The Belgian Shepherd is known to need rigorous grooming throughout the year. Dog owners like yourself can take this as an opportunity to bond better with your sprightly Belgian Shepherd. 

Well! Before we come to the core point of this article, which is the shedding cycle of the Belgian Shepherd, let us quickly take you through some notable attributes of this smart breed. 

Attributes of Belgian Shepherd

The Belgian Shepherd amalgamates the flexibility of a functioning herding dog with the gentleness and familiarity of a family partner. The Belgian Shepherd can coexist well with other canines and felines, but they may have issues with weird creatures that venture into their territory. They love to pursue — that crowding nature once more! — so felines who persevere will presumably fare better compared to the individuals who retreat in fear. 

This versatile dog has numerous phenomenal attributes, yet he’s likely not fit for a first-time dog proprietor. He’s cherishing, faithful, and lively, however can likewise be bashful, touchy, and solid-willed. At the point when you put time and exertion and energy into him, nonetheless, he’s certainly worth all your work.

Dog Hair Growth Cycle

Your Belgian Shepherd is a furry breed with a double coat. This double coat consists of two layers of hair:

• Guard Hairs or Primary Hairs: the long and stiff hairs that make up the outer coat.
• Secondary Hairs or Undercoat Hairs: These short, densely cropped, soft, downy or fleecy hairs keep your dog warm during cold weather. 

The Shedding cycle of your furry pet consists of four phases of hair growth.

Anagen phase is when your dog is growing new hair. This growth extends up to a certain length when hair stops growing. This phase is called the catagen phase. This is followed by a period of rest: hair is neither growing nor shedding. This is the telogen phase. This stage comes to an end with the exogen phase, when your dog’s hair falls out.

Belgian Shepherd Shedding Season

Most double-coated dogs, such as the Belgian Shepherd, are known to shed multiple times a year. The Belgian Shepherd is seen as a moderately shedding breed. This is the biological shedding that every furry creature undergoes. However, two times a year, they shed excessively. You need not worry: this is an ordinary event that for the most part occurs in fall or spring and goes on for around two-three weeks. This occasional “coat blow” is something most twofold-covered canines do. They are basically setting themselves up for the adjustment in climate. So in spring, they shed their thick winter coat, since they needn’t bother with this for the coming mid-year warm months. 

Belgian Shepherds, luckily, don’t shed as much as certain canines. Dogs like the Alaskan Malamute or Akita, for example, shed so vigorously during specific seasons that you’ll be topping off different trash containers of doggy hair. 

Thus, by and large, they’re not the heaviest shedders out there, but they aren’t the best pets for cleanliness-obsessed individuals who need a total hair-free home by the same token, either. 

A point worth referencing is that they’re not a hypoallergenic breed. This implies that they are not the most reasonable canine for the individuals who experience the ill effects of dog-related allergies.

Grooming your Belgian Shepherd for Shedding

The fact of the matter is it’s absolutely impossible to totally stop your Belgian Shepherd from shedding. So you will see some hair on your floor and furniture. There are, however, some ways to deal with it(which we’re going to examine).

1. Prepare apparatuses for Grooming.

Keep these tools handy, to make the best of your grooming sessions:

• A medium-size pin brush for long hair, 
• A wire slicker brush for use on pups and on spaces of the body with more limited hair, 
• A prepping rake for eliminating shedding hair
• A tangle search for easing out an occasional tangle behind the ears or in the spaces where the legs join the body.

2. Brush every day

To maintain the cuteness and skincare of your furbaby, the double-layered coat of your Belgian shepherd requires standard brushing to keep the coat without tangles. Brush him altogether with a pin brush in any event once every week, and work in segments to ensure no area is left out. Giving your shepherd a quick once-over with his brush once a day will help the week-by-week intensive brush meetings go a lot simpler, as you will not need to battle with weeks of tangles.

Giving your shepherd a quick once-over with his brush once a day will help the week-by-week intensive brush meetings go a lot simpler, as you will not need to battle with weeks of tangles.

