Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix

The Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael and the Rat Terrier. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly trainable herder. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael or the Rat Terrier? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix puppies for sale.

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Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael History

With his closest relatives’ names being Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren, shouldn’t the simple moniker “Belgian Sheepdog” give this guy an inferiority complex? He’s not concerned. He’s a gorgeous, fun-loving fellow with the typical Shepherd passion for athletic activities; herding, obedience, tracking, agility, protection, rescue, and military/police service are all possible pursuits for him. He’s also been called the Belgian Shepherd and the Chien de Berger Belge — so, he does have a fancy French name after all! The Belgian Sheepdog emerged in the late 19th century and quickly showed the talent, endurance, and speed necessary for herding sheep, plus a long graceful coat to keep warm.

Like the Laekenois, he served in both world wars as a messenger dog. The North Wales Police have trained several of the Belgian shepherd breeds to knock down criminals with their heads. The surprised perpetrator seldom knows what’s hit him. But these dog’s need not only physical but also mental exercise, so they enjoy learning new things. Head-butting is a natural behavior for the Belgian Sheepdog, and he’s happy to have a task that puts that to use.

Public interest in the Shepherd breeds grew throughout the 20th century. In the show ring, all the Shepherd varieties were registered with the AKC and shown as a single breed until 1959, when the AKC recognized the variances in their color, conformation and origin, and gave each dog a separate category in their list of breeds.

Rat Terrier History

This is an American bred dog bred to be a working dog. Being that they are so small, they were bred to act as a hunter and a farm dog to hunt pests like rats and other vermin. They needed them to be fast and able to catch animals as quick as rabbits. Today the Rat Terrier is a stubborn but intelligent dog who is wary of strangers. While they will be good with a family even if not properly socialized they may be aggressive to other pets and strangers. They have a lot of courage and are very good at detecting the mood you are in. They want to please and are affectionate but he needs a lot of exercise or he can become poorly behaved.

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix Size and Weight

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael
Height: 23 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 40 - 75 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years

Rat Terrier
Height: 10 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 10 - 24 lb.
Lifespan: 15 - 18 years

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix Personality

The Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael and the Rat Terrier might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael mixed with the Rat Terrier might be prone to joint dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, cancer, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Rat Terrier Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in