Belgian Shepherd Dog

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An intelligent and alert and attentive dog, the Belgian Shepherd originally was bred for his herding ability and was fairly common throughout most of Europe. Originally a mixture of types, colours and coat lengths, the breed gradually developed into four main types which are named after the districts to which they were native.

The Groenendael is perhaps the most commonly known of the four varieties. His colour is always black, with a small patch or strip of white allowed on the chest and the tips of the toes. His coat is of medium harshness, long, straight and abundant on the body, with shorter hair on the head, outside of ears and lower part of the legs. The hair is especially long and abundant on the neck forming a ruff, particularly in the males.

The Tervueren is identical in conformation and coat to the Groenendael, the difference being in colour. All shades of red, fawn, grey with a black overlay are allowed. A black mask on the face extending to the eyes and black ears make the Tervueren a striking dog.

The Malinois is identical in conformation and colouring to the Tervueren but has a short, thick coat.

The Laekenois is identical in conformation to the other three breeds but is a reddish fawn colour with a black overlay and a harsh, wiry coat.

During World War I, thousands of Belgian Shepherds were trained as messengers and many lost their lives. Today the Belgian Shepherd Dogs are used for police work in Europe.

A highly trainable dog, the Belgian Shepherd excels at obedience work and makes a loyal family companion. Socialisation must begin at an early age and his protective instincts make it necessary to supervise him with visitors or visiting children

Ideal height: Dogs 62cm
Bitches 58cm
Weight 30- 36kg

Bedlington Terrier

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Taking his name from the mining shire in the Country of Northumberland in England, the Bedlington Terrier was originally used by the miners and gypsies for hunting badger, foxes and other vermin, but with time his attractive appearance saw him become a pet of the elite.

A good tempered and affectionate graceful, lithe and muscular dog with a mild and gentle expression when in repose, the lamb-like appearance belies the courage and fighting spirit of this breed and its jealous nature will see it fight to the death should it feel its place in the owner's affections is being usurped by another dog, and for this reason it is not recommended that it be kept in a home with another dog of the same sex. However, with people, the Bedlington Terrier is affectionate, responsive to training and suitable for most age groups.

The coat of the Bedlington Terrier is very distinctive - thick and linty, standing away from the skin with a tendency to twist. The Bedlington is a non-shedding breed and as with the Poodle, his coat does need trimming to keep him comfortable and the cost of professional grooming should be taken into consideration.

Ideal height: approx 41cm
Weight: 8.2 -10.4kg

Bearded Collie

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The Bearded Collie, or "Beardie" as he is popularly known, is one of Britain's oldest breeds. He originally came to prominence in Peebleshire, in Scotland, where he was highly prized for his sheep-herding and cattle-droving ability. A lean, active dog whose job required a hardy constitution, intelligence, initiative, strength, stamina and speed, it remains to this day a very natural and unspoiled breed.

His long, flat, protective coat, which is such a feature of the breed, can be slate grey, reddish fawn, black, blue or any shade of grey, and brown and sandy, either with or without white markings. Like all long-coated breeds, it requires regular grooming

The Bearded Collie is nowadays primarily a much loved companion and pet, however, we must not forget his working heritage, and should ensure that he has ample opportunity for good, hard exercise. Alert, lively and self-confident, he enjoys an active lifestyle. He delights in being included in family activities, and likes nothing better than a romp with the kids. Devoted to his owner and with a great desire to please, the Bearded Collie revels in feeling that he has a job to do in life.

Ideal height: Dogs 53 to 56 cm
Bitches 51-53 cm
Weight 19 - 25 kg.

Beagle

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The popular Beagle is a small, pack oriented hunting hound. Although his natural instinct is to hunt, he is highly adaptable and adjusts happily to a suburban backyard, as long as he has regular exercise to keep him fit while providing him with a change of scene and scent, and company - either human or another dog.

Friendly, playful and eager to please, the Beagle can be wilful. Possessed of great stamina, determination and a definite mind of his own, this picturesque and personality-plus little hound has a tendency to roam. He requires a well fenced yard and firm, patient handling.

The Beagle is lively, active and extremely intelligent, making a devoted friend and companion. Hardy and resilient, he can be happily kept as either a house or a kennel dog. His short, dense, weatherproof coat which comes in attractive colourings, requires very little grooming. He tends to keep himself extremely clean.

Good-natured and steady in temperament, the Beagle has an engaging demeanour which endears him to children and adults alike. A handy size for almost all households, with a handsome appearance and musical voice, the Beagle has something to offer just about everyone.

Ideal height 33-40cm
Weight 12-14kg