Belgian Sheepdog Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

20-30 kg

Height

55-66 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Belgian Sheepdog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

The Belgian Sheepdog is a loyal, alert and highly active breed that loves human companionship and taking part in activities. They have a surprising history that involves herding, World Wars and policing and are a very popular breed around the world today.

If you’re looking for a devoted pooch that will always be by your side and willing to please then this breed may just be the right choice for you!

We’ve laid out this detailed guide with all the key information and tips you’ll need to get up to speed on the majestic Belgian Sheepdog.

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 Shepherd 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.

What is a Belgian Sheepdog breed?

These purebred dogs have a long, black double-coat and their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown. They’re medium-sized and slender with a confident gait and a proud posture.

They’re renowned for their intelligence and alertness, meaning they make good watchdogs, but are also affectionate and loyal to their owners. People who own Belgian Sheepdogs often say that their dark eyes glisten with curiosity and that they love to be constantly engaged in activities.

The American Kennel Club now recognizes three of the Belgian Shepherds, the Belgian Sheepdog, Malinois and Tervuren as separate breeds in the United States, and the United Kennel Club also recognizes the Laekenois as a separate breed.

Who is a Belgian Sheepdog 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.

Belgian Sheepdog Grooming & Shedding

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 Sheepdogs bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Belgian Sheepdog dog?

Belgian Sheepdogs are a medium-sized breed but the males tend to be a bit larger than the females. Their weight can range from 20kg to 30kg and their height is usually between 55cm and 66cm.

Learn more about Belgian Shepard weight and size.

Are Belgian Sheepdogs easy to train?

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.

How do Belgian Sheepdogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Belgian Sheepdog have any common health issues?

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 does a Belgian Sheepdog need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Belgian Sheepdog FAQs

Is a Belgian Sheepdog ideal for a first-time dog owner?

A Belgian Sheepdog can be a great companion for a first-time owner as long as they can commit to giving them at least two hours of vigorous exercise each day.

They’ll also need lots of attention and affection, so if you’re ready for a furry pal that’ll always be by your side then they could be the ideal choice for starting your canine journey.

Do Belgian Sheepdogs suffer from separation anxiety?

The Belgian Sheepdog dog breed is very prone to separation anxiety as they have a constant desire to be around their families and owners. They shouldn’t be regularly left alone for long periods and are best suited to homes where people are usually around.

Are Belgian Sheepdogs hypoallergenic dogs?

Although Belgian Sheepdogs are generally quite low-shedding they do go through an annual shedding period where they will lose a lot of hair. So, they aren’t considered hypoallergenic dogs and are not a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Will a Belgian Sheepdog need professional grooming?

For most of the year, Belgian Sheepdog will only need to be brushed once a week and doesn’t need to be bathed regularly so they shouldn’t need to be taken to a professional groomer. Their double coat also shouldn’t be clipped as this can cause damage to the undercoat.