What are these dogs. Unfamiliar with the breed.
These are the greatest, most under-recognized dogs in "dogdome". I intend to keep it that way, so do not tell anyone except another Freeper, ok?
They are a shorter coat variety of Belgian Shepherds. Very protective of family and farm, not all that interested/friendly with strangers, bot not human aggressive, either.
They weigh about 50 to 55 lbs, are very loyal and affectionate, really want a "job" to do, and do not make good "yard dogs", as they like to be close to those they love and adore. They are way too smart for the usual "dog training classes", and get bored and fool around.
Best trained in 5 minute sessions, for once they "get it", they do indeed "get it". Police are turning to these, because they are healthier, smarter, have a work-ethic that won't quit, and they are much more agile than heavier GSDs (German Shepherd Dogs).
A little 45 lb. bitch took down a 285 lb. man in a "Schutzhund (?) Trial", beating out all the heavier GSDs. Her technique was a flying leap, with an all 4 paw "double punch" at just the right spot on his body to topple him over. None of the bigger dogs beat her.
Now, I have a male and a female. His job, self-defined, is to keep all varmints (crows, deer, rabbits, hawks, eagles, etc) away from the house and garden. He pins the female if she even dares step a toe into the yard when he senses danger.
In the house, it is a diiferent story all together. This is her domain, and she guards the space under our bed, which is where the "air-puppies" might just happen sometime. He has to wait for seconds when treats are being passed out, for she gets the "first-dibs" on house food.
He gets first-dibs on yard food, however. And will chase her back on the porch, where he figures all good wimmen ought ta be...
But, they are first and foremost totally attached to their humans, and do their level best to make sure we stay in-line, behave ourselves, feed them right, and make ourselves available for love-fests.
They are very considerate of making sure we have enough space in the family bed, too. They considerately move so we have just enough kicking and turning room, unlike some much smaller breeds I have known.
They do shed their undercoats a couple ot times a year, which is how Collies are made, according to internet rumors. I feed mine a B.A.R.F. diet, so have no troubles with all the ills most dog owners struggle with... and, unlike the hound group, they never tip-toe past ya to pee in the house when it is raining. They are brave about bad weather.