Is a Belgian Sheepdog Right for You?
The Belgian sheepdog, known as Groenendael in Europe, is a very intelligent herding breed built for hard work. Athletic and energetic, they make perfect pets for active families who like to take their dogs along for runs, hikes, bike rides, and other outdoor activities.
If you're looking for a highly trainable working dog that will also make a good family companion, and you have plenty of time to spend with your pet, the Belgian sheepdog may be a good choice for you.
History of Belgian Sheepdogs
Throughout history, Belgium’s climate and terrain have supported dairy and livestock farming. As more and more farmers raised cattle, herding dogs became a key part of Belgian farm life. Belgium once boasted eight unique varieties of shepherd dogs. In the 1890s, these dogs were officially classified for the first time.
Besides Belgian sheepdogs, which have long, black fur, three other popular Belgian shepherd breeds are:
- Tervuren (long coat, black mask, fawn-mahogany coloring)
- Laekenois (rough coat, fawn)
- Malinois (short coat, black mask, fawn-mahogany)
These dogs are similarly built but have coats of different colors, textures, and lengths.
The United Kennel Club considers all four varieties as a single breed. But the American Kennel Club (AKC) gives each variety a separate status, with the long-haired, black dogs keeping the AKC breed name Belgian sheepdog.
Belgian sheepdogs can be traced back to the 1800s, when they were first listed within the group known as “Chien de Berger de Races Continentales.” Also called continental shepherds, this group includes breeds such as Briards, German shepherds, Bouviers, Hollander herders, and Beaucerons.
In the early 1890s, breeding experts tried to figure out which of the different breeds best showed what the true shepherd dogs of Belgium were like. The aim was to develop a pure Belgian breed for nationalistic purposes. This led to the formation of the Club du Chien de Berger Belge (Belgian Shepherd Dog Club) in September 1891, which played a key role in the development and rise of the Belgian sheepdogs.
A few months after the club was formed, fanciers and breeders gathered near Brussels to inspect the shepherd dogs from that area. After careful consideration, a panel of judges identified key features of the local shepherd dogs of that province.
They said Belgian shepherd dogs were square-shaped with a medium size, dark brown eyes, and distinct triangular ears. Only the hair length, color, and coat texture of the dogs were different. Future examinations of dogs from other provinces of Belgium offered similar results.
Today’s Belgian sheepdogs were mainly developed by Nicolas Rose, a renowned breeder of that time. He bought the foundation couple, Petite and Picard d’Uccle, whose offspring began the current Belgian sheepdog breed. The breed’s European name, Groenendael, was inspired by the village of Groenendael, where Rose first bred them.
Thanks to their intelligence and trainability, the dogs became highly popular in Belgium. By the turn of the 20th century, their popularity had spread to other countries and continents. Law enforcement officers in New York, Paris, and New Jersey used them as police dogs during this time. Even customs officers employed them to help catch smugglers.
Belgian sheepdogs proved their value during World War I, serving as messengers, Red Cross dogs, and freighters of machine-gun carts. They also worked as war dogs during World War II. Their popularity increased over the years, leading to the formation of the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America (BSCA) in 1949. Today, they’re used in search and rescue as well as police work. They also serve as service dogs for disabled people and guide dogs for the sight-impaired.
Characteristics of Belgian Sheepdogs
Belgian sheepdogs are medium-sized dogs with a square build, known for their elegant posture and imposing appearance. You can easily identify them by their long snouts and pointed ears. From the neck to the hindquarters, their bodies are covered with a long, thick coat of coarse black fur. They have deep brown eyes that reflect their sharp intelligence.
Male Belgian sheepdogs are usually larger and heavier than the females. Their weight ranges from 55 to 75 pounds for males and 45 to 60 pounds for females. They can be anywhere from about 22 to 26 inches tall. The lifespan of this breed is about 12-14 years.
