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Belgian Sheepdog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Belgian Sheepdog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank120
Reviews4
User Ratings
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Belgian Sheepdog dog profile picture
OriginBelgium flagBelgium
Other Names
What other names does the Belgian Sheepdog have?
Chien De Berger BelgeGroenendael
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Belgian Sheepdog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Belgian Sheepdog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Belgian Sheepdog get?

What is the average size of a Belgian Sheepdog?

Large
Weight
How much does the Belgian Sheepdog weigh? How much should a Belgian Sheepdog weight? What is the normal weight of a Belgian Sheepdog? How much does a full-grown Belgian Sheepdog weight?
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Belgian Sheepdog?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Belgian Sheepdog? Belgian Sheepdog height:
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Belgian Sheepdog?
Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Belgian Sheepdog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Belgian Sheepdog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Belgian Sheepdog in the United States? How much money is a Belgian Sheepdog?

Where to buy a Belgian Sheepdog with a good pedigree?

$1200-$1400
If you choose to purchase the Belgian Sheepdog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Belgian Sheepdog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Belgian Sheepdog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Belgian Sheepdog? How many Belgian Sheepdog are there in the world?
Frequent: The Belgian Sheepdog is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Belgian Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Belgian Sheepdog? Is the Belgian Sheepdog breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: Belgian Sheepdog is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The Belgian Sheepdog is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Belgian Sheepdog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Belgian Sheepdog?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Belgian Sheepdog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Belgian Sheepdog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Belgian Sheepdog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Belgian Sheepdog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Belgian Sheepdog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Belgian Sheepdog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveStubbornProtectiveAlertIntelligentConfidentFriendlyHardWorkingWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Belgian Sheepdog sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Belgian Sheepdog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Belgian Sheepdog a good family dog?
Average to High: Belgian Sheepdog dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Chien De Berger Belge need? Belgian Sheepdog social needs:
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Belgian Sheepdog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Belgian Sheepdog roam?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Belgian Sheepdog have high prey drive?
Their prey drive is low. Belgian Sheepdog dogs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals.

Belgian Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Chien De Berger Belge bark?
A lot: Belgian Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Belgian Sheepdog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Belgian Sheepdog in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Belgian Sheepdog breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Belgian Sheepdog indoors by introducing daily routines.

Belgian Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Belgian Sheepdog be left alone? How long can you leave a Belgian Sheepdog alone?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Belgian Sheepdog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Belgian Sheepdog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Belgian Sheepdog? How much bite force does a Belgian Sheepdog have? How strong is a Belgian Sheepdog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Belgian Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Belgian Sheepdog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Belgian Sheepdog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Belgian Sheepdog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Belgian Sheepdog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Belgian Sheepdog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Belgian Sheepdog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Belgian Sheepdog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Belgian Sheepdog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Belgian Sheepdog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Chien De Berger Belge? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Belgian Sheepdog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Belgian Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Belgian Sheepdog do?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Belgian Sheepdog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Belgian Sheepdog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Belgian Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Belgian Sheepdog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Belgian Sheepdog breed? Most common health risks of Belgian Sheepdog:
Hip Dysplasia EpilepsyHyperthyroidism
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Belgian Sheepdog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Belgian Sheepdog see the vet?
Average
The Belgian Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Belgian Sheepdog dogs live? How old can a Belgian Sheepdog be? What is the age limit of the Belgian Sheepdog? How many years can the oldest Belgian Sheepdog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Belgian Sheepdog?

How long is the lifespan of a Belgian Sheepdog?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Belgian Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Belgian Sheepdog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Belgian Sheepdog have? What is the activity level of the Belgian Sheepdog?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Belgian Sheepdog need? How much exercise do Belgian Sheepdog dogs require per day?

Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Belgian Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Belgian Sheepdog breed need?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Belgian Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Belgian Sheepdog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Belgian Sheepdog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Belgian Sheepdog? How much food should I feed my Belgian Sheepdog?
2 to 3 cups of a high-quality dog food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Belgian Sheepdog risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Belgian Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Belgian Sheepdog weight regularly.

Belgian Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Belgian Sheepdog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
SoftThick
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Belgian Sheepdog coats?
Black Cream Fawn Brindle
Grooming
How to groom the Belgian Sheepdog and how often? How often should I take my Belgian Sheepdog to the groomer?
Average: The Belgian Sheepdog requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Belgian Sheepdog, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Belgian Sheepdog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Chien De Berger Belge? Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs shed a lot?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Belgian Sheepdog need a bath? How often should you give a Belgian Sheepdog a bath? Can I bathe my Belgian Sheepdog every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Belgian Sheepdog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Belgian Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Belgian Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Belgian Sheepdog drool?
The Belgian Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Belgian Sheepdog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Belgian Sheepdog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Belgian Sheepdog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Belgian Sheepdog dogs get along with other pets? Are Belgian Sheepdog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Belgian Sheepdog temperament with other people:
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Belgian Sheepdog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Belgian Sheepdog temperament with children:
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Belgian Sheepdog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Belgian Sheepdog breed live with a cat?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Belgian Sheepdog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Belgian Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs?
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Belgian Sheepdog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Belgian Sheepdog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Belgian Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Belgian Sheepdog dogs good office canines? Do Belgian Sheepdog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Belgian Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Belgian Sheepdog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Chien De Berger Belge temperament with senior people? Are Belgian Sheepdog dogs good for elderly owners?
Belgian Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Belgian Sheepdog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Belgian Sheepdog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Belgian Sheepdog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Belgian Sheepdog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Belgian Sheepdog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Belgian Sheepdog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Belgian Sheepdog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Belgian Sheepdog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Belgian Sheepdog be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Belgian Sheepdog breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Belgian Sheepdog be a boat dog?

Not really

Belgian Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Belgian Sheepdog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Belgian Sheepdog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Belgian Sheepdog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Belgian Sheepdog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Belgian Sheepdog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Belgian Sheepdog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Belgian Sheepdog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Belgian Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Belgian Sheepdog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Belgian Sheepdog have? How many puppies can a Belgian Sheepdog give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Belgian Sheepdog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Belgian Sheepdog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is Belgian Sheepdog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Belgian Sheepdog breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel Club

Belgian Sheepdog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: Belgian Sheepdog is an excellent dog breed.
  • Trainability: Belgian Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Belgian Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Belgian Sheepdog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Belgian Sheepdog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Belgian Sheepdog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: Belgian Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Belgian Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Belgian Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Belgian Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Belgian Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Belgian Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Belgian Sheepdog breed in the home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Belgian Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Belgian Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Belgian Sheepdog Breed

Belgian Sheepdog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Belgian Sheepdog Lover

    Mar 2, 2022, 12:55:24 PM:

  • Rover

    Feb 27, 2022, 2:40:29 AM:

  • BG

    Feb 27, 2022, 2:40:01 AM:

  • DK

    Feb 27, 2022, 1:31:51 AM: