Belgian Sheepdog - Chien de Berger Belge

Introduction:
The place of origin of Belgian Sheepdog is Belgium.  They are herding breed of dog.  The Belgian Sheepdog is used for herding trials.  The life span of the breed is 10-12 years. It is also called as Belgian Sheepdog, Chien de Berger Belge.



Origin / History:

• Nicholas Rose developed the breed in the late 1800s from a pair of all black shepherds
• The Belgian Sheepdog was bred for herding and protection by Mr. Rose
• They have also been used as a military dog, police dog, search and rescue dog

Nature / qualities:
The Belgian Sheepdog is an intelligent, protective and gentle dog. They are independent, alert and active dog.  They respond quickly to the slightest sound of disapproval in the owner’s voice.  If they are properly socialized then they will be very well-adjusted and well-balanced dog. They love to have attention from everyone.  They are very protective, so care should be taken when you introduce any strangers or new people.  Training should be given perform well with other dogs and pets.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Belgian Sheepdog is 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and the weight is 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg). The height of the Female Belgian Sheepdog is 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) and the weight is 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg). The Belgian Sheepdog is very athletic, strong and muscular dog. They have wise set, dark brown eyes. The nose is dark.  The ears are erect and completely triangular in shape. The legs are straight and well formed. The tail is long and curls slightly upwards. The color of the breed is black.

Health Concerns:
The Belgian Sheepdog is naturally a healthy and hardy breed.  But some are prone to minor health concerns like epilepsy, skin allergies, eye problems, excessive shyness, excessive aggressiveness and occasionally seen hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They become obese and lazy so do not overfeed them.

Grooming:
Frequent brushing is required to remove the dead hair.  They need to be exercised mentally and physically.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 850 USD

Advantages:

• Good companion dog
• Excellent watchdog
• They get along with small children and family very well

Disadvantages:

• They become over aggressive if not properly socialized
• Not highly playful dog

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Belgian Malinois

Introduction:
The Belgian Malinois was developed in Belgium.  It is a herding breed.  They are used as a guardian, assistance and herding trails. The life span of the breed is 10-12 years.  The breed is also called as Belgian Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder (Mechelse Scheper), Pastor Belga Malinois.



Origin / History:

• The Belgian Malinois was developed in Belgium in 1900s
• The Belgian Malinois was recognized and registered by Club Societe Royale de St. Hubert in 1901 
• In 1911, the first Belgian Malinois was imported in the United States and recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).
• They were also recognized as a part of the herding class of dogs

Nature / qualities:
The Belgian Malinois is a loving and playful dog.  They are very protective and territorial to their owner and home. They make very close bond with one or two people and become loyal to them. They need to be socialized from a young age, or else they may become shy.  They are very alert dogs. They love to be among family and do things.  They can be trained easily. They are either too aggressive or too shy.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Belgian Malinois is 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) and the weight is 55-65 pounds (24-29 kg). The Belgian Malinois is a medium-size, muscular and hard working dog. Its body is almost as long as it is tall. They have almond-shaped, dark eyes. The nose is dark.  They have erect and alert ears.  The tail is long. Their legs are long and strong.  The color of the breed is rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance. The mask and ears are black. The underparts of the body, tail and breeches are lighter fawn, but washed-out fawn color on the body is a fault. The tips of the toes may be white, and a small white spot on the breastbone/prosternum is permitted, not to extend to the neck.

Health Concerns:
The Belgian Malinois is generally a healthy breed with no major health problem. However there are some health concerns like skin allergies, eye problems, excessive shyness, excessive aggressiveness and occasionally seen hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

Grooming:
Daily grooming and regular brushing is needed in order to maintain the healthy coat. Lots of regular exercise should be provided to them along with running and jogging.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1200 USD

Advantages:

• Good watch dogs
• Excellent police dogs
• They get along well with cats and other animals if properly socialized

Disadvantages:

• They tend to be dominate with other dogs

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Bedlington Terrier - Rothbury Terrier | Rodbery Terrier

Introduction:
The Bedlington Terrier was originated in England. They are terrier breed of dogs. They are used as an earth dog. The life span of the Bedlington Terrier is 15-17 years. The breed is also called as Rothbury Terrier, Rodbery Terrier.



Origin / History:

• Old Flint, that belonged to Squire Trevelyan is the first male Bedlington Terrier that was officially listed
• In 1877 The Bedlington Terrier Club in England was established
• In 1948 the Bedlington Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club 
• The first Bedlington to be recorded in the American Kennel Club Stud Book was W.S. Jackson's "Annanias."