Giving your shepherd a speedy day-by-day once-over with his brush will help the week-by-week intensive brush meetings go a lot simpler, as you will not need to battle with weeks of tangles.

3. Healthy diet

As a functioning crowding breed, the Belgian Shepherd requires an excellent eating routine rich in protein and sound fats. On the off chance that you intend to utilize your canine for grouping or canine games, a functioning or working variety equation might be the most ideal alternative. Else, a huge variety recipe is a decent spot to begin – simply screen your canine’s weight and condition to ensure he is getting enough yet not all that a lot to eat. A healthy diet will help in forestalling abundant shedding.

4. Bath frequently

As a functioning variety, your Belgian isn’t intended to be prepared and spoiled like a show canine, requiring week-by-week showers and broad haircare meetings. He commonly needs a shower just when he gets filthy or emits an especially solid pup scent.

• Splash him totally when you wash him, running your hands through his jacket to ensure the water infiltrates the two layers.
• Back rub in a delicate canine cleanser, such as a Simple Shed Treatment, making a point to get right to the skin. Avoid using a dry shampoo, since a dry cleanser can irritate his skin.
• After the cleanser is worked into the hide, brush through the coat using an undercoat rake. This will pull out the undercoat and make washing in a tub easier. In the event that you are washing your canine outside, it will significantly cut down on brush-out time. 
• Wash him thoroughly to eliminate all the cleanser buildup. 
• Towel away as much dampness as possible, and either let him air-dry or utilize a hairdryer on a low-heat setting.
• To get the shedding time frame over with all the more rapidly, give a hot shower or two to help discharge the coat and brush all the more as often as possible.

Tips for cleaning up shedding

• Dryer sheets are great at picking up pet hair to help dispose of pet hair make certain to keep some dryer sheets available. 
• A roll of tape or a lint roller to pick up loose pet hairs.
• Hose and lightly sweep your carpet before you vacuum your rug and utilize an elastic brush to fold all the hair into a decent ball. 
• Utilize a window squeegee on the carpet to pick up pet hair.
• Fabrics made of microfiber material, whether dry or soaked in cleaning solvent, wipes away hair effectively from the furniture.

Keep the shedding under control

Belgian shepherds shed more heavily than German Shepherds and may be overwhelmingly high, especially if you’re away from home frequently. Leaving your canine all alone consistently and trusting all that will work out isn’t the arrangement. You need to find ways to keep your canine’s coat healthy and lessen his shedding. 

Regular grooming is really your front-line defense against shedding. In addition to the fact that brushing keeps the hair off of your floors and furniture, and on the brush, however, it can likewise assist with keeping his jacket in great condition. What’s more, this is on the grounds that, when you brush, you spread the normal skin oils all the more uniformly over his jacket. Which thus can help forestall dryness, a main source of shedding.

Conclusion

The Belgian Shepherd is a very athletic breed.  A bath and blowout are necessary to keep the shedding at bay and to maintain healthy skin and coat. Regular grooming is really your front-line defence against shedding. In addition to the fact that brushing keeps the hair off of your floors and furniture, and on the brush, however, it can likewise assist with keeping his jacket in great condition. What’s more, this is on the grounds that, when you brush, you spread the normal skin oils all the more uniformly over his jacket. Which thus can help forestall dryness, a main source of shedding. Make it a habit to spend some quality time brushing your dog to keep the coat separated and divided which, in turn, will allow the skin to breathe.

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The Belgian Shepherds were developed in Belgium, back in the 1800s. There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherds, namely, the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Tervuren, the Belgian Laekenois and the Belgian Groenendael, also known as the Belgian Sheepdog. Although all four varieties are considered to be of the same breed, the American Kennel Club considers the Laekenois as a separate breed altogether. 

The Malinois and the Tervuren are big dogs. They are friendly, yet they can be vicious, depending on the situation. There are various similarities between the two breeds, given the fact that they have similar origin. However, there are some distinct and important dissimilarities between them as well, which is important and relevant if you are looking for the correct breed to  adopt.

