Belgian dog breeds are not as well known or popular as some other breeds, but that doesn’t mean that these dogs aren’t fun and exciting to own.
There are different Belgian dog breeds, each with unique characteristics and qualities. As we’ll explore in this article, one of these breeds might suit your lifestyle and personality!
Belgium And Its Dogs
Belgium is based in Western Europe and has a rich history.
Belgian herding dogs and the German Shepherd are the top dog breeds in Belgium. Other breeds you may discover will include Belgium shepherd dog and Belgian shepherd dog standard. To learn more about the breeds and to get free dog food recall updates, visit the American Kennel Club’s site.
In addition to its well-known diamond business, Belgium is famous for various dog breeds. Since they come in multiple sizes, you can easily pick a Belgian dog that suits your tastes, way of life, and residence.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club
The Belgian Shepherd Club was formed in 1891 and is a founding member of the Fédération Cynologique International. This makes the club one of the world’s oldest canine organizations. (*)
The Belgian Shepherd Club maintains strict breeding standards to preserve the breed. Its catalog of approved dogs and an inspection committee monitor each dog annually, maintaining quality control and stringent adherence to the club’s guidelines.
Top Twelve Belgian Breeds
In the following section, you’ll get familiar with the top twelve Belgian dog breeds.
#1. Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren is one of the native herding breeds. It’s a sheep and cattle herder with a double coat. Their most distinctive physical trait is their saddle marking on their back. (*)
This native shepherd dog was initially bred to be a loyal companion and assist its owners in protecting property, livestock, and people from predators. However, Belgian Tervurens are intelligent dogs that crave human company and activity.
The Belgian Tervuren, one of the breeds of Belgian Shepherd, resembles its cousin, the Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael), the most. The coats of the two breeds are identical—long, thick, double—but the Tervuren’s ranges from rich fawn to reddish mahogany with a black overlay and a black mask on the face, whereas the Belgian Sheepdogs’ coat is entirely black.
The village of Tervuren, where the breed known today was standardized, is where the Belgian Tervuren gets its name. The Tervuren needs a lot of exercises to expend its copious energy, like other Belgian shepherds. They are incredibly devoted and possessive of their human relatives and want a lot of care. The American Kennel Club Herding Group includes the Belgian Tervuren.
#2. Groenendael – Belgian Sheepdog
The Groenendael, also known as the Belgian Sheepdog, is a native shepherd dog that originated in Belgium. This breed was created by crossing different species. One type of dog they are crossed with is the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and another kind of dog is the Beauceron. They can be great family pets because of their even temper, and they don’t need to be excessively exercised like other large dogs might.
The Belgian Sheepdog is the sole Belgian shepherd dog breed with a long, black coat. Although the breed is referred to as the Belgian Sheepdog in the United States, it is known as the Groenendael in other countries. This name comes from the Groenendael village, where this particular Belgian shepherd dog variation was first bred.
The Belgian Sheepdog was employed as a police and military dog to herd cattle. The Belgian Sheepdog of today is still very adaptable and is trained for work in law enforcement, rescue, therapy, and service dogs, as well as to compete in sports like agility, obedience, tracking, Schutzhund, and more. AKC Herding Group includes the Belgian Sheepdog.
#3. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent, social, obedient, and eager-to-please dog. In addition, they are very protective and energetic, making them perfect for herding livestock and guarding property.
The Belgian Malinois was created in the Malines area outside of Brussels. The Malinois was a sheep herder and a farm and family guardian, just like its cousins. However, only the Malinois has a short coat among the varieties of Belgian shepherd dogs.
Due to their extensive employment as military dogs and police K-9s, the Malinois may be the most well-known Belgian shepherd breed in the United States. Yet, sometimes people confuse the Malinois with the more famous German Shepherd Dog.
The Belgian Malinois is similar in many ways but has a somewhat distinct physical appearance with a square body contour and a lighter build.
Some people claim that the Malinois has a more assertive attitude and drive than a German Shepherd because of its shorter coat than the German Shepherd. The Malinois is part of the AKC Herding Group in the United States.
#4. Belgian Mastiff
The Belgian Mastiff, or as it is also known, the Dogue de Bordeaux, is a large, heavy-set dog that originated in Belgium. The breed belongs to the Molosser type of dog. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mastiffs from southern Europe were crossed with Molosser from northern Europe and bred in this region during the Dark Ages.
The Belgian Mastiff is a national extinct breed. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) no longer recognizes this kind and devoted dog, also known as the Belgian Draft Dog. The devotees keep making efforts to revive its appeal. However, this dog is too adorable to pass up. Pet owners hope he makes a significant reappearance so that more people may enjoy him.
