BREED KNOWLEDGE
GERMAN SHEPHERD
Country of Origin: The German Shepherd Dog (also called ‘GSD’, ‘German Shepherd’, ‘Alsatian’, ‘Deutscher Schaferhund’, or even ‘Police Dog’ in some
countries) was bred in the late 19th and early 20th century in a concerted effort to breed the ultimate sheepdog. Contrary to popular opinion, it is no more closely
related to the wolf than any other breed of dog. A consortium of German breeders worked to make a brave, intelligent dog that could herd sheep and run quickly
with great stamina. They produced an agile, powerful dog which quickly showed its usefulness at police work and guarding. During World War I, the breed’s name
was changed to ‘Alsatian’ (‘Alsatia’ is a German speaking region of France) to protect the breed against possible anti-German sentiment. This name lasted only
briefly in some countries such as America but remains to this day in others. German Shepherd Dogs became the most popular breed in America after the rise of
German Shepherd movie star Rin Tin Tin, who thrilled audiences with astounding skills such as leaping nearly 12 feet high. Rin Tin Tin was known to dine on
tenderloin steaks prepared by a personal chef. While no longer the country’s number one breed, the incredibly adaptable German Shepherd Dog is today a
popular guard dog, police dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, drug-sniffing dog, and pet.
Size: The German Shepherd Dog has a shoulder height of 56-66 cm (22-26 in) and weighs 35-39 kg (77-85 lbs). It is a long, muscular dog with a black nose,
powerful scissors bite, wide, erect ears, and intelligent, almond-shaped eyes. German Shepherd Dogs have a flat back, bushy, low hanging tail, muscular legs
and chest, and short, round feet. They are the image of power and dignity. German Shepherd Dogs with a shoulder height over 64 cm (25 in) and weight over 41
kg (90 lbs) are sometimes called ‘King Shepherds’, but this breed is not recognized as distinct by the American Kennel Club.
Coat: There are three varieties of German Shepherd Dog: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. Long-haired varieties may
or may not have a double coat. The prototypical German Shepherd Dog is tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors
including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor (black, white, and brown or red), or sable (black and red, silver, or tan), plus a variety of marking
designations including ‘penciling’ (black lines on the toes) and ‘tar heels’ (black on the back of the leg). German Shepherd Dogs may not be white, though in
some countries this is considered a separate breed.
Character: The German Shepherd Dog is unusually intelligent and unconditionally loyal, obedient, brave, and protective. It is known for its fearlessness but it is by
no means hostile or aggressive. German Shepherd Dogs are poignant and devoted, making wonderful companions and ideal watchdogs. They are highly
versatile and can fit in with many different lifestyles.
Temperament: German Shepherd Dogs are highly territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. They are not friendly towards
strangers and will stop unwanted visitors. The German Shepherd Dog gets along fine with children and other animals, provided proper socialization has taken
place, but does not prefer the companionship of other dogs.
Care: The German Shepherd Dog should be brushed weekly. During shedding, a special comb to remove dead hairs may be required. Like other large breeds,
German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to elbow and hip problems. Meals should be spread throughout the day to avoid bloat. The German Shepherd Dog has a
life span of 10-14 years.
Training: German Shepherd Dogs are eager pupils and are quick to learn new tricks. They are most responsive to their owner’s voice. The German Shepherd Dog’
s versatility makes them suitable for a wide variety of activities including dog sports.
Activity: German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or police trials. Over-exercising when young can cause
damage to growing bones, joints, and muscles. The German Shepherd Dog prefers a yard to play in, but can tolerate life in an apartment if sufficient exercise is
provided.
countries) was bred in the late 19th and early 20th century in a concerted effort to breed the ultimate sheepdog. Contrary to popular opinion, it is no more closely
related to the wolf than any other breed of dog. A consortium of German breeders worked to make a brave, intelligent dog that could herd sheep and run quickly
with great stamina. They produced an agile, powerful dog which quickly showed its usefulness at police work and guarding. During World War I, the breed’s name
was changed to ‘Alsatian’ (‘Alsatia’ is a German speaking region of France) to protect the breed against possible anti-German sentiment. This name lasted only
briefly in some countries such as America but remains to this day in others. German Shepherd Dogs became the most popular breed in America after the rise of
German Shepherd movie star Rin Tin Tin, who thrilled audiences with astounding skills such as leaping nearly 12 feet high. Rin Tin Tin was known to dine on
tenderloin steaks prepared by a personal chef. While no longer the country’s number one breed, the incredibly adaptable German Shepherd Dog is today a
popular guard dog, police dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, drug-sniffing dog, and pet.
