Belgian Shepherd

The Belgian Shepherd comes from Belgium, where it worked as a herding animal for centuries. Some Europeans classify the breed into four types: the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervuren. However, the American Kennel Club recognizes the four types as four breeds. Here, we will use the name in general.

This dog is an extremely intelligent animal suitable for a variety of jobs, tasks, and sports. Referred to as a sheepdog, the Belgian Shepherd is a devoted, protective, and alert companion. These canines are famous for their affection and sensitivity. Only the Groenendael variety has a long black coat, while the other types have different coat colors and lengths.

Due to its physical and mental acumen, taking care of this breed means giving it plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity. Like most dogs, the Belgian Shepherd can be destructive if bored or restless.

As herders, he’s famous for chasing things, whether a squirrel or a passing biker. It’s important to keep him leashed and fenced securely.

The Belgian Shepherd is best owned by an active family that can manage his energy. Although the dog will keep you busy, everyone can look forward to growing with a loyal, loving, and bright family member.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

The Belgian Shepherd is a multi-talented, obedient animal. It is a medium-sized dog, and the male can weigh up to 75 pounds.

Common Health Issues

The Belgian Shepherd has health concerns that owners want to be aware of. Avoid breeders, shops, and owners who cannot produce documentation that a dog’s parents were healthy. You can have any puppy checked at the vet, but that’s not a substitute for knowing your pooch is genetically healthy.

Here are some health issues for this breed, many of which are common to most dogs.

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Cryptochidism
• Sebaceous adenitis

Temperament

The Belgian Shepherd is brave, alert, smart, and loyal. While obedient, he loves freedom, staying in motion when allowed to roam. Though friendly, the dog naturally distrusts strangers. The trait makes your dog an excellent watchdog. But without proper socialization, your dog can also be aggressive.

With training, the shepherd is a great protector and won’t attack unprovoked. He’ll be friendly with people he’s familiar with, glad to share time and attention with them.

It’s a sound idea to get your dog socialized while it is a puppy. While scouting for a puppy, stay away from bullies or the puppy hiding in corners. Shyness can lead to socialization problems.

Care

The Belgian Shepherd is quite comfortable indoors but needs to get out. A home with a secured yard is perfect! It loves off-leash fun as well as long walks and runs. You want to make sure it gets the diet and grooming it needs too. Here’s some info that will help.

Best Dog Food

Belgian Shepherds need a diet rich in high-quality fats and healthy proteins. The dog is an active breed. Get a large-breed formula while monitoring its weight and condition. A freeze-dried raw kibble is a great way for your dog to get plenty of protein and fat in a less processed package for optimal digestion and energy.

Maintenance and Grooming

This sheepdog has a rustic, long, natural black coat that looks beautiful. It does shed heavily and mat easily, so you want to groom and maintain that coat. Get yourself a slicker brush, pin brush, or metal rake comb and work the coat for at least 20 minutes a week. Don’t trim to the point where you diminish its natural appearance.

Over its lifespan, the dog will shed heavily once a year. During this period, warm baths will release dead hair from the coat.

Follow safety rules when clipping nails. Shave thin portions to avoid frightening or hurting the dog. Use several sessions to trim long nails. Better yet, avoid letting nails get too long. Talk with your vet or breeder about the frequency of nail clipping.

Training

The Belgian Shepherd needs early, responsible socialization so that it will carry over its lifespan. Owners can streamline much of this with training. Generally good with humans and very intelligent, Belgian Shepherds are highly trainable. The dog’s not stubborn or willful, but it is best trained by an experienced owner or trainer. Leadership, confidence, and consistency will be important.

Exercise

The Belgian Shepherd has a lot of energy to burn. The pooch is capable of running in circles with glee. These canines will go after a stick and leap for a Frisbee. It will happily run and jog with loved ones. The shepherd requires at least an hour of activity a day. Divide the regimen into two or three sessions. Keep the dog busy before it finds annoying ways to busy itself.

Puppies

Puppy diets should prevent rapid growth. Large-breed puppy food will help. Regardless of where you get your puppy, have a contract verifying health. If you want a good buying experience, a breeder is more important than the right puppy or a good price. Once you adopt, get the puppy to a vet soon to check for visible issues.

Children

If raised alongside kids as a puppy — and trained — your Belgian Shepherd promises to be a good companion to all members of the household. But remember, these are working animals. Untrained, the dog uses its talents to herd children while playing. That can include aggressive pushing and even nipping to keep kids in line. Untrained dogs should never be around any child unsupervised.

Similar Dogs

If you like medium-sized dogs of medium size with the rustic look of the wilderness, here are a few dogs similar to the Belgian Shepherd.

• King Shepherd: This is an oversized shepherd bred from Alaskan Malamutes, Great Pyrenees, and the American and European German Shepherd. While less aggressive, they are more muscular and powerful than other family members.
• Black Russian Terrier: If you’re in the market for a giant, take a look at the Black Russian. Bred as guard dogs, their instinct to protect and intimidate is front and center. But the dog is as loving as they get, affectionate with familiars, and reserved with strangers.
• Bernese Mountain Dog: Many of these dogs have this gorgeous, black, silky coat. They shed, but no owner seems to have a problem with it. This breed is great in colder climates. Smart, strong, and, for a dog that size, needs only moderate exercise.