Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois was developed as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog about one hundred years ago. The Belgian Shepherd Dog
breed was established out of a desire to standardize the local herding dogs of Belgium. The Malinois variety was named after the town
of Malinois where in 1898 a club was founded for the improvement of the shorthaired Belgian Shepherd Dog. The Club emphasized the
Malinois’ character and intelligence, which made him a valuable utility dog. The Malinois was developed not only for beauty but also
for talent as a working dog. Although excelling as a herding dog, the Malinois, along with the other Belgian breeds, has a very
protective nature and high prey drive. They are very tenacious and have a drive that never tires. Those characteristics are what make
the Malinois so desirable as a Search and Rescue, Police or Military dog.
German Shepherd
In Germany, in 1891, a group of enthusiasts formed the Phylax Society with the aim of fostering and standardizing native German
breeds. The society was short-lived and in 1894 it was disbanded, but it had sown the seeds from which the German Shepherd was to
emerge. These very qualities made the German Shepherd such an exceptional sheepdog made it an excellent choice for other governmental
uses. During World War I it was seen as a messenger dog, rescue dog, sentry dog, and personal guard dog. Servicemen from the USA, UK,
and the Commonwealth would see first hand the dog’s bravery, intelligence, and steadfastness, and many stories were taken back home.
Not surprisingly, a number of dogs were acquired by servicemen and transported home with them. The first impression of a good German
Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well-muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development
of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than
angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness.
Without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility--difficult to define,
but unmistakable when present.
Dutch Shepherd.
The Dutch Shepherd, native to Holland, was originally a sheepdog, and was also used by Dutch farmers as a general-purpose farm
dog. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-proportioned, well-muscled dog, with a powerful, well-balanced structure, an
intelligent expression and a lively temperament. He is alert, devoted to his owner, obedient, and eager to please and oblige.
He is a good guardian, is very faithful and reliable, undemanding, with plenty of stamina, is vigilant, active and is gifted with
a typical shepherd temperament. He may be somewhat reserved and should be well socialized. The breed is very similar in coat types
and physical characteristics, except for color, to the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Height range for males is from 22-1/2 to 24-1/2 inches.
Height range for females is from 21-1/2 to 23-1/2 inches.
Bloodhounds
The name “Bloodhound” is derived from the expression “blooded hound”, meaning a hound of pure breeding. Large, long-eared hounds
of notable scenting ability were found and written about in most of the Mediterranean countries before the Christian era. The
Bloodhound developed distinctive strains early in his history as a breed. The most famous of these were the St. Hubert hounds,
established in the 7th Century A.D. in Ardennes, France. It was not until the 16th Century that the Bloodhound was used extensively
to hunt man, especially poachers and sheep thieves in England. Their “testimony” was regarded so highly that they were given the
legal right to follow the track anywhere, including into homes. The large amount of slobber they produce contributes to their
amazing scenting ability. Generally Bloodhounds are very good-natured and love children, but they are not popular as pets because
of their slobber and the large amount of exercise they require.