Size: The German Shepherd Dog has a shoulder height of 56-66 cm (22-26 in) and weighs 35-39 kg (77-85 lbs). It is a long, muscular dog with a black nose,
powerful scissors bite, wide, erect ears, and intelligent, almond-shaped eyes. German Shepherd Dogs have a flat back, bushy, low hanging tail, muscular legs
and chest, and short, round feet. They are the image of power and dignity. German Shepherd Dogs with a shoulder height over 64 cm (25 in) and weight over 41
kg (90 lbs) are sometimes called ‘King Shepherds’, but this breed is not recognized as distinct by the American Kennel Club.
Coat: There are three varieties of German Shepherd Dog: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. Long-haired varieties may
or may not have a double coat. The prototypical German Shepherd Dog is tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors
including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor (black, white, and brown or red), or sable (black and red, silver, or tan), plus a variety of marking
designations including ‘penciling’ (black lines on the toes) and ‘tar heels’ (black on the back of the leg). German Shepherd Dogs may not be white, though in
some countries this is considered a separate breed.
Character: The German Shepherd Dog is unusually intelligent and unconditionally loyal, obedient, brave, and protective. It is known for its fearlessness but it is by
no means hostile or aggressive. German Shepherd Dogs are poignant and devoted, making wonderful companions and ideal watchdogs. They are highly
versatile and can fit in with many different lifestyles.
Temperament: German Shepherd Dogs are highly territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. They are not friendly towards
strangers and will stop unwanted visitors. The German Shepherd Dog gets along fine with children and other animals, provided proper socialization has taken
place, but does not prefer the companionship of other dogs.
Care: The German Shepherd Dog should be brushed weekly. During shedding, a special comb to remove dead hairs may be required. Like other large breeds,
German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to elbow and hip problems. Meals should be spread throughout the day to avoid bloat. The German Shepherd Dog has a
life span of 10-14 years.
Training: German Shepherd Dogs are eager pupils and are quick to learn new tricks. They are most responsive to their owner’s voice. The German Shepherd Dog’
s versatility makes them suitable for a wide variety of activities including dog sports.
Activity: German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or police trials. Over-exercising when young can cause
damage to growing bones, joints, and muscles. The German Shepherd Dog prefers a yard to play in, but can tolerate life in an apartment if sufficient exercise is
provided.
BELGIAN MALINOIS
Country of Origin: There are four closely related breeds of Belgian Shepherd collectively referred to as ‘Chien de Berger Belge’, which were classified as
independent breeds in 1891. All are herding and guard dogs, and are primarily distinguished by their appearances: the Malinois has short hair, the Laekenois
(not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club) has wiry hair, the Groenendael (also known simply as the ‘Belgian Shepherd’) has long, black hair, and
the Tervuren has long hair of any other color. The Malinois derives its name from the Belgian city of Mechelen, where it was developed. It is the most popular
variety in Belgium, and has become the world’s most popular police dog, including use by the Israeli Defense Forces. It is increasing in popularity as a pet in
America, but is most commonly used for sports and service.
Size: The Belgian Malinois has a shoulder height of 58-64 cm (23-25 in) and weighs 18-34 kg (40-75 lbs). It has a flat skull, almond shaped eyes, a moderate
stop (point at which the muzzle meets the forehead) and triangular, erect ears. Belgian Shepherds have a flat back, curved tail, and small, round ‘cat feet’. They
are muscular and lithe with square-proportioned bodies.
Coat: The Belgian Malinois has a short brown, grey or fawn coat with possible black-tipped hairs. It has a black mask and ears and a lighter underside. The
Belgian Malinois should not be brindle (alternating stripes of color). Belgian Malinois shed heavily once or twice a year.
Character: The Belgian Malinois is energetic, lively and eager to work. It is bred for intelligence and awareness of its surroundings. Belgian Malinois require
frequent face time and playtime with their master. They tend to bond very strongly with one person. Belgian Malinois can develop phobias of certain objects or
locations as puppies, but usually grow out of it by adulthood.
Temperament: The Belgian Malinois should be socialized as a puppy if it is to live with other dogs or pets. It is shy around strangers, but gets along well with
children. It has high socialization and activity requirements, making it less than ideal for those unwilling or unable to invest significant time.
