Oh wow, I didn't know that being fixed changes it! Do you know why that happens?
So they'll pause to assess the situation instead of just go go go?
Oh hecc ok, I was hoping they were bigger lol
Do you think that that is because of regular breed variation, or other factors like poor breeding and/or poor socialization?
Towards just the same breed, or all?
Have you ever had more than one dog at a time with them? How do they react to introducing a new dog or puppy?
So they're not absolutely insane, but are definitely working dogs?
1) I think it's just the change in hormones affects the coat? I'm really not sure about the science tbh.
2) The impulse thing kinda depends on age, situation, and individual. Generally speaking they're thinkers, but there are certainly situations where thought goes out the window, I mean they are dogs lol. As an example my current dog, Gracie, is very methodical when she does searches for nosework. She's been like that since I started her at 9 months. On the other hand she can be a brat doing agility, because I'm not going fast enough in her opinion.
3) Yep not big, it always surprises people. Gracie is 50lbs and 23.5 in at the withers, so she's as tall as is allowed for a female. Most girls are like 40lbs or so. The boys can get up to 75lbs. This is assuming everyone is trim and fit lol.
5) I think bad temperaments are just in the gene pool tbh. Belgians are a sensitive herding breed, and I just don't think it takes much to give them that push into a nervy, unstable dog. That can come from unfortunate recessive genes getting matched up and/or bad experiences during fear periods that members of other breeds (like Labs and Goldens) can just shake off. When you're breeding dogs who are meant to be super handler aware, aware of their environment, aware of their livestock charges, and guard a farm it isn't too hard to end up with a dog who can't handle modern suburban society.
6) They can be jerks towards all dogs. Most commonly it is just being grumbly and growly, but there are individuals who just can't be around other dogs. I've lived with multiple Tervs. They can be very jealous with each other, and there can be posturing, but I've never had to deal with a dog fight or anything. When I got Gracie, my old girl Jenny definitely had the attitude of "what did you just bring home, please take it back." But, she handled it well. We did end up separating them when it came to training and playing. They wanted to stick their noses in each others' training sessions and playtime, which led to snarling and such things.
7) Perfect way of putting it! They would be great working on a farm all day, or in my case doing long hikes and backpacking! They love having a job and learning new things. They're very hardy, Jenny was hiking in the Cascades with me over all kinds of rocky ground when she was 11!
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