Group: Herding

Weight: 60 – 75 pounds

Height: 22 – 26 inches

Life Expectancy: Around 13 – 14 years

Size of Litters: Average 6 - 10 puppies



History

The Belgian Sheepdog is one of four distinct shepherd breeds hailing from Belgium. This particular breed is usually referred to as the Groenendael worldwide in order to distinguish it from the other three Belgian Shepherds, which are the Tervuren, the Malinios and the Laekenois. Groenendael is the name of the village in Belgium where a breeder named Nicholas Rose first developed the Belgian Sheepdog. This hard working, intelligent dog has been used for herding, military and police work, for specialized schutzhund training, as a guard dog and as a beloved family companion for many years. The Belgian Sheepdog gained AKC recognition in the United States in 1959.

Characteristics

With its foundation stock consisting of two jet-black sheepdogs, today’s Belgian Sheepdog keeps its ebony coloring. Occasionally, small patches of white may be found on the chest, chin or feet. The coat is very full and dense, and of a medium length. This is a double-coated dog, so a thick undercoat is present beneath the longer guard hairs. The Belgian Sheepdog’s ears are pointy and it has a beautiful feathered tail.

Temperament

Bred to work long hours with its herds, the Belgian Sheepdog has a very serious work ethic. It is the most popular of the four Belgian herding breeds. This dog tends to be extremely protective, so extensive socialization is an absolute must, beginning at an early age. Belgian Sheepdogs that have been exposed to a variety of social settings and circumstances as pups will be less likely to become excessively shy. This is a sensitive breed and does not like to be left alone. It longs to be part of the family and thrives with loving care and attention. The Belgian Sheepdog gets along nicely with children if properly socialized.

Care

The biggest concern with the Belgian Sheepdog’s lush black coat is shedding. While shedding occurs year-round, this breed is also considered a seasonal shedder. This means it will shed profusely about twice a year. During these heavy shedding periods, daily brushing is mandatory to remove excess hair. It is not uncommon for huge amounts of undercoat to come out during this time. The Belgian Sheepdog should be brushed frequently during other parts of the year in order to avoid matting. Mats on this breed most often form in the thick ruff of hair around the neck and on the legs. Matting can become painful for a dog if knots form too close to the skin, so it should be avoided as much as possible. For more detailed info, take a look at the Belgian Sheepdog Grooming page.

Training

The Belgian Sheepdog excels at all types of obedience training, but it is a demanding breed. If not properly trained, this dog can be difficult to control. An experienced handler with a firm, but kind, hand will do well with the Belgian Sheepdog. This breed will not tolerate harsh training methods and will shut down if treated cruelly. It tends to be a one or two-person dog, forming a very close bond with its favorites. With its sharp intelligence and desire to work, the Belgian Sheepdog excels at competitive obedience.

Get fast answers at our new 100% free dog forum, expert advice 24/7.

Click here to open or close our feedback form