Belgian Sheepdog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Belgian Sheepdog?

The Belgian Sheepdog dog breed originated in Belgium towards the end of the 19th century, and the breed is one of the four types of Belgian Shepherd Dogs. The other three varieties of Belgian shepherds are the Tervuren, Malinois, and Laekenois, and all four were originally used as herding dogs.

In 1891, Shepherd dog enthusiasts created the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club, or the Club du Chien de Berger Belge, to classify the different varieties based on the regions of Belgium that they were from.

From 1893 onwards the Belgian Sheepdog started to be bred and standardized by a breeder named Nicolas Rose at his estate Chateau Groenendael, and from this point, the breed was also known by the name Groenendael.

Due to their intelligence and versatility, Belgian Sheepdogs were used as police dogs and even as war dogs, carrying messages during both World Wars.

In 1919, as their popularity was growing in the United States, the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed and they have remained popular ever since.

Who are Belgian Sheepdog dogs best for?

This breed was bred to work, originally as a herding dog, and they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. For this reason, they're best suited to owners and families who can spare a good amount of time each day for long walks and other activities to keep them engaged.

Although they can be wary of strangers, they're incredibly devoted to the people close to them and so they do best in families that can give them lots of attention and devotion in return.

They don't like being left alone so are not well suited to single people who will be away from home for long periods.

How much grooming does a Belgian Sheepdog need?

Belgian Sheepdogs are a double-coated breed with a hard outer coat and dense undercoat. They're fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming and they only need to be brushed once a week. They only need to be bathed when they get dirty and their nails need a regular trim.

For most of the year, their coat is quite low-shedding but they do go through an annual shed where they will lose a lot of hair in a short period. During this time they need to be brushed daily to try and reduce the amount of dog hair they leave around the house.

Do Belgian Sheepdog bark much?

The Belgian Sheepdog is not known for being a vocal breed and does not have much of a tendency to bark. They're reserved and quiet around strangers and get on well with other dogs, so don't usually yap or howl when they encounter them.

If you notice that your Belgian Sheepdog is barking more than usual it could be a sign that they aren't getting enough exercise. Belgian Sheepdogs require at least two hours of vigorous activity a day, and if they don't get this it can lead to boredom and unwanted behaviour like barking.

Do Belgian Sheepdog bite?

Belgian Sheepdogs are really friendly dogs and have a very low tendency to bite. Like most other dog breeds, Belgian Sheepdog puppies will nip and play-bite but with good training and early socialisation, this should cease as they grow into adult dogs.

What is the temperament & personality of a Belgian Sheepdog?

As one of the Belgian herding breeds, the Belgian Sheepdog is full of energy, curiosity, and intelligence and needs to be provided with lots of engaging activities and mental stimulation.

The breed craves human companionship and is very protective of their owners, and they love nothing more than spending time with their families.

Due to their eagerness to please and high-energy levels, they're also well-suited for participation in obedience competitions, dog shows, and other dog sports.

What is the weight & size of a Belgian Sheepdog?

Belgian Sheepdogs are a medium-sized breed but the males tend to be a bit larger than the females. Their weight can range from 20 kg to 34 kg and their height is usually between 55 cm and 66 cm.

How much training does a Belgian Sheepdog need?

This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please its owners which means they're pretty easy and fun to train. They can be prone to excessive shyness around strangers so early socialization is vital to make sure your pooch feels comfortable around other people.

They respond best to training sessions that are engaging and entertaining, and that involve rewards and positive reinforcement. Enrolling them in puppy training classes can also be beneficial to help socialize them around other dogs.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Belgian Sheepdog?

The Belgian Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed but like all other dogs they are susceptible to certain health issues, such as:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - a condition where the photoreceptor cells in the dog's eye gradually deteriorate over time. This can eventually result in partial or full blindness.

• Hip Dysplasia - where the dog's hip joint doesn't develop normally as the dog grows and so doesn't fit properly into the hip socket. This can result in limping and pain and can develop into arthritis.

• Elbow Dysplasia - a heritable condition that causes the three bones that make up the dog's elbow to grow at different rates. This can lead to a lax joint and lameness.

• Hypothyroidism - a condition where the thyroid is underactive leading to a reduction in various bodily functions. Symptoms include obesity, infertility, and lethargy.

What is the lifespan of a Belgian Sheepdog?

The average life expectancy for a Belgian Sheepdog is 10 - 12 years. The best way to keep your pooch happy and healthy, and to ensure they live as long as possible, is to keep them active, give them lots of love and take them for regular checkups with a vet.

How much should you feed a Belgian Sheepdog?

Belgian Sheepdogs are very active and so require a decent amount of food to keep them going. You should give them 2 to 3 cups of dry food each day split into two meals, and your dog's food should be packed with protein and other nutrients.

What is the price of a Belgian Sheepdog in Australia?

The prices for this breed vary quite widely and you should expect to pay anywhere from $500 - $2,000 for a puppy. To avoid puppy mills, and to make sure you get a healthy, happy dog you should always buy from responsible breeders.

For more information on breeders in your area, you can contact a National Breed Club such as the Australian National Kennel Club.