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A Belgian Sheepdog is a breed of shepherd dog that originated in Belgium. Over time, however, the breed has been used for much more than just as a shepherd dog, i.a. as a tracking dog, defense dog as well as for agility and rescue tasks. There are a total of four different varieties of the breed; Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and Tervueren, all have different looks and characteristics.
The Belgian Sheepdog dates back to the 19th century, when they were bred by the common people to be working dogs. Here they were i.a. used to guard, shepherd and protect cattle. The breeds were created by crossing different old European sheepdogs.
Initially, the four different varieties were considered to be four different breeds. It was not until 1974 that the four varieties were adopted as one and the same breed.
There are, as I said, four different variants of the Belgian Sheepdog, all of which have different characteristics. Particularly in appearance, the four variants differ greatly from each other, and it can be hard to believe that they are the same breed.
Malinois is probably the best known and most widespread of the four varieties of the Belgian Sheepdog. It is characterized by looking very similar to the German Shepherd. It is approximately 55 to 65 cm tall and weighs between 20 and 30 kg. It is short-haired with golden-red fur, a black head and large upright ears. It was originally used as a shepherd dog, but has later been used more as a police dog, guard dog and for protection, as it is known for its great guard instinct and its ability to defend itself and its owner.
Laekenois is approximately the same size as the Malinois but has a completely different coat and color. Laekenois has a slightly curly/wavy coat. The coat is reddish yellow and grayish. The ears are erect like Malinois, but a lot smaller. Originally, the breed was also used as a shepherd dog, but is now used as a service dog and family dog ​​for the active family. It is a dog that is known for its great shepherd instinct and for its huge energy level, and it is almost impossible to run tired.
The Tervuren is a bit reminiscent of Malinois in appearance. It has the same reddish-yellow color and black face, but has a remarkably longer and thicker coat. The Tervuren is a versatile dog that can be used for several different purposes, including as a shepherd dog, for track work, protection and for obedience and agility training. The Tervuren is known for being a slightly reserved and shy dog, who, however, is extremely loyal to his family with whom it forms a strong bond.
The last variant of the Belgian Shepherd Dog is Groenendael. The Groenendael does not resemble any of the other three varieties in appearance. It is completely black with a long coat, which may well have a little white on the chest.
Like the other variants, a Groenendael is suitable as both a shepherd and guard dog as well as a family dog. However, it requires that one manages to activate and stimulate the dog as it has a lot of energy and requires both mental and physical stimulation every day.
As there are four very different variants, the need for fur care is of course also different, depending on which variant it is. Malinois and Laekenois should generally be brushed at least once a week, while the two long-haired varieties, Groenendael and Tervuren, need significantly more fur care, and should be brushed several times a week or daily during the shedding periods. During the shedding periods, the fur has a greater risk of being entangled.
All four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd are generally healthy and sound. It is not dogs that are known to have serious illnesses or health problems.
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