If you are looking for an in-depth comparison between Belgian Malinois and the Belgian Tervuren, you have landed up in the right place. We have referred to various sources and brought to you, a piece with the differences and similarities between the two which will help you to have a clear image of the two varieties. 

Facts about Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois like all the other Belgian shepherds was bred to be herd dogs. The Malinois is rather a famous breed, one that has been actively discussed and talked about, especially due to the linkage of it to a very important political event.

Cairo, the dog who was instrumental in the capture of Osama Bin Laden in the year 2011, was a Belgian Malinois. This incident, a remarkable one in history, is proof of the various qualities and capabilities of the Belgian Malinois as a breed. 

The Malinois is fawn-coloured and has a chiselled head with triangular ears. People often confuse the Belgian Malinois with the German Shepherd Dog due to these reasons. A male Belgian Malinois is around 24-26 inches in height and weighs around 60-80 pounds.

On the other hand, a female Belgian Malinois ranges from 22 – 24 inches and weighs around 40-60 pounds. The average life expectancy of a Belgian Malinois is 12 to 14 years. Big in appearance, the Belgian Malinois has an elegant and proud posture. They have a sturdy neck and stand upright. The male Malinois is slightly more muscular and solid as compared to the female Malinois which has a few feminine traits. 

Given the fact that a Belgian Malinois is bigger in size and heavier in terms of weight, they do not adapt well to a crammed up space. The Belgian Malinois requires a living space which is big enough for it to move around freely and be their own self. This is the reason why you should think twice before adopting a Malinois if you have an apartment that does not have enough space. 

The Belgian Malinois is friendly in nature and is extremely intelligent. They are easy to train because of these factors. Personality-wise, a Malinois is both proud and affectionate. This makes them adapt to a home environment easily. They like to be a part of a family and are good with human babies as well. On the other hand, they might face issues in adapting to a different dog or a pet in the family setting.

Being a big and active dog, a Malinois requires high-quality dog food. Treats can also be given during training but it is important to keep a track of them because it can make them obese. You can check with your vet to find out which human food will be suitable for your dog. Some of the common foods that dogs can consume are fish and eggs.

The Belgian Malinois is active in nature and exercise is of extreme importance for this breed. Simple walks around the block are not enough. Because of their fun nature, it is recommended that the dog be engaged in physical activities which also stimulates their mental activity. A Belgian Malinois is a great companion to the owner for hiking, biking and running.

Facts about Belgian Tervuren

As mentioned earlier, both the Malinois and the Tervuren belong to the Belgian Shepherd breed. Among the four varieties of Belgian Shepherds, the Tervuren is the most elegant in nature. The Belgian Tervuren is active, playful and intelligent.

Being a herding dog, they are good at both physical and mental activities. The Belgian Tervuren was named after a village, Tervuren, where they were developed. During the Great Depression, they almost died out and were then recreated during the Second World War. 

The Belgian Tervuren has an average life span of 12-14 years. A male Tervuren weighs around 55-75 pounds and has a height of 24-26 inches. On the other hand, a female Belgian Tervuren weighs around 45-60 pounds and has a height of 22-24 inches. The Belgian Tervuren has strong built with a luscious coat that has a beautiful shine. They have a combination of black and brown cover. They run tall and are extremely alert in nature which makes them good at sports and tricks. 

Although the Belgian Tervuren is big in size, in comparison to the other Belgian Shepherds, they are of medium size. The Belgian Tervuren does not adapt well to small living spaces. If you reside in an apartment, it will be almost impossible for a Tervuren to be your pet. One should always keep this in mind.

Space is important for a lot of things. The bigger the size of your dog, the more space they will require. Apart from indoor space, big dogs also require a significant outdoor space which can be in the form of a lawn or backyard. This is essential for the overall, physical, mental and behavioral development of the dog.

The Belgian Tervuren is sensitive in nature and cannot tolerate being left alone. If you work for the most part of the day, a Tervuren might not align with you. They love to reside in a family situation and are friendly to kids and other pets although they might need some time to get used to the cohabitation scene. They adapt better to cold weather than heat which is because of the thick coat that they have.

