Description

The Belgian Sheepdog is also known by the name Groenendael and chien de berger belge. Belgian Sheepdog is the most popular of the Belgian Shepherd Dogs which consist of the Belgian Tervueren, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog and Laeknois. Belgian Sheepdog is a truly well-rounded dog that can captivate your heart by being a gentle, devoted companion willing to give all to the ones he love. 

Size of Male: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 60-75 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds

Temperament

The Belgian Sheepdog is a very smart and obedient dog. Belgian Sheepdog is serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. Some Belgian Sheepdogs are very shy or sensitive. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age and requires firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master. If you are too harsh or overbearing they will become uncooperative. This breed is instinctively protective so it should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Breeders should socialize puppies right from birth. Good for working and competition obedience. These dogs make excellent police and guard dogs. This type of work is currently their main occupation. They do however, make excellent pets. They are ever watchful, alert and loyal, and they thrive on loving companionship. Belgian Sheepdogs are good with children if socialized well with them. This breed needs to be part of the family and not locked up in a kennel. It does best with ample time, attention, training and companionship. If this breed is ignored, it will find ways to entertain itself, often at the owner’s expense. The Belgian Shepherd has a lot of energy and needs a job to do. Working lines can have particularly high drive. It tends to bond strongly with one or two people. Take care when introducing this dog with small non-canine pets. The Belgian Sheepdog gets along well with children, but they can be rather dominant toward other dogs. Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and other pets, they should not present any problems. This Belgian Sheepdog may instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people’s heels. This is a very demanding dog that is becoming more and more popular. It needs an experienced owner for it can easily be difficult to control unless the owner knows how to handle him.

Living Conditions

The Belgian Sheepdog will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Belgian Sheepdog are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The Belgian Sheepdog can sleep outdoors, although he prefers to sleep with its family. Do ensure that they do get enough exercise or they might get bored and may start destructive behavior which may be tough to correct later.

Upkeep

The Belgian Sheepdog needs a good deal of exercise, either a good long jog or a long, strenuous play session. Belgian Sheepdog needs room to move during the day and does best with access to a yard. Although Belgian Sheepdog can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, it is family-oriented and happier if it can share time in the house with its family. Its double coat needs brushing and combing twice weekly, more when shedding. 

Health

Major concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, Hip and elbow dysplasia, Thyroid disease.

Minor concerns: epilepsy, skin allergies 

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years