AgileGSD
Posted : 7/28/2010 8:21:41 AM
miranadobe
mrv - I know this was originally
about Dobes vs GSDs, but since you brought up Belgian breeds... I went
to a Belgian Shep event this weekend and even in this collection I
continued to see what I've seen at many other dog events. Tervs and
others (Belgian Sheepdogs) who were great in practice, then put them
under "pressure" in the ring and they lost their edge. They seemed
nervous, more concerned with the surroundings, lost focus on the
handler, slowed down everything while they appeared to go to their "safe
place" mentally. While not completely shut down, they were shall we
say "introspective" once they were in the ring. Nervous, careful, slow
to respond, looking all around the venue, etc. I've never seen a
Malinois do that...
Is this to be expected? Is it just coincidence? They all seem so
sweet, but what an average person might describe as nervous and
scared. Sadly, I have yet to meet a confident, outgoing Terv. Again,
the Malinois I've experienced are sooo not like this. I thought the
two are related and differ mostly by coat? How can temperament be so
seemingly diff?
If you knew where these dogs were from I'd be interested to know (PM of course).
I have seen Belgians of all four varieties who have issues with
weak nerves and/or being overly sensitive, some extremely so. It is not
correct and should not be expected or accepted with them but I can't say
that it is uncommon to see either.
I have black Belgians and
have for 16+ years now. My own personal dogs have all been pretty good.
One is too sensitive and gives up too quickly with things that she
isn't motivated enough to do. IMO with her it's a drive/biddability
issue - these dogs should above all else be willing workers, regardless
of how they feel. But out of 6 Belgians, she is the only one I have had such issues with. I'd like my oldest girl to be a bit less independent
but soundness wise she really is bombproof. My boy dog is everything a
Belgian should be - devoted, biddable, drivey, confident and extremely
willing. The daughter I have out of him and the oldest girl has an
outstanding temperament as well. My new puppy has not competed yetin anything but conformation but she is a really nice worker and out of lines which produce very successful performance dogs (as well as good show dogs). Good Belgians of all flavors are out
there :)
There are breeders who are only breeding for show
(conformation) dogs in all varieties of Belgians. There are
breeders who are only involved in show and only ever have been, which
makes it unlikely they will select for biddability,
soundness and specific temperament traits. I know some
breeders are pretty open about preferring to soft temperaments and low
drive because those dogs are easier to keep. If you get a dog from a breeder who selects either purposefully or by default for low drive and soft temperament you probably won't get a stellar performance dog. If you get a puppy out of a dog with a nervous, weird temperament from a line of dogs with nervous, weird temperaments you probably will get a nervous, weird dog (yet for a some reason I see people who seem to feel otherwise). That isn't to say these breeders are the majority or are representative of the whole community. But they are out there and their dogs are out there. This issue is not a problem just with Belgians though, it is a
problem in many, many breeds.
And some people just plain don't do with with the breed. They are different and not for everyone. They are quirky, obsessive, clever, quick thinkers, quick to take action and not always real forgiving of training mistakes. Plenty of people do very well with Belgians of all varieties and plenty of people don't. Sometimes it's the dog, sometimes it's the owner and sometimes it is a bit of both. Without a doubt though, there are nice Belgians out there of all varieties.
The Belgian breeds are one breed with four varieties everywhere but the US and even here, many dogs are imported and have other varieties in their pedigrees. But like any other breed, there are differences in lines and in individuals.