The Belgian Shepherd Dog is unique in the world of dogs as it is the only breed to have four separate varieties. Structurally they are all the same and differ only in coat and colour. There is the long coated black - the Groenendael, the long coated other than black - the Tervueren, the short coated - the Malinois and the rough coated - the Laekenois.

First recognised as a breed in 1891, the Belgian Shepherd Dog was originally bred to herd sheep and is a medium-sized dog that is accustomed to the open-air life and built to resist the cold Belgian climate.

[ Tervueren ]

The Belgian Shepherd Dog will usually live for 12 years, but fed the right nutrition and given plenty of loving attention can live up to 15 years of age.

[ Laekenois ]

By the harmony of its shape and the proud carriage of head, the Belgian Shepherd Dog must give the impression of a robust elegance that has become the heritage of the selected representatives of a working breed. They combine the valuable qualities of the best guard dog for property with the inborn aptitude for guarding flocks. When necessary they are, without hesitation, an obstinate and ardent protector of their master. Most Belgians love water and will always accompany you for a swim.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Belgian Shepherd Dog can usually live in perfect harmony with other pets, but this is dependent on the individual dog's nature and also how it is brought up to accept other animals.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Although the Belgian Shepherd Dog has a relatively low maintenance coat they still need regular attention to enable them to look their best and feel comfortable. A good brush every couple of days when shedding or once a week when not shedding will keep matts from appearing and will make your dog feel comfortable as well as look its best.

Please take note:
The Belgian Shepherd Dog forms strong bonds with its owner and so is more sensitive to its owner's needs. Therefore a Belgian needs to "live with" its family rather than in isolation somewhere in the grounds or left in the house alone for many hours a day. If the dog has to spend a lot of time on its own it might benefit from a companion.

When investigating the purchase of a Belgian Shepherd Dog care needs to be taken to ensure that all breeding stock has been X-rayed for Hip Dysplasia and are suitable for breeding. Viewing the parents of your potential puppy is an excellent idea as it can give an idea of what your puppy may possibly develop into. It is also extremely important to socialise your puppy with people, dogs, other animals and as many different situations as possible to ensure a well-adjusted and happy pet.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Belgian Shepherd Dog is the dog for you and you are prepared to give its coat a good brushing every to two three days, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Cindy Didsman	WA	Contact
Pam Ferrari	NSW	Contact
Kerry and Richard Clarke and McNamara	QLD	Contact
Craig and Julie Fynamore	NSW	Contact
Jessie and Morgan Carey	NSW	Contact
Rob and Lesley Kane	NSW	Contact
Helene Cremona	VIC	Contact
Kathryn Winton	QLD	Contact
Caroline Russell	SA	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Dogs New South Wales PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.dogsnsw.org.au (Details current as of 22/11/11)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tasdogs.com/ (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)