ancient breed which has been used for centuries in France as a herding dog and guardian of the flock. Other names for the dog are Berger de Beauce (Shepherd of the Beauce) or Bas Rouge (Red Stockings). The descriptive name of “red stockings” describes the typical coloring of the dog, it must have red on all four legs and elsewhere as described in the breed standard written by the Beauceron Club of America: ” the markings are: dots above the eyes; on the sides of the muzzle, fading off on the cheeks, never reaching the underside of

Beauceron

Beauceron

the ears; two spots on the chest are preferred to a breastplate; on the throat; under the tail; on the legs the markings extend from the feet to the pasterns, progressively lessening, though never covering more than 1/3 of the leg, rising slightly higher on the inside of the leg”.

The Beauceron is not well known outside of France, although it has increased in popularity in the United States where there is an active Beauceron club which has made strides in getting the dog entered into the Miscellaneous class of the American kennel Club.

The Beauceron in the show ring is a dog that is judged not only on structure but also on his unique movement known as the extended trot which can cover a great deal of ground fluidly and smoothly. This trot is known as the “Beauceron trot” and is much admired and is the sign of a well balanced working/herding ability. The Beauceron was used as a herding dog for many centuries in a land where there were no fences, consequently he could easily travel many miles in a day keeping his flock rounded up. This is a breed that has changed very little through the centuries and it is said that all correctly built Beauceron should posses this extended trot and the stamina to keep it up for a long period of time.

The Beauceron is similar in appearance to the Doberman, although heavier and larger. There are some who believe that the Beauceron was used in the bloodlines of the Doberman. The Beauceron has all the characteristics of an all purpose working dog, he is highly loyal and focuses well on his training and what is required of him. He has been used as a messenger dog during both World Wars, he is still in use by the military and also serves as a police dog and drug dog. He has found great service as a tracking dog and a search and rescue dog, he is enjoyed by his human admirers in all the areas of obedience and utility. Just some of the activities in which Beauceron owners have participated with their dogs include: skijoring, sled pulling and weight pulling, scent detection, agility, Schutzhund and Ring sport. This is a dog that will happily apply himself to anything that is asked of him and is an intelligent dog with a willingness to please. He has a strong sense of guardianship and protectiveness but should never be aggressive without cause.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Australian Cattle Dog

Wednesday

The Australian Cattle Dog by Michael Russell

The Queensland Blue Heeler was the original name of the Australian Cattle Dog. In 1813 in Australia, when the crossing of the Great Dividing Range had been accomplished and the vast ranges of Queensland were settled, thousands of small ranchers had a great need for a cattle drover that could withstand the punishing temperatures extremes of weather. Without fencing it was vital to have a dog that could keep the cattle rounded up. Writings are sketchy but it appears that the Blue Heeler was developed from crosses of the Smooth Collie, the kelpie and the wild dingos with a bit of dalmatian thrown into the mix also.

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog

The result was a dog with great agility at the turn bred to bite at the heels of the cattle to move them, a dog that was quiet as a ghost and could contain the herd without “spooking” it. This original dog was the animal that had these necessary traits. A man by the name of Robert Kaleski developed this original strain and in 1902 drew up the first breed standard. The Kennel club of New South Wales accepted the standard in 1903, when it was officially named the Australian Cattle dog. The term “Blue Heeler” is still often used to denote this breed.

The Cattle dog is a non compromising dog that sets its mind to the task. It is wary of strangers but is absolutely loyal to its master. This is a highly intelligent dog with easy trainability and a strong desire to please. The dog was purposely bred to have a heavy mouth and punishing jaws, for the purpose of biting and nipping at the heels of the cattle when moving the herds. Any display of bad temperament was discouraged early on in the breeding of these dogs and it is essential that this remain a practice of the responsible breeders, since this dog has great power and strength in his bite.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a hardy and tough dog with few genetic problems. Few cases of hip dysplasia have been reported. It is not a large dog, standing 18-20 inches at the withers. The skull is broad to accommodate the bite, with a deep muzzle and no sign of looseness of flews. The body is balanced and sturdy, the coat being of moderate length with weather resistant harsh outer guard hairs which lie flat. All the puppies are born white and the coat later develops into the “coat of many colors” that typifies the breed. The Cattle Dog is a merle dog with blue mottles or speckles or red with red mottling. Usually there is a lighter “brush” of white on the tail. Cattle drivers have a preference for the darker coloring since the dog is less easily seen at night by the cattle and can move among them without “spooking” the herd.

