Belgian Sheepdog Breed Guide

Jul 01, 2024

Are you ready for a deep dive into the world of the brilliant Belgian Sheepdog? These clever canines are bound to keep you on your toes, and you’ll never have a dull moment with one around. So, let’s get cracking and learn all about this beautiful breed.

Belgian Sheepdog Basics

Average Lifespan: 10-14 years

Average Weight: 20-30 kg

Average Height: 56-66 cm

Colouring: Solid black, sometimes with white markings

Trainability: Highly trainable

Exercise Needs: High, requires plenty of physical and mental stimulation

Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedding

Origins of the Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdogs (aka Groenendael) are known for their striking appearance and robust build. These magnificent pooches hail from Belgium and were initially bred in the late 19th century to herd and guard livestock. They're one of four Belgian herding breeds, including the Tervuren, Malinois, and Laekenois. Named after the village of Groenendael, they quickly became known for their versatility and work ethic.

The Belgian Sheepdog was developed by a man named Nicolas Rose, who established the breed standard. They were originally used for herding sheep and cattle, and their keen intelligence and strong work ethic made them ideal for various roles, including police and military work. Their agility and trainability also made them popular in dog sports.

What Do Belgian Sheepdogs Look Like?

Picture this: an elegant, well-muscled dog with a square build and a long, dense black coat that looks like they’ve just stepped out of a shampoo advert. Their dark eyes have an alert and intelligent expression, and their bushy tails and upright ears add to their majestic appearance. It’s no wonder they turn heads wherever they go!

Belgian Sheepdogs have a double coat, with a dense undercoat and a straight, abundant outer coat that provides excellent protection against the elements. Their fur requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep it looking sleek and shiny.

Belgian Sheepdog Personality

If you’re looking for a dog that’s got brains as well as beauty, you may have found your match. Belgian Sheepdogs are intelligent, loyal, and protective. They’re energetic and thrive on physical activity, making them fantastic working dogs. Whether it's obedience, agility, or herding trials, these dogs excel at them all.

Belgian Sheepdogs are known for their strong bond with their favourite humans and their protective instincts. They're excellent watchdogs and will alert their owners to any unusual activity. Just watch out – they can be a bit wary of strangers, but they love their family to bits.

Are Belgian Sheepdogs Friendly?

As we've mentioned, Belgian Sheepdogs can be a bit reserved or aloof with strangers until they’ve sized them up. Generally, they’re great with kids, especially if they’ve been raised with them. Early socialisation is key to ensuring they’re well-adjusted and friendly.

Their natural herding instincts can sometimes lead them to try to "herd" small children or other animals, but this behaviour can be managed with proper training.

How to Train a Belgian Sheepdog

Training these smart pooches is a breeze if you start early and use positive reinforcement. Regular obedience training and mental stimulation are a must to keep their sharp minds engaged. They’re not just about sit and stay, these dogs are up for agility, tracking, and herding challenges too. Keep them busy and you’ll have a happy, well-behaved companion.

Belgian Sheepdog Feeding Requirements

Belgian Sheepdogs need a balanced diet that supports their high energy levels and overall health. Look for dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and provides a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are also important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, and joint supplements can be beneficial to support their hip and elbow health.

Scrumbles, the Pawfect Food for Belgian Sheepdogs

Our recipes are formulated to provide your Belgian Sheepdog with all the essential nutrients they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Here's why we think you and your Belgian Sheepdog will love Scrumbles:

High protein content: Up to 70% meat or fish for strong muscles
Gut health: Added prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion
Hypoallergenic options: Free from common allergens like gluten, soy, and dairy
Natural ingredients: No artificial additives or preservatives
Omega fatty acids: For a shiny coat and healthy skin
Joint support: Ingredients like glucosamine to support joint health

Is a Belgian Sheepdog Right for You?

Belgian Sheepdogs are perfect for active individuals or families with a large, secure garden. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so they’re best suited to those with some experience in training dogs.

Regular grooming is also essential to keep their coat looking its best. If you can keep up with their energy and smarts, they’ll be a loyal, loving addition to your family. Ready to embark on an adventure with a Belgian Sheepdog? They’re raring to go!