Discover the Versatile Belgian Shepherd and Other Belgian Breeds

Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois (pronounced lak-in-wah) is one of four related Belgian shepherd breeds, alongside the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Belgian Tervuren. All are similar in size and body type and were used to herd and guard livestock and protect people and property. In Belgium, these varieties form the Belgian Shepherd Dog, differing mainly by coat type and color.

The Belgian Laekenois, which is the rarest of the Belgian shepherd breeds, is named for the town of Laeken in the Brussels region. The Laekenois has a distinctive wiry coat, which gives the dog a tousled appearance. The breed is watchful, protective, and affectionate with family. In the United States, the Belgian Laekenois is part of the American Kennel Club Herding Group.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois was developed in the Malines region outside of Brussels. Like its cousins, the Malinois was a sheep herder, as well as protector of family and farm. The Malinois is the only one of the Belgian shepherd dog breeds with a short coat. The Malinois might be the most recognizable Belgian shepherd breed in the United States due to its frequent use as a military dog and police K-9.

The Malinois is sometimes mistaken for the more common German Shepherd Dog. Though similar in many ways, the Belgian Malinois has a somewhat different physical appearance, with a square body outline and a slightly lighter build. The Malinois’ coat is slightly shorter than the German Shepherd’s, and some argue that the Malinois is more intense in personality and drive than a German Shepherd. In the U.S., the Malinois is part of the AKC Herding Group.

Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)

The Belgian Sheepdog is the only one of the Belgian shepherd dog breeds with a long, solid black coat. Though the breed is known in the United States as the Belgian Sheepdog, in other parts of the world it is called the Groenendael (pronounced Groan-en-dahl), named for the village of Groenendael, where this Belgian shepherd dog variety was originally bred. The Belgian Sheepdog was used to herd sheep and cattle, as well as to work as police and military dogs. Today’s Belgian Sheepdog remains incredibly versatile and is trained for police work and search and rescue, as service dogs and therapy dogs, and as competitors in performance sports like obedience, agility, herding, Schutzhund, tracking, and more. The Belgian Sheepdog is part of the AKC Herding Group.

Belgian Tervuren

Of the Belgian shepherd breeds, the Belgian Tervuren most closely resembles its cousin, the Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael). The two breeds have the same long, thick, double coat, but where the Belgian Sheepdog’s coat is solid black, the Tervuren’s coat comes in various shades of tan, from rich fawn to russet mahogany with black overlay and black mask on the face.

The Belgian Tervuren is named for the village of Tervuren, where the breed as it is known today was standardized. Like other Belgian shepherds, the Tervuren needs ample exercise to burn its abundant energy. They demand copious attention and are extremely affectionate with, and even possessive of, their human family. The Belgian Tervuren is part of the AKC Herding Group.

Bouvier des Flanders

As its name implies, the Bouvier des Flandres hails from the Flanders region of Belgium. Like the Laekenois, Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Tervuren, the Bouvier des Flandres was used as a livestock herder and all-around farm dog. It’s quite a bit larger and more powerful than other herding breeds, with a heavy build. The breed is unmistakable with its tousled rough coat. Unlike some herding breeds, Bouviers tend to be calm and steady rather than “on” all the time. Bouviers need early socialization and proper training from an experienced dog owner who can provide enough activity and mental stimulation. The Bouvier des Flandres is part of the AKC Herding Group.

Brussels Griffon

Though it’s the smallest of the breeds native to Belgium, the Brussels Griffon has a big personality. Though the Brussels Griffon started out as a scrappy dog that was used as a ratter in horse stables, the little dog eventually found its way into the laps of royalty, starting with Belgium’s Queen Henrietta Maria, who became enamored with the breed in the 1870s. It’s no wonder people find it hard to resist the Brussels Griffon’s adorably scruffy face, soulful eyes, and charming nature. When the queen likes something, it eventually trickles down to the masses, and the Brussels Griffon traded streets and stables for palaces and warm beds. Today’s Brussels Griffon is the ultimate lap dog and companion. The breed craves human attention and doesn’t do well if left alone for long periods. The Brussels Griffon is part of the AKC Toy Group.

Schipperke

The Schipperke, pronounced “skip-er-key,” originated in the Flemish provinces of Belgium, where the breed dates back hundreds of years to Medieval times. Schipperkes were a common sight in Belgian dockyards as they provided a valuable service, killing disease-carrying rats on barges and canal boats, and acting as guard dogs and companions to boat workers. In fact, the breed’s Flemish name translates to “little captain” in English. The little dogs were also appreciated companions to shopkeepers as they served as excellent watchdogs and vermin killers.

The solid black Schipperke is small but sturdily built. Their cobby, thickset bodies are tailless and appear square in profile. The breed is charismatic and feisty, with loads of energy. Today’s Schipperke is still an excellent watchdog, sounding the alarm when strangers approach, and they will happily dispatch any rats in and around your home. The Schipperke is part of the AKC Non-Sporting Group.