Belgian Sheepdog – Care and History

Belgian Sheepdog (“Groenendael” or “Chien de Berger Belge”) formally recognized in Belgium in 1891, and developed from a wide assortment of sheepdogs. Also, considered as working dog to herd cattle and sheep. During World War I, Belgian Sheepdogs worked on the battlefields, serving as message carriers, ambulance dogs, and pulling machine guns. This breed of dog has four varieties, which was cataloged by Adolph Reul, professor of animal breeding (1891): The Groenendalel with sold long black coat, the Laekenois, a wire-coat or rough in fawn, red or brown, the Malinois, a short coated in fawn, red or brown and the Tervuren, a long coated fawn or dark red dog. These types of dogs resemble the German Shepherd dog, except the Belgian dogs are square, not rectangular, when viewed from the side.

The Groenendael was the first type of sheepdog to arrive in the United States. In 1924, the first Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed and soon joined the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club recognized by 1959, the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Belgian Tervuren. In the United States, approximately 1,500 Belgian Sheepherd puppies are registered each year. Belgian Sheepdogs are obedient and loyal. The dog makes good family pet, and good with children. Their intelligence, and alertness, makes them a good police or guard dog, but will not attack unless warranted. Also, known to be good dog, performing search and rescue missions, and assist in therapy. Enjoys urban and country environment, and especially space to roam, including a fenced yard. Preferably exercising for two hours a day, which includes training session. The Belgian Sheepdog is adaptable to extreme temperature or climate. The breed can be socialized to interact with other dogs, and can expect to live twelve – fourteen years. Requires daily combing, brushing (extremely dense undercoat) or grooming at least four times a week, clipping hair between the toes and outer ears, and bathing only when necessary. The dog tends to shed biannually, however may require additional vacuuming under furniture, countertops, or upholstery. The Laekenoise dog sheds the least amount, compared to other Belgian Sheepdogs. Preferably training Belgian Sheepdog puppies will prevent or develop sharp temperament. The breed weighs up to 62 pounds and average height for male 24 – 26 inches and female 22 – 24 inches.

Belgian Sheepdogs generally are healthy breed and have no major health concerns. However, some these dogs had epilepsy, eye problems, skin allergies, eye problems, excessive aggressiveness or shyness, occasionally hip or elbow dysplasia. A sheepdog is not likely to develop hip dysplasia if the parents are certified free, from this problem by the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. Proper nutrition is essential, avoid overfeeding, has tendency to lead to obesity and laziness. Native food for the breed includes beets, wheat, mutton, poultry, and limited amount of beef. Avoid feeding soy, fish, yellow corn or horse – meat. A bored Belgian Sheepdog may become destructive or show problems in behavior. The breed tends to chase or nip at things that move, such as children, joggers, other animals and bikes.

Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Groups: Belgian Sheepdog Club of America Rescue (708 – 343 – 3358), United Belgian Sheperd Dog Club Rescue (603 -673 – 6245), Hearland Belgian Sheepdog Club of Greater Chicago (IL) (207 – 848 – 5613), Manley Tervuren Belgian Club Rescue (ME) (207 – 637 – 2588), and Canadian Rescue (403 – 475 – 4826). Recommended reading: The Complete Belgian Shephard Dog by Deborah Fleming, “Book Description. Packed with stunning photography and helpful, descriptive line drawings, this book covers all four varieties of the increasingly popular Belgian Shepherd. The breed is unique among pedigree dogs because of its diversity and all four types-the Groenendael, the Laekenois, the Malinois, and the Tervueren-are all comprehensively covered here.” (Amazon)