The Belgian Shepherd breed is a popular choice among dog lovers for its impressive intelligence, versatility, and loyalty.
Originally bred for herding and protecting livestock, Belgian Shepherds have grown to become highly adaptable working dogs, as well as beloved household companions.
These attractive dogs come in four distinct varieties, each with their own unique set of character traits. Here, we will take a closer look at each of the four types of Belgian Shepherd, so that you can identify which one is most suited to your lifestyle and personality.
The Popularity of the Belgian Shepherd Breed
Belgian Shepherds have been in existence for over a century, but their popularity has only skyrocketed in recent times.
One factor driving this craze is their exceptional performance as police and military dogs, where they serve in scent work, search and rescue, and counterterrorism roles.
Another significant factor is their adaptability to a wide range of lifestyles, making them suitable for all kinds of families.
The Four Different Types of Belgian Shepherds
Let’s talk about some cool dog breeds today, specifically the Belgian Tervuren and the Belgian Malinois.
These two breeds are part of the Belgian Shepherds family, and they have some amazing qualities that make them different from the rest. Oh, and did you know there are two more types called the Laekenois and Groenendael?
But for now, let’s focus on the Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Malinois in this blog. Get ready to learn some fascinating stuff about these awesome dogs!
Choosing the Right Type for Your Lifestyle
Before deciding on a Belgian Shepherd, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle and household environment, including the size of your residence and the level of activity you can provide. While all Belgian Shepherds share the same intelligence and faithful temperament, their exercise and training needs, as well as their temperaments, can vary.
The Belgian Tervuren
Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren, also called the Chien de Berger Belge, is an elegant and graceful dog with long, silky fur, ranging in color from mahogany to gray. Their bright and lively eyes hint at the keen intelligence that these canines possess.
Appearance and Temperament
The Tervuren is an active and agile dog, standing at around two feet tall and weighing 60 to 75 pounds.
They have strong muscles, carry themselves proudly, and wear gentle expressions on their face. With their boundless energy and quick movements, they excel in outdoor adventures like hiking, running, and playing with toys.
The Tervuren loves being with people and shows affection towards them. They are a great fit for families who have an active and outgoing lifestyle.
Their loyalty and protective nature make them exceptional at keeping an eye on their loved ones as watchdogs.
Exercise and Training Needs
Belgian Tervurens need at least an hour of exercise daily, challenging physical activity and mental stimulation. Experts recommend varied training activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking exercises.
Pros and Cons as a Companion Dog
Pros: The Belgian Tervuren displays high intelligence, agility, and affection. They make excellent companions for families with children, and their protective nature ensures they excel as watchdogs.
Cons: Belgian Tervurens have a strong herding instinct and are high-energy dogs. They need ample exercise and mental stimulation, which may be overwhelming for households that prefer a more inactive lifestyle.
The Belgian Malinois
Malinois Belgian Shepherd Dog
The Belgian Malinois, also known as the Malinois or the Berger Belge Malinois, is a handsome and loyal dog. Their lean, muscular body and intense gaze reflect their current role as working dogs in the military and law enforcement.
Appearance and Temperament
The Malinois is a medium-sized dog, standing about two feet tall and weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. They have a short, straight coat that is fawn, mahogany, or black in color. Their eyes are almond-shaped, and their ears stand erect.
The Malinois is a highly intelligent and obedient breed with a strong work drive. They are gentle toward their families, protective, and highly trainable.
Exercise and Training Needs
Belgian Malinois needs high energy levels of exercise, with at least an hour of activity daily. They are ideal for people who exercise consistently and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and running. Malinois excel in agility, obedience, and scent detection exercises
Pros and Cons as a Companion Dog
Pros: Belgian Malinois are smart, kind, obedient, and protective. They make fantastic watchdogs and are great at jobs that involve working. They are perfect for people who want an active and exciting friendship.
Cons: Belgian Malinois are full of energy and need lots of exercise and mental challenges. They may not be the best fit for families who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle and might need more time and care than some dog owners can give.
The Belgian Groenendael
Dog Purebred Groenendael
Appearance and Temperament
The Belgian Groenendael is a striking-looking dog, sporting a thick, black coat that is long and straight. Their medium-sized build makes them highly versatile, and they are very agile, with a muscular physique.
These dogs are often described as being very friendly, and they are excellent with children. They are also highly intelligent and are said to have an almost human-like level of understanding when it comes to social cues and body language.
