Belgian Shepherd Dog (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge) can refer to any of four varieties of dog: the Groenendael (Pronounced: Gron-en-dale), the Laekenois (Pronounced: Lak-en-nwah), the Tervueren (Pronounced: Ter-ver-ren), or the Malinois (Pronounced: Mal-en-nwah). In Belgium (the country of origin) they are considered to be one breed, haircolour and structure divides them into four varieties. In some non FCI countries and other regions, they are considered separate breeds.

Belgian Sheperds are largely used for police and bar work, patrolling and guarding the premises. They were also used in WWI and WWII in which they were almost wiped out until the French and a few others that fell in love with the breed revived them.

All are hard-working, intelligent dogs of the same general size and temperament. They differ in their coats and superficially in appearance.

They are so closely related that, when breeding any two dogs of the same coat colour and length (eg Groenendael), it is possible for puppies of different "breeds" to be in the same litter. For example, a Groenendael litter could contain a fawn-coated long-haired puppy; in countries that consider them the same breed with 4 coat varieties, this is fine and the puppy would be a valid Tervueren. Likewise, a Malinois could have a long-coated puppy; in some countries, this is merely the Tervueren coat variation.

An interesting characteristic of the breed is that these dogs have virtually no smell or "doggy odour" about them, making them especially well-suited to living indoors. The lack of dander also makes them hypoallergenic, even the coats of the long haired varieties require little maintainence a good brushing once a week will be more than adequate. 

Temperament

Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent and are bred to be alert and sensitive to everything going on around them, and to develop extremely strong relationship bonds. This means that they need significant socializing as puppies, lifelong activity outlets, and will seek to be with "their human" all the time, preferably doing something but will happily wait around as long as it's with you. Before buying a Belgian Shepherd puppy you should ask what socializing their breeder has given them. Most breeders will know what you are talking about and will happily tell you what socializing the puppy has had. Like any dog, Belgian Sheperds like your time and attention. They like to know they are a part of your life and a valued member of your family. Being shut in a backyard with no time and attention would severely demoralize this highly sociable breed. During their juvenile years, they can go through irrational fears (similar to the child who believes there is a monster in the closet), and can suddenly develop anxiety over some object or place which has never been a problem before, although these fade over time with a good positive lead and early socialisation. They tend strongly to be a "one person dog" but are devoted to the whole family.

All the Belgian Shepherd breeds need a reasonable amount of activity and close interaction with people. Like most herding breeds, they are much happier with a job to do (be it herding, learning tricks, agility, obedience, schutzhund, etc.). Throwing a toy endlessly for the dog to fetch works for some breeds, but the Belgian breeds are intelligent and sociable dogs who can easily become bored with such simple and undemanding repetition. Many Belgians make superb assistance dogs who thrive on knowing that their jobs are indeed necessary for their chosen person.

They are widely considered to be a good looking dog, loyal, intelligent, fun, and well suited to family life. However because of their high sensitivity to criticism or to being ignored, their careful handling and socializing needs, their need for ongoing stimulation and purposeful activity, and their potential, they require a lot of interaction and a reasonable amount of exercise. Too many people have used too harsh methods on this sensitive breed and have had disasterous results.

Training

Belgians are highly trainable dogs that thrive on stimulation, work, and partnership with their owner. They enjoy extensive training and can be taught to do any job a dog is capable of doing, including finding their toys by name, gathering dirty laundry, catching insects that get into the house, digging up weeds on command, and other tasks in addition to the usual obedience, retrieving and house-guarding. These activities are both work and play for the dog and should be enjoyed, not hurried through.

As with most working dogs, the owner of a Belgian Shepherd must maintain his dog's repect, and respect the dog in return. Belgian shepherds can over-react badly to "negative" (punishment or deterrence based) training, so as a rule their training should be based on reward. Punishment in training can cause the Belgian Shepherd to lose respect for its trainer, if the trainer becomes angry, loses their temper, or punishes in a way that does not fit the crime. Striking the Belgian or raging shows the dog that you have lost control of the situation. Some Belgians may even provoke their trainer and then laugh at the result, exhibiting their famous sense of humor!

Overly permissive training can also cause problems for the same reason; the dog learns that it controls the relationship and loses respect for its owner. Belgians can "play dumb", pretend to be frightened or confused, and otherwise manipulate a permissive owner in order to get attention (usually their most-coveted reward). It is important for the owner to know how to train dogs or to enroll in training classes to avoid misunderstandings. Professional training is highly recommended by trainers/academies specific to positive reinforcement training, as well as continued training or development beyond the basics, such as obedience, agility and herding and other sports. This is because Belgian Shepherds as a rule require mental stimulation as much or more so than physical. Most Belgian owners know that rote or pattern-based training is not the ideal for Belgians. Nor is drilling a particular activity going to prove successful. If a Belgian does something right 3 times in a row, he/she does not see the sense in doing it the fourth time.

Health

Belgian Shepherds are a hardy breed with relativley few health problems. The average life span for this breed is 12-16years which is higher than most breeds of a similar size. This is largely due to them carrying little or no body fat, however, while giving them longevity can also represent an anaesthetic risk. So ensure that your veterinary surgeon is aware of their anaesthetic needs as most will need what most have nicknamed, "Grey-hound Anaesthetic."

Belgian Shepherds have a higher incidence of epilepsy/seizuring than average. However it's still estimated at below 10% of the Belgian Shepherd population. Most breeders work on a "Generation Health Clear" system as although it's being developed there is no breed testing for Epilepsy as of yet. A "Generation Health Clear" system means that affected dogs and near relatives of affected dogs won't be used for breeding as a general rule, except where the epilepsy occured a number of generations behind the dog and in low incidence, and then only to a dog who is clear for as many generations or more. If a dog is 10 generations health clear it means that no genetic health problems have occured for 10 generations behind that particular dog.

While generally uncommon, being a larger breed Belgian Shepherds should still be tested for hip and elbow dysplaysia before being bred from. Most breeders will also eye and heart test if available. Although health problems of this nature are quite rare. Some Belgian Shepherds have been known to develop thyroid disorders (hyper or hypo) and skin problems. Along with most deep chested breeds they are prone to gastric torsion or more commonly known as "Bloat" but this is easily prevented by not letting them drink too much straight after eating or exercise, not exercising them straight after eating. This is especially important in the older dog.

If you have any number of questions most breeders will happily answer any of your queries on their particular breed.