45-85 lbs
18-32"
Unknown
The Native American Shepherd is a hybrid of the Native American Indian Dog and the Belgium Shepherd Mix; as such, the Native American Shepherd will inherit traits from both parent breeds. The Native American Indian Dog can weigh anywhere between 40 and 100 pounds and stand between 18 and 32 inches tall. Typically, a dog of this breed will be very loyal and have a strong attachment to his family. The Belgian Shepherd has an average weight of between 40 and 60 pounds along with a height between 22 and 24 inches. A dog of the breed will likely be gentle and friendly, doing well with small children. Owners of the Native American Shepherd say he is a faithful canine, ever ready to be at your side.
The Native American Shepherd is a relatively new hybrid, though the two breeds that make the hybrid have long histories. One of the few remaining North American dogs lived thousands of years ago as helpmates of the original American people. During these times, some of the dogs remained close to settlements of people while others stayed in packs away from the camps, preferring to live on their own. The dogs were a great help to humans, particularly before the 16th century and the introduction of horses by the Spaniards, as they worked to protect the settlement, to pull carts, and transport heavy packs. Over the years, the domesticated canines were bred with dogs that came to the United States from Europe. A very small group of native dogs stayed in the Savannah River area of South Carolina and this breed is now registered with the Native American Indian Dog Registry. It is believed that two breeds blended to develop the Belgian Shepherd; the Picard d’Uccle, from the Belgian Malinois family and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from the Hound family. In 1893, the Belgian Shepherd was named after the estate of its original breeder, Nicholas Rose. The estate, called the Chateau Groenendael, was located outside of Brussels. As the name Groenendael was challenging to remember, the breed became better none as the Belgian Shepherd or Belgian Sheepdog. Originally, the dogs were used to herd sheep in the countryside of Belgium and are found to be both smart and athletic.
There is not much information available about the appearance of the Native American Shepherd, though we can consider the hybrid’s parent breeds to get an idea of the traits their offspring can inherit. The Native American Indian Dog has a wolf-like appearance, with a long, thin muzzle and an athletic build. A dog of the breed can be silver to black and solid through tortoiseshell in pattern. The tail of the Native American Indian Dog can be curled or long with a small kink at the end. The Belgium Shepherd is a large dog that will have a double coat; the top will be rough and the undercoat will be soft and offer protection from the weather. A dog of the breed will have a lot of long hair around his neck, particularly in male dogs. His tail will be long and heavy. Your Native American Shepherd will be a gorgeous mix of his parents, with a lustrous coat and intuitive dark eyes that follow you everywhere.
There is not much information available regarding the maintenance of the Native American Shepherd, though we can look at the breeds that make up the hybrid to get an understanding of the maintenance requirements. While the Native American Indian Dog has a fluffy coat, he will not need much maintenance. You should anticipate weekly brushing, with the exception of during times of heavier shedding when he will require more frequent brushing. The Native American Indian Dog will only need a bath when particularly dirty. The Belgian Shepherd does require more effort to maintain. His double coat is long and without regular brushing will shed a significant amount. You can anticipate that your Native American Shepherd will have a heavy shed several times a year, usually with the change of seasons. During these times, it is helpful to give him a warm bath, which will help to loosen his hair follicles and then give him a thorough brushing. This will help to keep his fur healthy and minimize his fur tangling and shedding. Tartar buildup is common for the Belgian Shepherd parent, meaning that regular teeth brushing (at least several times a week) is a must for your Native American Shepherd's long-term dental health.
While not much information is available about the Native American Shepherd’s temperament, you can look at the temperament of the hybrid’s parent breeds to determine what you may see in your Native American Shepherd. The Native American Indian Dog is an intelligent dog who will be loving and loyal toward his humans. The breed is typically playful and eager to please and while he may be standoffish around strangers, he will not show aggression. The Native American Indian Dog gets along well with children and other animals. The Belgian Shepherd is typically a friendly and gentle dog who will do well around small children. As the breed does descend in part from the hound dog, if bringing smaller animals into your home it is recommended you do so when your Belgian Shepherd is young. Your Native American Shepherd will be very perceptive, friendly, energetic and usually easy to train as he loves to feel useful.
The Native American Indian Dog requires a moderate amount of exercise, to include several walks each day. A medium to large fenced-in yard will give him space to roam, run and play, which will help him burn energy. The Belgian Shepherd has a very high level of energy and will require a lot of activity, without which he may develop poor behavior. Your Native American Shepherd will require at least one hour of mental and physical stimulation each day, (and will be happy with more) which can include walks, runs, play with his humans, training for competitions, help with work, training and trips to the dog park.
Written by a Australian Shepherd lover Ilyssa Bozza
Published: 11/09/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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