The Belgian Sheepdog is the definition of a hard-working dog.
This herding dog is trainable and very intelligent.
It’s a breed that has been bred for hard work—but is also very sensitive, sociable, and has a temperament that fancies human company, making them the ideal family dog.
As a strong-willed and exquisite breed, the Belgian Sheepdog is commonly called “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” This is with good reason.
The Belgian Sheepdogs are particularly loyal dogs that strive to please their owners and are always ready for fun experiences.
As such, these amazing, athletic dogs will always deliver their all when participating in any sport or activity, especially when they have their human around.
Breed Overview
- Group: Herding
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: Males can weigh up to 55-75 pounds, while females can weigh up to 45-60 pounds
- Coat and color: Thick double-coat, mainly black color
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Characteristics
- Affection Level: High
- Friendliness: High
- Kid-Friendly: High
- Pet-Friendly: High
- Exercise needs: High
- Playfulness: High
- Energy level: High
- Trainability: High
- Intelligence: High
- Tendency to bark: Low
- Shedding: Medium
History
Belgium’s productive climate and terrain are ideal for dairy and livestock farming. Presently, the country is the world’s leading trader of milk chocolate, but the Belgian farmer’s major focus was cattle herding, which included breeding herding dogs.
There were once, in fact, eight unique varieties of shepherd dogs native to Belgians. It wasn’t until the 1890s that they gained official recognition and remained Belgian Sheepdog.
Also known as “the Chien de Berger Belge or the Groenendael,” Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois are identical anatomically but with distinctively different coats in color, texture, and length.
The Belgian Sheepdog can be characterized by its solid-black, long-haired variety among the four Belgian shepherd dogs that still exist today.
Back then, the dogs were named Groenendael by a man known as Nicolas Rose, a prolific breeder who managed a restaurant close to Brussels called “the Chateau Groenendael.” We could say Mr. Rose owned the foundation couple of what we now know as the Belgian Sheepdog breed.
The Belgian Sheepdog was classed in the Chien de Berger de Races Continentales, also known as the Continental Shepherds. This group also includes Briards, German Shepherds, Hollander Herders, Beauceron, and Bouviers.
Also, It was in the late 1800s that steps were taken to propagate a “Belgian” dog for nationalistic reasons, which led to the establishment of the “Club du Chien de Berger Belge,” or “Belgian Shepherd Club,” which finally paved the way for the development of the Belgian Sheepdog.
By the turn of the 20th century, Belgian Sheepdogs were well-known for their hard-working nature and versatility inside and outside their native region.
New York and Paris started relying on Belgian Sheepdogs as police and guard dogs in this era. Customs agents also adopted them on border patrols to help identify smugglers.
They also worked as messengers, ambulance dogs, and freighters of massive gunnery during World War I and as war dogs.
The “Belgian Sheepdog Club of America” was established in 1949, and the breed has since been known to do almost everything from working as guard dogs and search and rescue dogs to police and service dogs.
They also engage in competitions as show dogs. They are, of course, very loyal and loving family dogs.
Belgian Sheepdog Care
Caring for the Belgian Shepherd isn’t as hard as you might think. The double-later coat of these dogs doesn’t require much work to maintain.
Nonetheless, they would need thorough brushing to expel all loose hair from their coat once they start shedding heavily. This heavy shedding happens once every year, and extra attention is needed to remove dead hair.
As the year goes on, weekly brushing is enough, and they only need to be bathed periodically (unless they get dirty, like mud on their coat). It’s also important that their nails are trimmed regularly.
Since these are herding dogs, the Belgian Shepherd must get sufficient exercise daily. They don’t do well lying or lazying around the house all day, especially since their energy levels are high and they need some activities to thrive on.
It’s best if they get the attention of their owners when it’s time for exercise. This means leaving them alone to run around isn’t just enough.
They are not ideal for owners who are too busy or lack time. These are not the type of dogs you want to leave alone for too long, as they are likely to become destructive when bored. They’ve also been known to develop separation anxiety.
Belgian Sheepdog owners may also have to ensure a safe environment for their dogs, as these dogs are naturally hard-wired to go after sheep and rarely hesitate to chase after joggers, cyclists, animals, or even cars. So fenced-in yards and leashed walks are compulsory necessities for these dogs.
Exercises like jogging, running, and daily long strolls should be expected. Owners can also play fetch and other jumping exercises to stimulate their Belgian Shepherd mentally.
Surprisingly, the Belgian Shepherd is an ideal breed for special training and obedience competitions, especially since they are highly trainable.
Common health complications
The Belgian Sheepdog is a strong, robust breed that is generally very healthy. Some complications that may affect it include eye conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Some conditions that may affect this breed include eye issues like cataracts. Other health complications that may affect the dog are elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and some forms of cancer.
Should the need for surgery arise, owners should note that these dogs are generally sensitive to anesthesia. Their ears should be constantly checked for any signs of infection. They also require regular brushing of their teeth.
Diet and nutrition
The Belgian Sheepdog should perform well on high-quality dog food, either homemade or manufactured.
You can discuss the best dietary option for your dog with your vet. Ensure that clean, fresh water is provided for drinking and that regular visits to the veterinarian are made.
Pros
- Loyal
- Intelligent
- Hardworking
Cons
- Can become bored easily
- It needs plenty of exercises
- Prone to separation anxiety
Be sure to do enough research on the Belgian Sheepdog to help determine if the breed is right for you.
As stated earlier, this dog is demanding and requires plenty of exercise and attention.
You may have to visit a reputable breeder to adopt one of these Belgian sheepdogs. You could also visit local rescue groups for more information about the Belgian Shepherd.
You may be interested in reading about other similar dog breeds. With more research, you’ll find the right breed for you and your family!
- American Bulldog
- Havanese
- Bearded Collie