Group: Herding
Origins: The Belgian Sheepdog is from Belgium believed to be developed in 1885 by a man named Nicholas Rose in the village of Groenendael.
Weight: 55-66 lbs (male), 44-55 lbs (female)
Height: 2-2.2 ft (male), 1.8-2ft (female)
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Coat: Thick double-layered fur that sheds a lot, especially during certain seasons.
Colors: Mahogany (reddish brown), tan, black-tipped fawn
Tail: Long and fluffy
Ears: Pointy
Health: Belgian Sheepdogs are typically healthy but they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye/vision problems, seizures, sensitivity to anesthesia, bloat, obesity, thyroid issues, heart defects, and cancer.
Barking: They will bark on occasion, usually to alert or when feeling stressed.
Environment: This dog does best in a cool environment and living on a farmland or home with a large yard. If in a suburban area, they will need a fenced area to give them something to protect. However, they can be adaptable, as long as they are given plenty of exercise and activity.
Popularity: In 2023, the American Kennel Club ranked them number 124 out of 201 dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is more commonly seen in their origin country of Belgium and other west European places.
Family Friendly? This dog is good for active and experienced families with older children. However, they tend to click with one person rather than every family member. They may try to heard younger kids and small pets unless they are properly socialized and taught to avoid herding from a young age. They are often good with other dogs but some may be prone to getting into fights with dogs of the same sex.
Temperament: Friendly, stubborn, confident, alert, sensitive, hard-working, and smart
Training: Easy, they are intelligent and love to please their owners. It is best to use positive reinforcement.
Care: This breed requires roughly two hours of exercise per day. They should not be left alone for more than two hours at a time because they are prone to separation anxiety which may lead to destructive behaviors. Leaving interactive toys for them can help them when they are by themselves. Their coat needs regular brushing once a week, and 2-3 times a week during their shedding seasons.
Hypoallergenic: NO
Other Names: Groenendael, Belgian Shepherd, Chien de Berger Belge
Famous Belgian Sheepdogs: The first Belgian Sheepdogs are thought to be born to dogs named Picard d'Uccle (male), and Petite (female).
More Facts:
- This breed will sometimes be used as seeing eye dogs for the blind.
- They make good police and military dogs. They were even working as messenger dogs in both world wars.
- They are one of four Belgian Shepherd breeds. The other three include the Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren.
YOU ARE READING
Big Book of Dog Breeds
Nonfiksi🐕Purebred dogs listed from A to Z.🐩 Readers will learn all about over 100 different types of dogs ranging from large breeds like the Saint Bernard and small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier. The breeds included in this book will be both popular...