Nature / qualities:
The Bedlington Terrier is a loyal, lively and cheerful dog. Teach them to like cats and other household animals. They are friendly with strangers. They are playful dogs. They easily get along with other dogs, except to the dominate ones.  They run very fast.   They like to bark, so need to be told that enough is enough. They are an enthusiastic digger. They have proved to be an excellent watch dogs.  They love to chase game.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Bedlington Terrier is 16-17 inches (41-43 cm) and the weight is 18-23 pounds (8-10kg). The height of the Female Bedlington Terrier is 15-16 inches (38-41 cm) and the weight is 18-23 pounds (8-10 kg). The Bedlington Terrier has a lamb-like appearance. They are very graceful and medium in size.  They have narrow and rounded head.  They have dark, small and shiny eyes. The color of the nose depends on the color of the dog, it is either black or brown.  They have dropped ears that are long with thin leather and covered with hair that forms a tassel at the end.  The feet are covered with hair.  The tail is long and thin and sickle-shaped. The color of the breed is blue, sandy or liver, with or without tan markings.

Health Concerns:
The Bedlington Terrier is prone to a serious health problem called Copper Storage Disease. This genetic disorder allows copper deposits to build up in the liver, eventually leading to cirrhosis and death. They are also prone to hereditary kidney disease, PRA, thyroid problems and eye problems, such as cataracts and retinal disease.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is needed along with regular trimming to maintain the breed’s look. They need to be given mental and physical exercise.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1200 USD

Advantages:

• They are loving with children 
• They are energetic and courageous

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes they become obsessive barkers
• They are less good with other animals

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Beauceron- French Shorthaired Shepherd

Introduction:
The Beauceron was developed in France.  It is a herding breed of dog.  It is used as a guardian and watch dog. The life expectation of the Beauceron is 10-13 years. It is also called as French Shorthaired Shepherd, Beauce Shepherd, Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge (Red Stocking).



Origin / History:

• In 1809, the abbey Rozier reported plain dogs guarding flocks and herds
• The two types of sheep dogs were differentiated by Pierre Megnin, in 1863
• The dog with a short coat came to be known as Berger de Beauce (Beauceron)
• The dog with a long coat was known as Berger de Brie (Briard)
• They were used as messenger dogs during the world wars

Nature / qualities:
The Beaucerons are kind to their masters. They are intelligent and calm dog. They easily get adapted to new situations.  The owner should be strong but harsh to have this breed.  They do not like to be alone and idle. They perform well with other animals and children.  They are excellent companion and guardian dogs.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Beauceron is 26-28 inches (65-70 cm) and the weight is 70-100 pounds (32-45 kg). The height of the Female Beauceron is 25-26 inches (61-68 cm) and the weight is 65-85 pounds (30-39 kg). The Beauceron is a large, well-built and solid dog.  It is a rectangular shaped dog. The head is long.  They have dark eyes and the nose is black. They have short, dropped, erect ears that are set high.  The tail is slightly curved at the end. The color of the breed is black and tan, harlequin (black and tan ith blue-gray patches.

Health Concerns:
The Beaucerons are prone to hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Gastric torsion / Bloat.

Grooming:
Brushing should be done twice in a week. During shedding season brushing should be done daily. Regular exercise and long walks is recommended.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 800 USD

Advantages:

• It is an ideal watch dog
• They do not bark unnecessary 

Disadvantages:

• They become both reserve and frank when meeting strangers

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Basset Hound

Introduction:
The Basset Hound was developed in France.  The dog is a hound breed. The breed is used as field trails, tailing rabbits,  and also used as basset field trails. The life span of the breed is 8-12 years.  The nick name of dog is Basset.



Origin / History:

• The description of the first breed is in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• The first Bassets in England were named as Basset and Balle, that was bought by Lord Galway in 1886
• In 1885 the  Basset Hound was recognized as a breed by the American kennel Club 
• The Basset Hound Club was organized in US in 1935

Nature / qualities:
The Basset Hound is a well-behaved dog.  They have a very peaceful nature.  They are sweet, gentle and devoted to family life.  They are loving and very affectionate with their masters.  It does not have the tendency to snap at children. They have a deep musical bark.  They are obedient if trained properly.  They love to eat and can be trained easily to do tricks.  They are gentle and patient with lots of love and kindness.  They have a sweet gentle look on its face. They have good sense of smell.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Basset Hound is 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) and the weight is 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg). The height of the Female Basset Hound is 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) and the weight is 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg). The Basset Hound is a short-legged, medium-size and heavy-boned dog.  The head is large and wide, covered with loose, wrinkled skin.  They have dark eyes with drooping lower eyelids.  They have dark nose with large nostrils.  The ears are long, broad and set low.  The tail is long and slightly curved upwards.  The color of the breed is Foxhound colors of black, tan and white or these in combination.

Health Concerns:
The major health concern of the Basset hound is obesity. Do not over feed them.  They are also prone to paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is recommended. Regular exercise should be given to them.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 400 USD

Advantages:

• They are very friendly with children
• They are not dog aggressive

Disadvantages:

• They have low level of excitability and general activity
• They do not make good protectors of home and property.

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