Care: Belgian Malinois require brushing and combing twice weekly, more often when shedding. Excessive brushing or combing can damage the undercoat.
Belgian Malinois have a long life span of 11-13 years. They have similar health problems as other breeds, but are particularly susceptible to epileptic seizures.
Training: The Belgian Malinois should be trained gently, but with determination. Belgian Malinois are highly adverse to harsh treatment; hitting or yelling at them
will only have negative effects. Best results are achieved through awards-based training methods. Belgian Malinois require mental stimulation, so training
should not be overly repetitive. Obedience and sport-specific training (such as tracking or dog agility) will reap great benefits and allow the Belgian Malinois to
realize its full potential.
Activity: The Belgian Malinois needs a sufficient amount of outdoor exercise every day, including a long jog or walk and active playtime in the yard. Belgian
Malinois thrive on mental stimulation, and will enjoy a complex game or sports training session even more than a simple round of catch.
independent breeds in 1891. All are herding and guard dogs, and are primarily distinguished by their appearances: the Malinois has short hair, the Laekenois
(not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club) has wiry hair, the Groenendael (also known simply as the ‘Belgian Shepherd’) has long, black hair, and
the Tervuren has long hair of any other color. The Malinois derives its name from the Belgian city of Mechelen, where it was developed. It is the most popular
variety in Belgium, and has become the world’s most popular police dog, including use by the Israeli Defense Forces. It is increasing in popularity as a pet in
America, but is most commonly used for sports and service.
Size: The Belgian Malinois has a shoulder height of 58-64 cm (23-25 in) and weighs 18-34 kg (40-75 lbs). It has a flat skull, almond shaped eyes, a moderate
stop (point at which the muzzle meets the forehead) and triangular, erect ears. Belgian Shepherds have a flat back, curved tail, and small, round ‘cat feet’. They
are muscular and lithe with square-proportioned bodies.
Coat: The Belgian Malinois has a short brown, grey or fawn coat with possible black-tipped hairs. It has a black mask and ears and a lighter underside. The
Belgian Malinois should not be brindle (alternating stripes of color). Belgian Malinois shed heavily once or twice a year.
Character: The Belgian Malinois is energetic, lively and eager to work. It is bred for intelligence and awareness of its surroundings. Belgian Malinois require
frequent face time and playtime with their master. They tend to bond very strongly with one person. Belgian Malinois can develop phobias of certain objects or
locations as puppies, but usually grow out of it by adulthood.
Temperament: The Belgian Malinois should be socialized as a puppy if it is to live with other dogs or pets. It is shy around strangers, but gets along well with
children. It has high socialization and activity requirements, making it less than ideal for those unwilling or unable to invest significant time.
Care: Belgian Malinois require brushing and combing twice weekly, more often when shedding. Excessive brushing or combing can damage the undercoat.
Belgian Malinois have a long life span of 11-13 years. They have similar health problems as other breeds, but are particularly susceptible to epileptic seizures.
Training: The Belgian Malinois should be trained gently, but with determination. Belgian Malinois are highly adverse to harsh treatment; hitting or yelling at them
will only have negative effects. Best results are achieved through awards-based training methods. Belgian Malinois require mental stimulation, so training
should not be overly repetitive. Obedience and sport-specific training (such as tracking or dog agility) will reap great benefits and allow the Belgian Malinois to
realize its full potential.
Activity: The Belgian Malinois needs a sufficient amount of outdoor exercise every day, including a long jog or walk and active playtime in the yard. Belgian
Malinois thrive on mental stimulation, and will enjoy a complex game or sports training session even more than a simple round of catch.
DUTCH SHEPHERD
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Size: Weight = 65-67 pounds Height = 22-25 inches
Coat: Coat is short and straight, somewhat coarse.
Character: Intelligent, obedient and loyal.
Temperament: Friendly and playful. Loving and energetic. Protective.
Care: Bathe as needed. Occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
Training: Easily trained but needs consistency.
Activity: Regular exercise required. Likes to have a job to do.
Size: Weight = 65-67 pounds Height = 22-25 inches
Coat: Coat is short and straight, somewhat coarse.
Character: Intelligent, obedient and loyal.
Temperament: Friendly and playful. Loving and energetic. Protective.
Care: Bathe as needed. Occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
Training: Easily trained but needs consistency.
Activity: Regular exercise required. Likes to have a job to do.
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