Belgian Shepherd Dog

Breed Group: Herding

"I’m a fierce protector who loves being on patrol!"

Breed Profile

The Belgian Shepherd is a very intelligent and alert dog that loves having a job to do, especially if they're protecting you. They need a firm owner to guide them in the right direction, but with a little TLC, this breed could be the guard dog you’ve been looking for.

Behavior

The Belgian Shepherd is a smart, alert, and watchful breed. They’re natural protectors, so they make great watchdogs and guard dogs. However, they need lots of training and socialization to keep their aggression in check and prevent shyness. Belgian Shepherds do best when they have a job to do, so the busier you keep them and the more love you show, the happier they’ll be.

Coat

Belgian Shepherds have a long, heavy outer coat of black or brown hair, as well as a dense undercoat. They shed quite a bit and blow their coats twice each year, so they need an owner who has the time and patience for grooming. Belgian Shepherds need to be brushed at least a few times a week and even more often when they’re shedding heavily.

Lifestyle

Belgian Shepherds are fiercely protective of their family, including children, dogs, and other animals. However, they like to be the alpha and may try to dominate, so they need a firm owner to teach them right from wrong and socialize them with others. Once they bond with the family and other animals, Belgian Shepherds prefer to live with them and shouldn’t be left outside or locked in a kennel. They can be content living in an apartment or house, but they do best in larger spaces where they can run around freely.

Activity

The Belgian Shepherd has high energy and intelligence, so they love exercising and learning new things. These are working dogs that are used to being active, so they need a lot of exercise. Taking walks each day, playing in off-leash areas, and watching over their home and family will keep their minds and bodies stimulated.

Characteristics

Space Needs
Activity Needs
Intelligence
Playfulness
Grooming Needs
Trainability
Watchdog Ability
Affection
Barking
Cat-friendliness
Dog-friendliness
Child-friendliness