we had a very large rottie/pit mix that developed grand mal seizures unknown etiology at age 7,and 2 times coming out of a seizure he didn’t recognise his family and was very aggressive- growling and circling for a few minutes and our other dog was some form of long haired black belgian (can’t remember the correct name) got protective and there was the possibility of a disaster—now the belgian was also with a temperment problem outside of immediate family,had a “justifiable bite” on the record and unfortunately had to be euthanized due to liver failure,(we don’t know how he got this either) and the mixed breed continued to have his seizures despite many drugs and blood works and maintaining serum levels but was also getting domineering at times and out of place thinking he was the boss.
He had to be euthanised at age 11 due to going in and out of seizures nonstop one night/into the morning.
Let me tell you I was always thinking of what would happen if that dog “lost it” as whatever genetics he was,the muscle tone, energy, strength,teeth and fur were like that of a 2 year old.
both guys were picked up from the street literally at about 5-6 months of age a couple of weeks apart and no one was searching for them.
guess they found us.
That would be a Belgian Groenendael, or Sheepdog as they're called in the States. I currently have two and have owned a total of three in my life. Wonderful dogs. Very smart, and extremely loyal and protective. They are dogs who need mental stimulation, physical work and a strong owner who can work with willful dogs.
Mine are just a joy, love people and most other dogs. But if you even think of harming me, they know it. And will protect. I witnessed it first hand, and it was quite a shock. But was very glad to see it.
In a multi-dog home, it can be difficult to tell the difference between dog aggression and resource guarding. Dogs will resource guard the things that are most valuable to them. It can be a toy, a bed, or even a person. My boy resources guards me, meaning, if I am petting him, he will growl and not let other dogs near me. Of course, I know this, and manage the behavior with positive reinforcement. And he's doing great. My girl will resource me if we sit on the sofa- she will not let my boy in that spot unless she gets up. It's really quite interesting to see their interaction and how they work things out.
And because I've paid close attention to their behavior patterns, its easier to predict behavior in new or high stress situations.