Belgian Sheepdog
Elegant and proud, the Belgian Sheepdog is strong, but not bulky. During WWI, Belgian Sheepdogs distinguished themselves on the battlefields, serving as message carriers, ambulance dogs, and even pulling machine guns. It is no wonder that today this breed performs well in sports like obedience, herding, and tracking. They are also excellent workers, and work as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs. This breed is completely black, or may be black with white, although there are limitations to their white markings.
Grooming
Bathing your Belgian Sheepdog: The Belgian Sheepdog has a dense undercoat with a long outer guard coat to protect it from the elements. It has two distinct shedding cycles; spring and fall. We recommend our Simple Shed Shampoo, which has oat proteins to help loosen the undercoat. Follow that up with our Simple Shed Treatment. After the Simple Shed Treatment is worked into the fur, use an undercoat rake and brush through the coat while the Simple Shed Treatment is still present. This will pull out the undercoat and help prevent drain clogs when bathing in a tub. If you are bathing your dog outside, it will release the coat and dramatically cut down on brush out time.
If you notice that the undercoat is matted on the hind end of the dog, then work in some Aloe Silk Hair Restore or spray with Quick Finish Styling Spray. This routine will help prevent hot spots and skin irritations. Between shedding cycles, shampooing may be needed since this breed loves water and could easily get muddy. Dark Coat Aloe Herb Oil Shampoo will enhance the beautiful black coat, as well as help repel fleas and ticks while it is outdoors.
Between Bath Coat Care:
During the dry winter months, or in generally dry climates, use Aloe Hydrating Spray to keep the skin and coat feeling moisturized and soft. For a quick bath in between regular “full baths”, use Oatmeal Baking Soda Waterless Bath. Simply spray on and wipe with a towel for a speedy cleaning. For a great combination of fragrance and conditioning, use one of Espree’ s fragrant leave-in conditioning colognes. Match the shampoo fragrance to the cologne for a great smelling dog.
Ears:
For monthly ear cleaning, use Espree Ear Care. If weekly care is needed for an existing chronic ear condition, use Espree Ear Care Aloe Wipes. This routine will help keep any ear problems at bay. Remember, never clean further than you can see inside the ear.
Eyes:
Opti-Soothe Eye Wash can be used to help flush foreign matter, such as leftover shampoo, as well as help rinse common eye allergens while soothing any irritation. Check the eyes every time your pet comes in from playing outside and look for foreign objects to wash out.
Common Problems
Coat and Skin: Hot spots are a common problem for this breed, especially during the summer. To prevent hot spots, you must remove the dead undercoat, so the air can get down to the skin. If moisture is trapped in the coat, hot spots are possible. Hot Spot Foam is a very effective treatment for this condition.
Fleas and ticks are also a common issue for these athletic and active dogs. Our Flea and Tick Shampoo is fantastic and loved by groomers, while the Flea and Tick Pet Spray keeps them away for up to twelve days. There is also the Flea and Tick Repellent Wipes for convenience between baths and before outdoor activities.
Skin abrasions and bug bites can occur while your dog is running and exploring outside. Keep 3 in 1 Healing Cream and Bug Bite Relief on hand for when those accidents happen.
Belgian Sheepdogs are prone to thyroid problems. If excess dandruff or flakes are prominent, use Dead Sea Mineral Mud Bath to exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Dermatitis during the shedding season also occurs with this breed. If you see any symptoms, our Luxury Tar and Sulpha Shampoo will help to ease the symptoms.
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