The Belgian Tervuren needs an active owner. They need to exercise daily. Such exercises should not be limited to physical ones but should be extended to suit the mental development of the dog as well. They also need to be brushed and combed twice a week. The frequency of the brushing needs to be increased when they shed. Tervuren is healthy dogs and with regular exercise, they stay healthy. However certain issues have been spotted in this breed for which they should be regularly taken to tests such as Thyroid evaluation, Hip evaluation and Elbow evaluation.

Such an intelligent and beautiful breed needs the owner’s utmost attention, especially regarding food. The Belgian Tervuren needs to have four meals a day during the phase of growth. Later on, the meals can be cut down to thrice daily but it is important to make sure that they receive a balanced diet consisting of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Generally, this breed has a substantial appetite, however, that might decrease after vaccination.

Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren : Similarities

The Belgian Malinois and the Belgian Tervuren essentially originate from the same breed. There are various similarities between these two breeds which is the result of their origin.

Both the Malinois and the Tervuren were recognized as herding dogs by the American Kennel Club in 1959. They are both large dogs and weigh around the same, around 65-75 pounds in the case of males and 60-70 pounds in the case of females. The Malinois and the Tervuren have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.

Because of the fact that both of these breeds like being active and are playful, their food requirements are the same. During their period of growth, a four meal per day plan works the best. However, they are prone to obesity if they don’t get involved in physical activities. Both the breeds are intelligent and proud. For them, physical exercises such as walking or running aren’t enough. They need to be engaged in activities that are both good for their body and mind.

Another important similarity is the fact that they both need enough space to live in. Space is important for the flow of the massive amount of energy that they accumulate. Both the Malinois and the Tervuren adapt well to family and other groups such as the Police Force. They are both affectionate and possessive of their family. 

Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren : Differences

Although the Belgian Malinois and the Belgian Tervuren might seem to be completely similar to each other, it is not the case. There are certain differences between the two breeds which are important to know before you make a decision of adopting. 

The first and foremost difference is the fact that the Belgian Malinois is more tolerant to heat than the Belgian Tervuren. This is because of the fact that the Tervuren has a thick and double coat while the Malinois has a straight coat which is also resistant to weather. Because of this difference, the temperature around the Belgan Tervuren needs to be kept at check unlike the Malinois. 

In terms of personality and adaptability with owners and humans, there are small but important differences. While the Belgian Malinois is active in nature, the Tervuren is not. This is the reason, Malinois is the first choice when it comes to recruitment into the defence units. The Tervuren is a family dog. They love to be a part of a family, are affectionate and loyal to the members and are very protective of them.

Although the Malinois is also a family-friendly dog, it is much more independent in nature. Due to this personality trait, they might not be as affectionate as the Tervuren. However, the major difference between the two breeds is the tendency to roam. While the Malinois is well-known for its urge to be a wanderer, the Belgian Tervuren has very little wish to be one. This is the reason why a Malinois can escape from the house whereas a Tervuren has less chance of pulling off such a thing.

Belgian Malinois vs Belgian Tervuren : Verdict

Every dog has a personality of their own. Each dog is different in nature and personalities can differ a lot and with time, age and other factors. Although we have provided the basic characteristics and traits, it might not be the case in every Malinois and Tervuren that you come across. 

However, it is important to understand the fact that both of these breeds are big, intelligent, active and always looking for an adventure. They need a lot of care. Their nutrition needs are of utmost importance and they need to be trained in mental capabilities as well. None of these breeds should be left alone and you will need to dedicate a substantial amount of your time to them on a daily basis. Taking in a Malinois or a Tervuren will be a task and if you can’t live up to their expectations, it is possible that they will develop behavioral issues that can often go out of hand. 