#5. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound from Belgium is a sweet, intelligent, and sensitive animal that enjoys being a couch potato when not out for a walk. They are also good-natured dogs and will enjoy playing with children.
However, they need early socialization when they are puppies, so they don’t get overprotective as adults. These Belgian dogs like their owner’s company, but if left alone for long periods, they may bark excessively or tear things up in the house.
Because of his excellent smell, the Bloodhound can perform tasks that few other breeds can. However, his outward look belies his ability and utility. He may be expected to spend his days dozing off on the porch. Not the case with a dog that is so in tune with his environment through smell. He is a pup who wants employment.
#6. Papillon/Phalene
The Papillon is a small, butterfly-looking dog with long ears and a tiny body. Its coat is always tri-color white, black, and tan.
This dog breed is known for its calmness as well as being a people-oriented breed. The Phalene has the same coloring as the Papillon but has smooth hair instead of the rough-haired type from the Papillon and does not carry near as much energy.
The Papillon is a tiny, graceful, and elegant breed. It stands short yet has a long torso and big ears. There are two main types: one has straight ears, and the other has drooping ears. The ears, tail, and chest frequently have fringes according to the breed type.
Papillons are intelligent, attentive, and playful despite their diminutive size, but they can also be a little mischievous. If properly trained, the dog will be submissive. It also usually behaves admirably around its owner, kids, and other pets, but it could be a little wary of strangers. This dog is excellent for apartment living and less active persons.
Western Europe has a long history of using the Papillon and the Phalene as toy spaniels. The modern dog we see today is the result of decades of selective breeding, some of which can be attributed to Belgians. His upbeat, optimistic demeanor is one of the factors contributing to the breed’s popularity.
#7. Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is a medium-sized dog with a sleek, tousled coat. The Laekenois loves to play and is known for his affectionate nature.
They are energetic and enjoy being physically active; they love hunting, jogging, or even playing fetch in the backyard. They typically need plenty of exercise but also thrive on spending time with their family or lying on the couch watching TV with you on the weekends.
The Belgian Laekenois is one of the four Belgian shepherd breeds, including the other three (the Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren). All four varieties were used to guard and herd cattle and protect property. They were all of a similar size and body type.
They are categorized in Belgium as several kinds of the Belgian Shepherd Dog, with coat type and color being the primary distinctions between them.
The rarest of the Belgian shepherds, the Belgian Laekenois, is called after the Laeken town in Brussels. The very wiry coat of the Laekenois gives the dog an unkempt appearance. However, the breed is attentive, devoted, and loving to its family. The Belgian Laekenois is a member of this country’s Kennel Club Herding Group of America.
#8. Schipperke
There are many breeds of dogs worldwide, and the Schipperke is a lesser-known one. The Schipperke is sometimes called the little black Dutch dog or Belgian Smuggler.
It was initially bred in Flanders, Belgium, to hunt game such as rats and mice for big game hunters. In addition, they were used to guard private property and often accompanied caravans to protect travelers from thieves. As a result, this breed is popular with families, hunters, and dog show competitors!
The Schipperke is a breed that stretches back to the Middle Ages and comes from the Flemish districts of Belgium. Schipperkes were familiar with Belgian docks because they performed a valuable function by eliminating disease-carrying rodents on boats and serving as friends and security dogs for boat employees.
The English translation of the breed’s Flemish name is “little captain.” The small dogs made good watchdogs and hunters, so shops also valued them as companions.
The Schipperke is compact but well-built, and it is solidly black. Their clumsy, bulky bodies have no tails and have a square appearance from the side. The breed has a lot of personality, feistiness, and vigor.
The Schipperke of today is an excellent watchdog, alerting you when intruders approach and joyfully taking care of any rats in or near your property. The Schipperke belongs to the Non-Sporting Group of the AKC.
#9. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres, also known as the Bouvier or dog of Flanders, is a large herding dog for livestock management. This breed originated in Belgium, where it was once referred to as the Boeren-Hond (translated to English as the Farm Dog) or, more locally, the Boeiehoe.
The Bouvier des Flandres has strong instincts for protecting those around him; this makes him an excellent guard dog.
The Bouvier des Flandres is a breed of dog that originated in Belgium’s Flanders. The Bouvier des Flandres served as a farm dog all-around, much like the Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Tervuren, and Laekenois.
It has a hefty physique and is considerably bigger and stronger than other herding breeds. The breed can be identified by its rough, disheveled coat.
Bouviers are calm and stable rather than constantly “on,” in contrast to some herding breeds. Early socialization and adequate training from a knowledgeable dog owner who will provide ample exercise and stimulation are essential for Bouviers. The AKC Herding Group includes the Bouvier des Flandres.
They were initially classified as part of the Working Group but were moved into their group in 1996. The Bouvier des Flandres’ maximum height at the withers is 27 inches, and its weight is 100 pounds.
