Belgian Shepherds
Breed Description - see AKC for detailed standard
In 1911, the first shorthaired Belgian Shepherds (Belgian Blackie and Belgian Mouche) were registered with the AKC.
The Belgian Malinois is one of four types of Belgian sheep herding dogs registered in Belgium and France as the Chien de Berger Belge. The other varieties are the Tervuren (longhaired fawn), Groenendael (longhaired black) and Laekenois (wirehaired).
Photo - Unidentified Laekenois at dog show
Breed problems can be both inherited or diseases and disorders seen frequently in a breed and mode of inheritance unknown. Both are listed.
Breed problemsThere have been reports of muscular dystrophy in Belgian Groenendaeler shepherds, as an inherited disorder.
Belgian Sheepdog:
Cataract
Epilepsy
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Muscular dystrophy: a congenital and often inherited form of generalized muscle dysfunction which causes signs such as poor growth, weakness, abnormal gait, dificulty eating and swallowing, and muscle atrophy. Affected animals have serious health problems and may die or be euthanized. Inheritance is sex-linked in Golden retrievers, Irish terriers, Samoyeds, and Belgian shepherds.
Panosteitis
Progressive retinal atrophy:
Retinal detachment:
Retinal dysplasia
Belgian Tervuren:
Cataract
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis dissecans
Osteochondrosis
Panosteitis
Physiologic leukopenia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Questions and AnswersRetinal folds and PPM's in Belgian's
Question: I just heard about retinal folds and PPM's being present in some belgian
pups. Marked weight loss in the mother was present during early pregnancy.
I'm unfamiliar with both retinal folds and PPM's. Please discuss retinal
folds & PPM's as they might relate to maturation. Also please give info on
the heritability of these conditions in respect to Belgians as a breed.
Thanks.Cordially,
KarenAnswer: Karen-
I am not sure if you are referring to retinal dysplasia when referring to
retinal folds as a problem.. I
do not know the situation in Belgians.This condition can also be acquired as an injury or due to viral
infections, toxins and nutritional disorders (probably a rare cause).If I run across anything specific to Belgians, I will try to remember to
post it online.Mike Richards, DVM
6/4/2000
This page was last edited 04/29/08
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All medical information on this page is authored by
Dr Michael Richards, DVM
Opinions expressed are those of Dr. Richards
Breed information and descriptions were researched and authored by Michal Justis.Opinions are those of Dr Michal Richards or Ms. Justis
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