The Belgian sheepdog was developed in the late 1800s. Originating in the country of Belgium, the sheepdog is one of four original varieties of shepherds: Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois, and Belgian. Today, the all of these dogs are recognized as separate breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC) except the Laekenois. The United Kennel Club (UKC) groups all four of these dogs together. In the early 1900s, this breed was used as a police dog in New York and Paris. They were used as customs dogs in their home country of Belgium. After World War I, the dogs gained popularity in the United States. Today, they are rarely used as police dogs, but they excel in performance sports.
Originally bred for herding, the Belgian sheepdog is alert, fast and tireless. This dog breed shows great endurance and is bred to herd for long hours. It has a dense undercoat and a woolly, dense outer coat with long hair.
Personality
These are alert and protective dogs that are fearless when it comes to protecting their family. They are playful and affectionate towards their families, but they can also become intense and destructive. They have high energy and need proper, intense daily exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and frustrated. They are independent thinkers and can be reserved towards strangers and aggressive towards other dogs and animals.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Not Available |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Belgian Sheepdog Build Information
Originally bred for herding, the Belgian sheepdog is alert, fast and tireless. This dog breed shows great endurance and is bred to herd for long hours. It has a dense undercoat and a woolly, dense outer coat with long hair.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
These are alert and protective dogs that are fearless when it comes to protecting their family. They are playful and affectionate towards their families, but they can also become intense and destructive. They have high energy and need proper, intense daily exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and frustrated. They are independent thinkers and can be reserved towards strangers and aggressive towards other dogs and animals.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The Belgian sheepdog does not need professional grooming, but it does need to be brushed several times per week. The long, double coat tangles and mats easily. It is generally recommended that you purchase three types of combs: a pin brush, a shedding rake, and a mat comb. Because the Belgian sheepdog has different types and lengths of hair covering its body, having these tools makes it easier to keep the coat healthy. Nails should be trimmed regularly if your dog does not wear them down on its own. Ears should be cleaned weekly, and teeth should be brushed daily.
| Colors: | Black, Fawn, Gray, Mahogany |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Belgian Sheepdog Common Health Conditions
Belgian sheepdogs are prone to several different health issues. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, cancer, and hypothyroidism. Belgian sheepdogs are also known to be more sensitive to anesthesia than other breeds. If your veterinarian isn’t familiar with the breed, be sure to point this out before your dog has any type of procedure.
Belgian Sheepdog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Belgian sheepdog is not known by any other names, but it is commonly confused with dog breeds that look similar. When picking out your puppy, choose the dog that isn’t sitting in the corner and the one that isn’t jumping in your face. The middle-of-the-road puppy is your best bet. The breed has a high prey drive. Obedience training is critical with this breed if you want to keep it under control as an adult. These dogs are sensitive. Training must be done in a gentle, positive manner. This breed is not recommended for a first time dog owner. Belgian sheepdogs are very people oriented and make excellent family pets.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
