Belgian Sheepdog

also known as Chien De Berger Belge, Groenendael

Pros History


The Belgian Sheepdog, also known as the Belgian Groenendael, is a breed of dog that has a long and rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The breed is believed to have originated in the region of present-day Belgium and is one of four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs, including the Groenendael, Tervueren, Laekenois, and Malinois. The Belgian Sheepdog is known for its intelligence, loyalty and trainability, making them a popular choice for a variety of roles such as herding, protection, service and therapy dogs.

The origins of the Belgian Sheepdog can be traced back to the late 1800s, when a group of Belgian breeders set out to develop a new breed of sheepdog that could be used for herding and guarding livestock. They used a variety of breeds, including the Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and local sheepdogs to create the new breed. The breed was officially recognized by the Société Royale Saint-Hubert (SRSH) in 1891, and the breed standard was established in 1892.

In the early 20th century, the Belgian Sheepdog became a popular breed in Europe and the United States. They were used as herding dogs on farms and as guard dogs in cities. The breed's trainability and intelligence made them popular as police and military dogs, as well as guide dogs for the blind. In 1912 the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed under the name Belgian Sheepdog.

During World War I, the breed's popularity declined due to the lack of available breeding stock and the increased demand for war dogs. However, the breed's popularity began to recover in the 1920s and 1930s, and the breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1948. The breed is also recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1891.

Breed Information


Type

Is Belgian Sheepdog a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Belgian Sheepdog name? How do you say Belgian Sheepdogs?

bel-juh n GROAN-en-dahl

Purpose

What were Belgian Sheepdogs originally used for?

Herding, Message Delivery, Carting

Lifespan

How Long Do Belgian Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Belgian Sheepdog? How long can Belgian Sheepdogs live?

12-14 years

The average Belgian Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Belgian Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Belgian Sheepdog?

What is the average height of a Belgian Sheepdog? How big is a Purebred Belgian Sheepdog height? Belgian Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
Female 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm)
What is the average weight of a Belgian Sheepdog? How much should Belgian Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-75 pounds (25 - 34 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg)
Female 40-60 pounds (18 - 27 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Belgian Sheepdogs get fat easily?

The Belgian Sheepdog is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Belgian Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Belgian Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Belgian Sheepdog personality? What are Belgian Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Active
Confident
Hard
Working
Stubborn
Intelligent
Alert
Friendly
Protective
Watchful

Shedding Level

Are Belgian Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Belgian Sheepdog Shed?

Belgian Sheepdog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Belgian Sheepdog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Belgian Sheepdog dog?

The Belgian Sheepdog dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Belgian Sheepdogs come from?

Belgium

Ancestry

What are Belgian Sheepdogs descended from?

Shepherd Dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Belgian Sheepdog breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Belgian Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Belgian Sheepdog breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Belgian Sheepdog?

Herding (AKC:1912 & UKC)

Belgian Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Belgian Sheepdog eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Belgian Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Belgian Sheepdog coat be naturally?

Black
Fawn
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a Belgian Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of a Belgian Sheepdog is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Belgian Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Belgian Sheepdog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Belgian Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Belgian Sheepdog have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Belgian Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Belgian Sheepdogs are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Belgian Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Belgian Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Belgian Sheepdog is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Belgian Sheepdog?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Cancer

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Belgian Sheepdogs?

Cataracts
Epilepsy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Belgian Sheepdog breed?

Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
Thyroid Tests
MRI
Eye Examination

Belgian Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Belgian Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

Belgian Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Belgian Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Belgian Sheepdogs?

Belgian Sheepdog have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Belgian Sheepdogs get?

The Belgian Sheepdog needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Belgian Sheepdog have? Do Belgian Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

Belgian Sheepdogs are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Belgian Sheepdog drool a lot?

The Belgian Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Belgian Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Belgian Sheepdogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Belgian Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Belgian Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Belgian Sheepdogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Belgian Sheepdog busy?

Playing Ball, Walk, Run, Keep away, Hike, Swim, Frizbee, Canoeing, Chase, Long walks, Hiking, Eating Snacks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Belgian Sheepdog? How much energy does a Belgian Sheepdog have?

High

Belgian Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Belgian Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should a Belgian Sheepdog walk every week?

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Sheepdog, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Belgian Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Belgian Sheepdog need?

60 minutes

In general most Belgian Sheepdogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Belgian Sheepdog?

The Belgian Sheepdog is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Belgian Sheepdog?

Weekly

Belgian Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Belgian Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Belgian Sheepdog eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 55-75 pound (25 - 34 kg) Belgian Sheepdog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Belgian Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Belgian Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Belgian Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Sheepdog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Belgian Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Belgian Sheepdog?

The Belgian Sheepdog breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Belgian Sheepdog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Belgian Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Belgian Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Belgian Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Belgian Sheepdog in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Belgian Sheepdogs living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Belgian Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Belgian Sheepdogs good around children?

Belgian Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Belgian Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Belgian Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Belgian Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Belgian Sheepdogs are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Belgian Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Belgian Sheepdogs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Belgian Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Belgian Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Belgian Sheepdogs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Belgian Sheepdogs like to play? Are Belgian Sheepdogs playful?

Belgian Sheepdogs are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Belgian Sheepdog for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Belgian Sheepdog easily trained?

Belgian Sheepdog dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligence
    Belgian Sheepdogs are highly intelligent dogs that can excel in a variety of tasks.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    Belgian Sheepdogs tend to have a low to average risk of obesity.
  • Cat Friendly
    Belgian Sheepdog dogs get along well with cats.
  • Loyalty
    Belgian Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners.
  • Versatility
    Belgian Sheepdogs can excel in a variety of activities, such as obedience, agility and herding.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Belgian Sheepdogs are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Exercise Needs
    Belgian Sheepdogs require a significant amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People prone to allergies may have a reaction to Belgian Sheepdogs, as they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Belgian Sheepdog dogs may not be suitable for indoor living environments.
  • Barking
    The Belgian Sheepdog breed is known for its loudness.
  • Grooming Needs
    Belgian Sheepdogs have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance.