Softness is definatly a problem in Belgians these days... Wouldn't be such an issue if it didn't compromise the working ability. Jagaur is our softest dog, but being bred into these lines it is probably a good thing. Very high drive lines known for hard temperaments.I am still learning about the difference in temperment from what I am used to. I am so used to "hard" rottweilers that this "soft" dog has me looking for alternative methods of dealing with different issues. While I wouldn't think twice about grabbing my rottie girl if she had a little dog in her mouth, any physical correction on this dog shuts him down.
I hate how Belgian temperaments are not what they used to be. I am unhappy that I will never be able to breed into typey lines as I fear temperament and health problems too much. My dogs will still win, but they will have coarser heads and bigger ears, so they won't win as much as the pencil-nosed dogs with tiny ears will. Standing for a judge is more important to me than looking nice for a judge. At the end of the day you have to ask yourself which of these dogs would be able to perform their original task, and if my dog is less than typey, so be it. I'm buying semen from a male in France who is incredibly non-show quality...but the temperaments and controlled drive he produces are amazing. Much more important to me at this point.
Don't worry about thread hi-jacking, I talk about Belgians whenever I can.lol.
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Visa has her HIC too -- she loves those sheepies, but I think secretly she would love to eat them lol.
Originally Posted by binka_nugget
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