The Blue Heeler is a friendly and lovable dog and they are gaining popularity as pets and companion dogs. However they can be strong willed and should be trained early. They make good watch dogs and guard dogs. Anyone who has a cattle dog as a pet needs to understand that this is a dog bred to work and it will always need plenty of exercise. They make a great joggers companion!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Belgian Malinois

Wednesday

Belgian Malinois Puppy And Dog Information
By Mitch Endick

The Belgian Malinois is a large intelligent dog that requires plenty of space. They are not suited to an apartment as they need a large properly fenced in enclosure to keep them exercised. They are an elegant well muscled dog, intelligent and eager to work. They will guard the family and make a great watchdog. They are good with older children but may not be good with your childrens friends. Just a reminder, never leave any young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog for any length of time. They may not take to other dogs and pets but can often be socialized to accept them.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Belgian Malinois is approximately 24 to 26 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and weigh about 65 to 75 pounds. Females are approximately 22 to 24 inches at the withers and weigh approximately 55 to 65 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Belgian Malinois is no exception. Look for epilepsy (common in dogs), eye problems, canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and excessive shyness.

*Grooming. The Belgian Malinois has an easy short hair coat. She should be bathed rarely as this strips her coat of its protective oils. She should be brushed at least weekly. She is a light shedder and brushing will help keep your house free of shed hair. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Belgian Malinois is a variety of the Belgian Shepherd dog from Belgium. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed on July 10, 1990. Today these dogs are used for military and police work because they are fast learners, willing to work, intelligent and aggressive.

Some Registries:

American Belgian Malinois Club

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Belgian Malinois puppies.

Category: Herding, Sheepdog Family

Terms To Describe: Elegant, well muscled, proud, obedient, loyal,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Very intelligent.

Little grooming needed.

Responds well to commands.

Good with family children.

Very good watch dog.

Very good guard dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Can be very aggressive.

Owner should be an experienced dog owner.

May not be good with your childrens friends.

Needs early proper training to curb aggressiveness.

*Other Names Known By: Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Belgian Tervuren

Wednesday

Belgian Tervuren - An Energetic Worker
By Evan Richer

One of four Belgian Sheepdogs, the Belgian Tervuren is often mistaken for a German Shepherd because they closely resemble each other in size, coat and color. It is pronounced Ter-VER-en. The Belgian Tervuren is recognized as its own breed by the AKC, but many countries consider all four Belgian Sheepdogs to be one breed even though there are noticeable differences in everything from coat to size to color.

Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren

Also known as a “Terv” by their owners, the Belgian Tervuren is named for the Belgian village of Tervuren. They were traditionally used as cattle and sheep herding dogs. They have also been used as police dogs and in narcotics detection, bomb detection, search and rescue and as therapy dogs. While two of the Belgian Sheepdogs are still used more as working dogs, the Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Groenendael are both seen more as companion dogs today.

They are a medium to medium large breed. They weigh between 45-75 pounds and are anywhere from 22″ to 27″ in height. They are an energetic, powerful breed that enjoys exercise and play. Because of their high energy and size, they are not ideal apartment dogs but are perfect for families with large yards or those who have access to parks or fields where they can run.

Their coat color is recognized by the AKC in the colors of a mahogany or fawn base with black tips, mask and ears. A small amount of white on nose, chest and chin is permissible. The long, straight, thick and harsh outer coat and soft dense undercoat needs daily grooming to prevent matting and knots. They shed throughout the year, but it is typically light shedding.

As a guard dog or family dog, the Belgian Tervuren is protective, loyal and highly intelligent. They are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and activity whether they are working on the farm or kept mainly as a companion dog. They need to be socialized and trained from an early age. The earlier they are introduced to children, dogs and other pets, the better they will do. They might be dominant towards other dogs. It is important to research a Belgian Tervuren‘s history before making a purchase to ensure that there is no aggression found in their lineage. Give your Belgian Tervuren plenty to do and they will be happy. A bored Belgian Tervuren can be a bit destructive as they will find a way to fill their time.

If you are an energetic family looking for a dog that will enjoy activity and outside play, then the Belgian Tervuren is a perfect breed for you. They will match you step for step in running or walking. They will be protective of you and your home and make awesome watchdogs. If you are looking for a farm dog and family companion all rolled into one, any of the Belgian Sheepdogs including the Belgian Tervuren will be ideal for you.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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