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Belgian Sheepdog
The Belgian Sheepdog is an alert and active herding breed. The proud carriage of the head and neck is a hallmark of this elegant and agile breed.
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Physical Characteristics
- Strong, agile, muscular
- Coat: full, fairly long outer coat, dense undercoat; color is either all-black or black with minimal white markings on chest and toes
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 65-75 pounds
- Average lifespan: 13-14 years
Temperament
- Obedient, brave, alert, attentive, affectionate, devoted to master, very smart, territorial, energetic
- Interaction with people: wary of strangers; good with children if socialized with them early
- Interaction with animals: introduce carefully to non-canine pets; may show dominance toward other dogs
- Protection: Excellent guard & police dog
Medical Conditions
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Ophthalmic disorders (including progressive retinal atrophy)
- Skin disorders
- Susceptible to anesthesia
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- OK for apartments
- Needs average-sized yard
- Needs sufficient exercise, including a long daily walk and plenty of off-leash play in a safe area
- Adapts well to extreme temperatures
- May attempt to herd people and other pets
Grooming
- Seasonal heavy shedding twice a year; additional shedding year round
- Needs daily combing and brushing
Other Facts
- Known as the Groenendael or Chien de Berger Belge in most parts of the world
- Thought to owe its existence to a man named Nicolas Rose, who purchased what is considered the foundation couple of this breed
- Dramatically increasing in popularity
Breed History
- Developed in the late 1800s to propagate a Belgian breed for nationalistic purposes
- Originally listed as the Chien de Berger de Races Continentales (Continental Shepherds)
- Commanded respect on the battlefields of World War I, where they served as message carriers and ambulance dogs, among other duties
- Rose to great popularity until The Depression, which had a marked effect on the breed; re-gained fame after World War II, especially in 1956, when it was ruled that only the Groenendael type could be registered as a Belgian Sheepdog
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust
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