These hard-working dogs are exceptionally loyal and eager to please their owners. Belgian sheepdogs are strong-willed but also have a sensitive and gentle side and crave human companionship. That’s why they can make good family dogs for the right household.
“They are special in that they are attentive without being too pushy and eager to please,” says breeder Lisa Leffingwell, who has had Belgian sheepdogs for over 50 years. “They are very smart, anticipating what you desire of them.”
“They are wonderful pets and family dogs. They generally are protective of children and somewhat leery of strangers. They are ideally protective in that they offer protection, but take heed when you tell them it is OK and to simmer down.”
Caring for Belgian Sheepdogs
Exercise, stimulation, and proper health care are key to raising a healthy, happy Belgian sheepdog.
Belgian sheepdog coat type and grooming needs
A Belgian needs to be groomed and cleaned just like any other breed. Maintaining the double-layer coat of a Belgian sheepdog, which consists of a dense undercoat and a harder outer overcoat, isn’t as tough as it may seem. Most of the year, all it needs is a weekly brushing and an occasional bath. But once or twice a year, Belgian sheepdogs shed heavily. During this time, you need to brush their coat thoroughly every day to remove excess fur.
“Belgians do shed,” says Leffingwell. “However, with periodic bathing and brushing, this inconvenience is minimized. They are generally very clean and, if not competing, a monthly bath with weekly brushing will suffice.”
To clean your pet’s teeth, use toothpaste and toothbrushes made specifically for dogs. It’s best to do this daily. Also, make a habit of regularly trimming your dog’s nails and cleaning the dirt and debris from their ears.
How much exercise does a Belgian sheepdog need?
Belgian sheepdogs are a herding breed, which means they require almost two hours of exercise each day. These are alert, active dogs that don’t like lounging around. They get bored easily. Without human companionship, they may start finding destructive forms of entertainment or develop separation anxiety. So they aren’t a good choice for people who need to be away from them for long hours at a time.
It’s not enough to leave them to play outside. Belgians crave time with humans, so you need to actively participate in exercise sessions with them. To provide them with mental stimulation, try playing fetch, taking them for long runs, or training them for agility, obedience, and tracking competitions.
What should Belgian sheepdogs eat?
Your dog’s diet should be right for your pet’s age and approved by your veterinarian. Because Belgians are highly active dogs, they need high-quality foods that give them enough energy and nutrients. While treats can help during training, don’t give too many, as that could lead to obesity. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
How often should you feed a Belgian sheepdog?
Belgian sheepdogs should generally be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Belgians can be prone to becoming overweight, so you’ll want to watch their weight and make adjustments accordingly.
“Puppies generally eat two to three times a day, and adults one to two times a day depending on their needs,” Leffingwell says.
The amount of food depends on how old the Belgians are. “Younger dogs require more food than older dogs,” she says.
Taking your Belgian sheepdog to the vet
Belgian sheepdogs, like all dogs, can catch common viral and bacterial infections such as rabies, parvo, and distemper. They can also get fleas, ticks, and heartworms. You can prevent many of these problems by following the schedule of tests and vaccinations your veterinarian recommends (this can vary depending on a dog's' lifestyle and risks).
Annual vet visits are recommended for checkups and vaccinations. As Belgians age, they may need more frequent visits.
The Belgian Sheepdog Club of America requires Belgians to have hip, elbow, and ophthalmologist screenings before they’re sold, and that the results be registered. That way, any prospective owner knows the dog’s health history.
See your veterinarian if your dog shows symptoms such as:
- Appetite changes
- Red gums
- Tartar buildup
- Itchy skin
- Mental dullness
- Behavioral changes
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in drinking and peeing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How to Train a Belgian Sheepdog Puppy
Along with exercise sessions, Belgians need to start training early to learn good behavior and stop bad habits from forming. You can begin obedience classes when they’re 8 weeks old.
Socialization is also important and should start when the dogs are young.But until your puppy has all its recommended vaccines, make sure it's exposed only to pets you know are vaccinated and healthy.