All in all, both the breeds are wonderful companions and can be a pleasant member of the family. Although there are differences in certain personality traits, they are herding dogs and are quite similar.

wrapping up,

Dogs are man’s best friend. Having a dog in the family is a rewarding experience. Dogs can fill the house with positive energy with their vibrant personalities and cheerful nature. They are good companions for kids as well. Belgian Shepherd dogs might be high maintenance in nature, but living with them is a lovely experience. They make you feel protected, loved and also keep your waistline in check by getting you involved in their daily exercise sessions.

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German Shepherd Vs Belgian Tervuren

1. Origin

Belgian Tevuren is a Belgian Herding dog that is known for its elegance. Their intelligence, caring attitude and active lifestyle make them a good fit as pack leaders. But, this breed is not something so easy to train. So, when you want to bring a Belgian Tervuren home, you must be either adoting it from a rescue shelter, or you should have prior experience of owning a dog. These dogs tend to bring home upside down, if they are not properly trained or adjusted to apartment living. So, it is essential to give them the dose of exercises, activities and companionship, as Belgian Tervurens are not the dogs to be left alone to figure their day out. This breed was developed and recognized in late 1900s, so they are younger to German Shepherds by about a century as later started showing their presence in development centers near close to end of 1800s.

German Shepherds are one of the most loyal and eager-to-please dog breeds, that can take orders and comply with training instructions quite easily. They love to bring all family members together at one place and enjoy being near to their parent when he or she is at home. These are also very active and athletic species and may feel depressed if left alone indoors for longer periods. A caretaker is essential to maintain this breed at home, if you want to go out to work. The best trick is to wear them down by doing activities, playing ‘fetch the ball’ and walk them out in the mornings so that they spend the rest of the day quietly in their resting space. The dogs were used as military dogs due to their exceptionally dutiful nature and fierce loyalty, and entered the UK after the end of World War I, from Germany, which is their place of origin.

2. Physical characteristics

Belgian Tervuren comes under medium size puppies’ category. The Belgian Tervurens have characteristically thick and long coat and have a high shedding tendency. Their majestic looks make Tervurens a good competition to GSDs.

German Shepherds are mostly medium to big. Their thick, dense mane is quite similar to Belgian Tervurens. But, it is the color of the coat that helps distinguish these species.

Height and Weight: The Belgian Tervuren’s height may be anywhere between 21 to 26 inches, and may weigh 40 to 70 pounds in adulthood. It is a bit smaller than a German Shepherd but does not fall behind anywhere in attitude and demeanor. German Shepherd dogs are a bit bulkier than Belgian Tervuren with an average weight at the most mature stage is about 90 pounds. GSDs attain a height of up to 26 inches at full growth.

Coat: Both German Shepherd and Belgian Tervuren has a double coat, which is long and thick too. While the German Shepherd’s coat is usually black, black and tan, grey and tan or black and tan in color, Belgian Tervuren has rich fawn color to mahogany shaded coat, which has a layer of black coat atop.

3. Activity Level

Both Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd are highly active dog breeds. They look forward to games and other physical activities.

They are fast learners and have a keenness towards acquiring various skills. If the German Shepherd is popular as Military Dog, Belgian Tervuren is used widely as a police dog and a therapy dog. Both have distinct sense for smelling danger and are fiercely protective towards their families.

One typical habit of these dogs is that they display chasing tendencies. They try to shoo away suspicious people or sometimes, even fellow animals, by chasing them out. Therefore, the owners have to be extra vigilant while taking them out for a walk.

4. Overall health, vaccination needs and natural tendencies

Overall health:

The general health of both German Shepherd and Belgian Tervuren is fine. However, the common tendency of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia is there. So, while growing up, they require frequent evaluation of hip and elbow.

Belgian Tervuren is more prone to teeth infection than a GSD. Therefore, proper and regular teeth-cleaning for this dog is necessary. Secondly, this breed tends to become obese more easily. So, meal portions are to be strictly controlled. Also, they should be kept active, and given a proper exercise to avoid other obesity-related diseases.

Belgian Tervuren also shows more susceptibility to epilepsy. It is not that prominent in GSDs.

