One of the four Belgian Sheepdogs, the Belgian Shepherd also known as “Groenendael”, is the most popular. This breed is black in color, and may have touches of grey or white. They are muscular, athletic and agile. The Belgian Sheepdog is sometimes shy and must be socialized at a young age. This breed requires a lot of early socialization, and firm (but not harsh) training from an experienced trainer. Harsh training tends to make Belgian Sheepdogs uncooperative. They usually form a very strong bond to their family and can easily suffer from separation anxiety. They are usually extremely protective by nature and relatively suspicious of strangers, which make them excellent police/guard dogs.
Belgian Sheepdog Breed Information
Breed Group
Herding Group
Coat
Very dense undercoat with a medium harsh, long outer coat
Color(s)
Black, black with white, black with gray
Size
22-26 inches
Weight
60-75 lbs
Exercise:
Requires a lot of exercise, used to living outdoors
Temperament
Hardworking, intelligent, obedient, protective, energetic, may be shy,
Trainability
Easy to train, very intelligent
Average Lifespan
12-15 years
Common Health Problems
Skin Allergies, Hip dysplasia, eye problems, epilepsy, obesity
Most 24PetWatch Clients Insure Belgian Sheepdogs with:
Budget for everyday costs according to your personal choice amongst the variety of toys, treats and foods
that are available. Vaccinations and ongoing preventative health care requirements can also be budgeted for as recommended by your veterinarian.