The Belgian Sheepdog
Groenendael

Dog breed info
Belgian Sheepdog
Groenendael
Weight Male 55 — 75 lbs
Weight Female 50 — 60 lbs
Height:Male 24” — 26”
Height Female 22” — 24”
AKC Rank 2008 #114
Lifespan 10—12 yrs

• Dog Health, Dog Illness, Medical Problems

Dog Breed Info – The Belgian Sheepdog

Breed Overview

Origin: Belgium, 1800’s. Herding group. Original function: Stock herding. Today: Herding trials, Schutzhund, Police, security, Guardian, Companion dog.. Colors: Black, tan.

There are four slightly different Belgian shepherd dogs, each with a different coat. The Groenendael version is known as the Belgian Sheepdog, one of the four This dog was originally a working farm dog, serving both to herd and protect the animals. It differed from the others because of it’s long black coat. (Belgian Malinois has a short, smooth coat, the Belgian Laekenois has a wire coat, the Belgian Tervuren has a coat that’s any color other than black) In 1910, this dog was officially named “Groenendael” after the town and kennel that had bred the black dog back in 1893. By now the Shepherds were recognized as a breed. By this time the dog was employed as a police dog in America. In 1959 the Belgian Shepherd breeds were divided into separate breeds with the Groenendael known as the Belgian Sheepdog and is the most striking of the Belgian breeds and it has a good size fan base. The AKC registered the breed in 1912.

This is a dominant breed that is usually easy to train and capable of learning many things, including police and security work. A firm but pleasant upper hand is needed and clicker training is the most productive approach along with positive reinforcement. The Belgian Sheepdog needs to be heavily socialized starting at around 4 or 5 weeks old with obedience training starting at the same time. This is a dog that must be controlled by “pack leader” owners and family.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Belgian Sheepdog puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

The Belgian Sheepdog puppy is usually easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

The Belgian Sheepdog is a playful, alert and obedient dog and is the most popular of the four shepherds from that family. This is a rugged and independent watchdog that is very protective pf his family and property. He needs heavy socialization from the very young age of 4 or 5 weeks. Because of his guarding instincts, and a tendency to be shy, this dog needs firm training but with a kind and understanding trainer. If you overpower the dog, he will shutdown and become unresponsive. He is wary, even aloof with strangers and can be aggressive toward dogs and any other animals he doesn’t know. This breed can be quite domineering and needs a family that can maintain an alpha leadership role over the dog. The dog is well suited to police and other security work.

If you happen to get a Belgian Sheepdog with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Can be aggressive toward strange dogs. Will pick and choose his dog friends.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

.Maybe. If raised with the pets, okay. Some can be socialized effectively with cats and small dogs. Otherwise, be careful.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Wary of strangers. It’s his guarding instinct.

Playfulness

Very playful. Loves games of fetch, Frisbee.

Very affectionate. This is a great family dog (for the right family) and loves human closeness.

Yes, older, respectful children that know how to behave around a dog. Best if the dog is raised with the kids. Socialization is important with this dog. He’s playful and will romp with the kids. Small children must be closely supervised. He’s very proterctiov4e of the children but may try to “herd” them when playing, especially when running.

Good with Seniors over 65?

No. Too much energy, needs too much exercise.

Living environment

House with a medium to large fenced yard. The Belgian Sheepdog needs to be an indoors where it can interact with his family of humans. He needs plenty of human companionship to keep mentally stimulated. Top

Energy level

High energy. Rate this around 9 out of 10 bars.

High. The Belgian Sheepdog is a good jogging partner. He also needs a good, long walk daily, and a vigorous play session in the yard. This dog needs something to do all the time. He gets bored easily and can become destructive. If you’re not into jogging, play fetch in the yard.

Excellent—Guarding is in his blood.

Sheds a lot—Several times a year.

Has double coat. Brush with a stiff bristle brush around 2 times a week, daily when shedding. Top

2nd book from the left – “A Dog Who’s Always Welcome.” How to train your dog way beyond normal obedience and to the extent of therapy dog work. You’ll be proud to take your dog anywhere because he’ll be the most polite dog in town.

Belgian Sheepdog Breeders

In the event you decide to go looking for Alaskan Malamute puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training. It’s not often that Belgian Sheepdogs turn up in shelters but you might check anyway.
Belgian Sheepdog Breeders with puppies for sale.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog illness and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Other health problems could occur with your Belgian Sheepdog. If you notice any problems with your dog, take it to the vet immediately. This website is for general information only and is not intended to, in any way, be a medical guide.

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