German Shepherds require minimal grooming and less attention when it comes to maintaining health as compared to Belgian Tervuren. Still, their tendency to bloat cannot be overlooked. GSD’s parents should know about abdominal swelling and probable causes of it, and check the dog for this condition.

Both dogs need vaccination for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

Natural Tendencies include:

• Shedding: Both GSD and Belgian Tervuren are frequent shedders. They shed heavily round the year. Therefore, one has to be particular about brushing their coat. When in the heat phase, the shedding is likely to increase in Belgian Tervureng. So, a quick brushing session of a minute or two daily is quite useful for this breed.

German Shepherd tends to shed more during the season change. So, at the start of fall and spring, you can find GSD shedding more than usual.

• Drooling: Both Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd exhibit exceptionally low drooling tendency. So, if all of a sudden, you notice them drooling, you might need to consult a vet to know the reason; it can be a sign of a health issue!.

• Attacking behavior: Belgian Tervuren dog is vigilant and aware of the slightest changes happening in their surroundings. But, they do not attack unless provoked. Socialization training helps these dogs to control attacking behavior. Similarly, German Shepherds do not attack by instinct. But, trainers train them to do so to extract some benefit from their dominant personality and utilize them as watchdogs.

• Destructive Nature: Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd show destructive tendencies when they are left to deal with boredom independently. Both breeds are loving, require companions, and do not adjust well to loneliness. They demonstrate destructive behavior like scratching furniture, tearing newspapers or rugs when they are left or locked alone in a room for long. They can behave nicely or may spend time resting when they are given a nice workout.

• Attitude towards family members, pets, and guests: Both Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd are caring and protective of their families. Despite the big size, they adjust well to apartments living as they enjoy being physically around their parent.

These dogs need socialization training to get along with fellow pets and behave nicely with the guests.

Vaccination Requirements:

German Shepherd vaccination chart looks something like this:

• parvovirus: 4-6 weeks
• parvovirus, distemper: 6-8 weeks
• DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza): 10-12 weeks
• DHPP, rabies: 16-18 weeks
• DHPP, rabies: 12-16 months

Vaccination chart of Belgian Tervuren

• Rabies: Annually, starting from 12 weeks
• DHPP: 6 weeks (if only parvo and distemper covered, DHPP combo starts 10-12 weeks)
• Canine Parainfluenza: 8-16 weeks

5. Food Requirements

Belgian Tervuren needs protein-rich foods. They get their protein requirement fulfilled from eggs, fish, meat homemade dog food, and commercially made dog food enriched with kibbles. A little amount of fat about 5-8% of the diet should be given to keep skin and hair shining. The Belgian Tervuren needs to be fed 4 times a day in the growing stage; and an adult requires feeding only twice. When fed properly, they tend to respond to commands readily.

Human foods safe for Belgian Tervuren are – apples, eggs, salmon, bread, watermelon de-seeded and cut into large pieces.

GSDs need 22% protein in their diet, which can be given to them in the form of liver or organ meat, grains, and certain fruits and vegetables. Some dog foods available in the market are designed to give the requisite amount of minerals and vitamins. Young GSDs require 3 meals a day, which can be reduced to 2 when they are fully mature.

Both dogs require water in between their eating time, else they may tend to drool. So, keep the water bowl ready while feeding them.

6. Apartment-friendliness

German Shepherds and Belgian Tervurens can be easily adjusted to apartment life, as they do not require a separate room or kennel. They love being near to the parent or family members and go in their assigned space only to sleep. Developing these behaviors in both of these dogs require training, else they may tend to become clingy.

• Companionship Needs: Both Belgian Tervuren and German Shepherd need a companion. They cannot be left alone indoors for long. They exhibit separation anxiety, tend to become depressed or destructive when left unattended or not given enough workout.
• Training Needs: Both German Shepherds and Belgian Tervuren are a little difficult to train because they have a stubborn attitude. Reinforced obedience training is the first step to lead them into learning more games, or take behavioral training. So, you must be an experienced dog parent if you have thought of bringing these dog breeds home.

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