Belgian Dog Breeds

All Belgian dog breeds originally come from a working background. From small to large and from ratters to herders these canines are of course unique. So read on to find out everything you’ll want to know about the dog breeds from Belgium.

Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog)

This breed is also called the Belgian Sheepdog, and it is one of the four varieties in the Belgian Shepherd family along with the Tervuren, Laekenois, and Belgian Malinois. Each of these varieties gets its names from the villages where they originated and has different coat types and colors.

The Groenendael has a black medium-length coat and is actually often confused for a long-haired German Shepherd. While originally herding dogs, this breed is both extremely versatile and highly intelligent, which allows it to excel at just about any job.

Tervuren

This versatile herder is well-known for its strong work ethic. It looks very similar to the Groenendael, although its medium-length coat is grey, fawn, or red in color. The Tervuren is a natural guard dog that like the other Belgian Shepherd breeds has also excelled in police and military work among many other jobs.

The breed gets its name from the village of Tervuren where it was developed. While it is a top-notch family dog it can sometimes become overly possessive of its loved ones.

Laekenois

The Laekenois has a harsh and wiry coat that is red or fawn in color. This Belgian Shepherd dog breed was of vital importance locally in the Flanders region of Belgium not just as a herding dog but specifically as a guardian of the flax fields. The area’s soil is ideal for growing flax (from which linens are made) and therefore became a local industry and ultimately one of the leading producers of flax in the world.

However, thieves were a constant problem, and the Laekenois with its serious guarding abilities was the solution as they not only protected the farmers’ crops but also their livestock, farms, and homes.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois dog breed is famous for its police and military work around the world. It originated in the Malines region of Belgium, for which it gets its name. Unlike the other Belgian Shepherd breeds its fawn, red, or grey coat is the only one of the four that is short in length.

This breed has a high drive and intensity, which is why it is so exceptional at so many jobs. However it is not a dog for everybody, this is a breed that requires an owner that has a lot of experience.

Bouvier des Flandres

This breed was developed in the Flanders region of northern Belgium. Used mostly for driving and herding cattle its name actually means “cow dog of Flanders.” The Bouvier des Flandres was employed in World War Two to carry messages and find wounded soldiers.

Because of its intelligence, power, and naturally protective instincts this thickset canine is also considered one of the Belgian guard dog breeds and is often used for this purpose. It has been used as a police dog, guide dog, and search and rescue dog as well.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a unique-looking toy breed with a notable terrier-like temperament. Also known as the Griffon Bruxellois this little canine is believed to have been created by using the Affenpinscher, a similar-looking pinscher breed, along with several other toy breeds including the Pug.

The Brussels Griffon was originally a ratter in the stables where the coachmen kept their horses and coaches. Later they became a favored coachman’s companion sitting alongside them as they traveled, and then popular household pets.

Schipperke

Along with the Brussels Griffon, the Schipperke is one of the two small Belgian dog breeds. Pronounced “skipper kee,” its name means “little shepherd dog,” in Flemish (the dialect of the Dutch language spoken in Northern Belgium). It is aptly named as the Schipperke is actually considered to be the smallest shepherd breed in the world.

The Schipperke also earned itself the nickname “the little captain.” Because of its compact size, skill as a ratter, and guarding ability it was a popular pet on canal barges. The Schipperke originated in the towns of Brussels and Louvain.

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