Exercise and Training Needs
The Belgian Groenendael, just like other herding breeds, is an energetic and active dog that thrives on exercise. If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor activities like hiking or running, this breed is a perfect match for you. Not only are they skilled at agility training, but they also have a keen intellect.
This means they require both mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep them content and fulfilled. So, if you’re looking for a smart and active companion, the Belgian Groenendael is an excellent choice!
Pros and Cons as a Companion Dog
The Belgian Groenendael is a wonderful option if you want a faithful and clever friend by your side. These dogs create deep connections with their owners and show their loyalty by sticking close wherever you go in the house. Keep in mind that they might need a bit more time and effort during training compared to some other breeds. With patience and consistent teaching, they can learn new commands and become well-behaved companions.
The Belgian Laekenois
Belgian Laekenois Shepherd
Appearance and Temperament
The Belgian Laekenois is a slightly rarer breed of Belgian Shepherd, and is recognisable by its distinctive wiry coat.
They tend to be slightly larger than the Groenendael, and they are highly intelligent and trainable. These dogs are very loyal to their owners, and are often described as being very protective of their family.
Exercise and Training Needs
Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Laekenois is a very active breed that requires lots of exercise. They are highly trainable and are often used in law enforcement and security roles. These dogs excel at obedience training and are well-suited to competitions such as agility and flyball.
Pros and Cons as a Companion Dog
The Belgian Laekenois is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a loyal and protective companion. These dogs are very loving and will become very attached to their owner. However, they are not as sociable as other breeds and can become overprotective if not socialized properly as puppies.
History and Origin of the Belgian Shepherd Breed
The Early Days of the Breed
The Belgian Shepherd breed can trace its origins back to the late 1800s when dog breeders in Belgium started selectively breeding dogs that were used for herding and guarding livestock. The first Belgian Shepherd was registered with the Société Royale Saint-Hubert in 1891, and the breed has been growing in popularity ever since.
The Influence of Shepherd Dogs in Belgium
As with many countries in Europe, Belgium has a long history of using herding dogs to manage livestock. The Belgian Shepherd was specifically bred to fill this role, and they quickly became highly prized for their intelligence and trainability.
The Development of the Four Different Types of Belgian Shepherds
Over time, the Belgian Shepherd breed began to diverge into different types, with each variety being bred to fulfill a specific purpose.
The four types of Belgian Shepherd are the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervuren. Despite their differences in appearance, all four types share the same core personality traits of loyalty, intelligence, and protectiveness.
Addressing common misunderstandings about Belgian Shepherds
Belgian Shepherds are a loved breed among dog enthusiasts, but, at the same time, plenty of misconceptions and myths surround this amazing breed.
Separating fact from fiction and addressing common misunderstandings about Belgian Shepherds are the first crucial steps to understanding which of the four types of this breed would be the best match for you.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Belgian Shepherds and some things you may want to keep in mind when finding your perfect canine companion.
Belgian Shepherd Myths and Misconceptions
Here are some common myths and misconceptions about Belgian Shepherds that need to be cleared up:
Belgian Shepherds are aggressive dogs. Truth: Belgian Shepherds are not naturally aggressive dogs, but they do have a high energy level and require proper socialization, training, and exercise.
Belgian Shepherds are too difficult to handle. Truth: Belgian Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive on challenges. They need daily mental and physical stimulation, but with proper training and socialization, they respond well to commands.
Belgian Shepherds are dangerous dogs. Truth: Belgian Shepherds have a strong will to protect their families, making them exceptional watchdogs. However, they are not naturally dangerous and can be trained to behave appropriately towards strangers.
Belgian Shepherds are too much of a handful for families. Truth: Belgian Shepherds can be great family dogs, but their high energy level and herding instincts require a lot of attention and training. With proper exercise and mental stimulation, they can be loyal and loving companions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Belgian Shepherds
Is a Belgian Shepherd a good family dog?
Belgian Shepherds can make great family dogs if they get plenty of exercises and are socialized from a young age. They are very protective of their loved ones and can be loyal and affectionate towards their owners. However, they have a high energy level and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They may not be the best choice for families with young children or elderly members.
In Conclusion
Belgian Shepherds are an exceptional breed, and their popularity is well deserved. They are intelligent, adaptable, and resilient dogs that are perfect for families looking for a loyal companion.
Choosing the right type of Belgian Shepherd requires careful consideration of your lifestyle, and considering factors like exercise and training needs are essential.
Whether it’s the Belgian Tervuren or Belgian Malinois, each of these types of Belgian Shepherds offers unique personalities and physical traits, perfect for different types of pet owners.
