The Belgium Sheepdog is a beautiful, mostly black long haired dog that needs daily brushing. She is highly intelligent and makes a great watch dog. She is good with children but does not like rough play. As a reminder, never leave any young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog for any length of time. She needs plenty of exercise and a properly fenced in back yard is almost a must. She may do well with other pets, especially if she has been socialized with them at an early age.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Belgium Sheepdog is 24 to 26 inches high at the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 65 to 75 pounds. Females range from 22 to 24 inches at the withers and 60 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Belgium Sheepdog is no exception. Be on the lookout for epilepsy (common in dogs), eye problems, canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and excessive shyness.

*Grooming. The Belgian Sheepdog has a long straight coat with an under coat. She should be brushed daily. She is a heavy shedder and brushing will help keep your house more free of shed hair. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The dog can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Belgian Sheepdog was developed around the year 1885 in Groenendaal, Belgium as a flock guardian and protector of her master and his possessions.

Some Registries:

Belgium Sheepdog Club of America

UKC United Kennel Club

NKC National Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

AKC American Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Belgian Sheepdog puppies

Category: Herding,

Terms Too Describe. Intelligent, trustworthy, loyal, affectionate, alert, devotion, want to please,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Very intelligent.

Excellent watch dog.

She can stand cold weather well.

Beautiful.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Heavy shedder, needs to brushed often if not daily.

Can be too aggressive.

Can be very shy.

They can be stressed when left alone.

Can tend to be one person dogs.

Professional training recommended.

Not for an inexperienced owner.

Can become destructive if bored.

*Other Names Known By: Chien de Berger Belge, Groenendael