#10. Brussels Griffon
Known for its shaggy, wiry coat and prominent bat ears, the Brussels Griffon is an affectionate, small to medium-sized dog with a personality to match.
Easily trainable due to their inherent intelligence and eagerness to please, this Belgian breed is always up for a new challenge. This independent breed can sometimes be stubborn but will warm up to people quickly if they feel loved. It is one of the best dogs for children as they are very patient and gentle.
The Brussels Griffon is the smallest breed native to Belgium but has a big personality. The little dog finally made it into royalty, beginning with Belgium’s Queen, Henrietta Maria. She liked the dog a lot, despite the Brussels Griffon’s beginnings as a scrappy dog used as a ratter in horse stables.
It makes sense considering how difficult it is to resist the Brussels Griffon’s deep eyes, endearingly scruffy face, and lovely personality.
The breed struggles if left alone for extended periods because it needs human company. Therefore, the AKC Toy Group includes the Brussels Griffon.
#11. Belgian Shepadoodle
The Belgian Shepadoodle combines the intellect and friendliness of the Poodle with the work ethic of the Belgian Shepherd. The combination of an easy-to-train puppy is successful. The seriousness of the Belgian Shepherd is subdued by the Poodle, creating a puppy that is a devoted and loving companion.
The Belgian Shepadoodle is a cross between the Standard Poodle, whose coat can range in texture from smooth and wavy to rough and harsh, and the Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael), which has long black hair.
The Belgian Shepadoodle is regarded as a designer dog that dates to the 1980s. Then, there was a practice of mating purebreds to breed dogs that gave the desired traits of the parent breeds was first used.
The Standard Poodle and the Belgian Sheepdog, a subtype of the Belgian Shepherd, were bred to produce the Belgian Shepherd.
#12. Belusky
This dog is a mix of the Siberian husky and the Belgian Malinois. The Belsky is a classic example of a working dog. For this dog to be content, it needs a job. While the Siberian Husky contributes his exuberant personality, the Belgian Malinois brings his instincts for herding. (*)
Both parent breeds are active dogs with sharp minds that are simple to train. The Belusky is a playful and lively dog.
The Belusky, a cross between the Siberian Husky and the Belgian Malinois, can survive in cooler to colder climates. The Belusky has a powerful, compact body with energy levels that necessitate at least one to two hours of daily exercise (preferably more).
They can endure temperatures from chilly to colder. The Belusky has a powerful, compact body with energy levels that necessitate at least one to two hours of daily exercise (preferably more). In addition, they are very devoted to their human family and have strong protective instincts and high energy levels.
Finding The Perfect Belgian Breed For Yourself
The perfect Belgian breed for your household and lifestyle will depend on your lifestyle and how much time you are ready to spend caring for a dog. The Belgian dog may be reserved around outsiders, but he loves his family. Therefore, he naturally defends his owner’s person and possessions without becoming unduly hostile.
The Belgian Malinois quickly responds to his owner’s directions and strongly desires to work. The Malinois has always been a versatile dog that could do various tasks. These various vocations call for a focus on multiple qualities.
With an emphasis on performance abilities, the Malinois has been divided into lines typically generated for work and lines often produced for conformation. These dogs are constantly engaged and prepared to go.
The dog must have the composure to move stock without worrying the animals, but he must also always be prepared to defend his owner from rogue animals. This dog can relax but needs a frequent outlet for his remarkable endurance and drive. These dogs can excel at any companion sport, from dock diving to dog dance.
Dogs from Malinois lineages typically bred for protective sports fans, private protection companies, narcotics detection, border patrol, and military/police use make up about 90% of the surrenders.
Training Your Belgian Shepherd
A Belgian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with longer hair on its ears, face, legs, and tail. Belgian Shepherds were initially bred to be livestock herders, but now they are primarily family dogs.
It’s important to socialize your Belgian Shepherd while they’re young so they can become a well-rounded dog. Training your Belgian Shepherd should begin at around five months old and continue until the dog turns two years old, as long as you have time for it.
With Belgian Shepherds, obedience training from an early age is essential because this breed needs consistency to grow up well adjusted. So if you start training your Belgian Shepherd when they’re young, chances are good that training will go more smoothly than if you wait too long.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re not a dog person, Belgian dogs are still worth checking out for their good looks and unique personalities. These breed profiles offer a glimpse into the world of these four-legged friends and show how uniquely wonderful they can be.
They deserve to have at least one place in this world where they are appreciated just as much as any other animal.
So, if you want a new dog to bring into your home, review our Belgian breed article for a few minutes. It may offer you precisely what you’re looking for in your next pet companion. There is no question that there is something special about these breeds of dogs.
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*photo by lightman_pic – depositphotos
