Health
Generally speaking the Belgian Shepherd is a relatively healthy and long lived breed. We are fortunate to be a comparatively rare breed and as a consequence there are few dedicated breeders who have worked hard to ensure the breed remains as healthy as possible. That said there are a number of conditions which Belgians can and do suffer from. There are one or two conditions which are more common than others and breeders are aware and are trying learn more about in an attempt to eradicate.
Because of the square and un-exaggerated structure of the Belgian Shepherd Dog, hip and elbow dysplasia are relatively rare in the breed. Great care must be taken not to over exercise a young puppy, with the exercise regime being gradually developed over the age of six months before that restricted exercise is advised. Breeders are advised to hip-score their dogs and the Belgian Shepherd has a relatively low mean score.
The Belgian Shepherd along with many other breeds can suffer from epilepsy, a disorder that causes mild or in some case severe seizures. Epilepsy can be hereditary; it can be triggered by metabolic disorders, infectious diseases , tumours, exposure to poisons, or severe head injuries; or it can be of unknown cause. Usually the condition can be largely controlled by careful management and drug therapy although it cannot be cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life with the proper management of this disorder.
In recent years stomach cancer has become more prevalent in many breeds and the Belgian Shepherd is no exception, although this is not common place breeders are becoming concerned that this is on the increase and we are monitoring the situation worldwide. If the condition occurs it is usually occurs later in life.
There are many other conditions which individual Belgian Shepherds along with all dogs can suffer from, and obviously, as with people illness does occur, unfortunately there are never any guarantees in life, however I stress relatively speaking Belgian Shepherds are a healthy breed and long lived breed.
Because of the square and un-exaggerated structure of the Belgian Shepherd Dog, hip and elbow dysplasia are relatively rare in the breed. Great care must be taken not to over exercise a young puppy, with the exercise regime being gradually developed over the age of six months before that restricted exercise is advised. Breeders are advised to hip-score their dogs and the Belgian Shepherd has a relatively low mean score.
The Belgian Shepherd along with many other breeds can suffer from epilepsy, a disorder that causes mild or in some case severe seizures. Epilepsy can be hereditary; it can be triggered by metabolic disorders, infectious diseases , tumours, exposure to poisons, or severe head injuries; or it can be of unknown cause. Usually the condition can be largely controlled by careful management and drug therapy although it cannot be cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life with the proper management of this disorder.
In recent years stomach cancer has become more prevalent in many breeds and the Belgian Shepherd is no exception, although this is not common place breeders are becoming concerned that this is on the increase and we are monitoring the situation worldwide. If the condition occurs it is usually occurs later in life.
There are many other conditions which individual Belgian Shepherds along with all dogs can suffer from, and obviously, as with people illness does occur, unfortunately there are never any guarantees in life, however I stress relatively speaking Belgian Shepherds are a healthy breed and long lived breed.
