Belgian Sheepdog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Belgian Sheepdog

In the United States the Belgian Sheepdog is the black, long-coated member of the four Belgian herding breeds, called the Groenendael in much of the rest of the world. It stands roughly 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and has a lean, elegant, square build. The jet-black coat falls long and straight with a thick ruff at the neck, feathering on the legs and a plume on the tail, and a small amount of white is allowed on the chest and toes.

The breed was developed as a herder and guard and has been a working dog ever since, serving as a police, search and therapy dog. Owners are drawn to its handsome looks and to the way it follows its person and watches over the home.

Temperament and family life

A Belgian Sheepdog is intelligent, serious and deeply attached to its family. It tends to be reserved with strangers, protective of the home and highly alert, and it can be a one-family dog. Sensitivity is part of the temperament: it takes training well but responds poorly to harsh corrections or a chaotic household.

With children raised alongside it the breed can be affectionate, though its habit of herding with nips at heels and its energy call for supervision. Many accept other dogs, but some are shy or dominant, and cats may be treated as something to chase. Anxiety and noise sensitivity occur, so early socialization and calm experiences are particularly valuable.

Exercise and training

A Belgian Sheepdog needs vigorous exercise daily, such as running, hiking, swimming, herding or agility, as well as mental work. It does not do well in a small space, in a yard on its own or with an owner who is rarely home. The dog gets restless without a task and may pace, bark or chew.

Training is a pleasure for patient owners, since the breed learns fast and likes to please. Keep sessions positive, varied and fair. Socialize widely from puppyhood and continue through adolescence to build confidence. Teach the dog to relax in the house, and use a sturdy fence, since the breed is quick and nimble.

Grooming and shedding

The black coat has a harsh texture that resists tangles. Brush and comb it twice a week, working down to the undercoat, and check behind the ears and in the feathering. The shedding is moderate for most of the year and very heavy once or twice annually, particularly in females after a season. During those weeks daily brushing and a bath speed the process.

Do not shave or trim the coat except for tidying the feet and sanitary areas. Clean the ears, trim the nails and brush the teeth. Black hair shows up on pale furniture.

Health

The breed is generally sturdy but is known for epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, skin conditions and bloat. Responsible breeders test hips, elbows, eyes and thyroid function and avoid breeding dogs with seizure histories in the family.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to the late nineteenth century, when breeders began to standardize Belgium's native sheepdogs. The Groenendael name comes from the château of that name, where Nicolas Rose developed a black long-coated line. In the First World War the Belgian army used the dogs to find wounded soldiers and carry messages, and examples were imported to the United States in the years afterward. The American Kennel Club registers it separately from the Malinois, Tervuren and Laekenois.

Is the Belgian Sheepdog right for you?

A Belgian Sheepdog suits an experienced, active person or family that can offer companionship, exercise and training, and who wants a handsome and loyal partner. It is a poor choice for first-time owners, for homes without time and space or for anyone uncomfortable with a sensitive, watchful dog.

Compare the fawn Belgian Tervuren, the short-coated Belgian Malinois, and the German Shepherd Dog.