Since they have sensitive and strong-willed personalities, train them using positive reinforcement rather than with threats and punishments.
Because they’re both intelligent and loyal, Belgian sheepdogs don’t take much time to learn.
"They are a very black-and-white breed," says Leffingwell. "Once they understand what you want after you clearly communicate it to them, they generally want to do it, and it doesn’t take long for them to pick it up and remember it. They can also be very opinionated about their view of the world, so sometimes you have to think as they do to convince them of the better course for their actions."
Health Problems to Watch For With Belgian Sheepdogs
Belgian sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed. But like other purebreds, they can get diseases and hereditary disorders.
Because they tend to have a low fat-to-body-weight ratio, Belgians can be especially sensitive to anesthesia. Keep this in mind if your pet should need surgery.
Below are some of the health problems commonly found in Belgian sheepdogs. Any responsible breeder should properly screen the parent dogs for these medical issues to reduce the chances of passing them to the next generation:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This condition can damage the retina in your dog’s eye and cause blindness over time.
Cataracts. Dogs with cataracts can develop cloudy spots on their eyes. But like humans, they can be treated with surgery.
Elbow and hip dysplasia. These conditions can cause your dog’s joints to become malformed. In very serious cases, some dogs need surgery.
Epilepsy. This is a neurological condition that can cause seizures in dogs. Pets prone to epilepsy can start getting seizures as early as 6 months of age. Medications work, but only in mild and moderate cases.
Special Considerations for Belgian Sheepdogs
From an early age, Belgian sheepdogs learn to socialize with the kids they’re raised with. These dogs are protective and loving toward children whom they consider family. But that may not be the case when it comes to neighboring children or friends of your kids.
If you invite other kids to your house, check how your dog interacts with them. The Belgian can mistakenly assume the noise and playful chaos to be an assault and try to scare the children away.
To avoid such situations, teach your dog proper behaviors early on.
Belgians can get along well with other pets, whether cats or dogs, if they’ve been raised together. But they might act hostile if they find a strange animal on their property.
Remember that Belgian sheepdogs are herding animals. This instinct to chase a flock of sheep is hardwired in them. So it’s normal for them to take off after other pets, animals, cyclists, joggers, and even cars on the street.
Make sure your dog stays behind fenced yards and stays leashed when you walk them. This will ensure not just your pet’s safety, but that of the people around him.
Takeaways
Belgian sheepdogs are intelligent, hard-working, and loyal dogs originally bred to herd cattle. They can be excellent family pets as long as they have plenty of exercise, stimulation, and companionship. They’re not the best choice for owners who don’t have a lot of time to spend with them.
Belgian Sheepdog FAQs
Do Belgian shepherds shed a lot?
On an everyday basis, caring for a Belgian sheepdog’s coat isn’t very difficult. But they’re known to shed a lot at least once a year, mostly around summertime when their soft undercoat starts shedding. You should brush them daily during those times to remove dead hair. During the rest of the year, a good weekly brushing is all that’s needed to maintain the Belgian’s beautiful coat. As with any breed, a Belgian’s nails should be trimmed regularly.
Are Belgian sheepdogs and Belgian shepherds the same?
The Belgian sheepdog is one of four varieties of the Belgian shepherd breed, specifically the variety called Groenendael, known for its long, beautiful black coat. The other three types of Belgian shepherds are:
- Malinois (short-haired, fawn-mahogany coat)
- Tervuren (long-haired, fawn-mahogany coat)
- Laekenois (rough-haired, fawn coat)
How big do Belgian sheepdogs get?
The average male Belgian grows to 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder and can range in weight from 60 to 80 pounds. Average female Belgians are 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds.
Do Belgian shepherds have health problems?
The Belgian is considered a strong, agile, and relatively healthy breed. But some develop hip and elbow dysplasia. They can also have issues with their eyes, including cataracts. Still others may develop seizure disorders. Ask your breeder about health clearances. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for potential health conditions.
