Belgium is a small country in Western Europe. It shares a border with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Today, Belgium is mostly known as a diamond center, producing about 90% of the world’s raw diamond negotiations in Antwerp.
In addition to its diamond industry, Belgium is known for quite a few dog breeds. Their breeds range from small to large, and you can easily find a Belgian dog to fit your preferences, lifestyle, and home.
In this article, we will examine the nine Belgian dog breeds.
The 9 Belgian Dog Breeds
1. Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
| Size | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-14 years |
| Personality | Intelligent, active, devoted |
| Other Names | Groenendael, Belgian Sheepdog, Chien de Berger Belge |
If you hear someone call a dog a “Belgian Shepherd,” they are most likely referring to the Belgian Shepherd Groenendael. In most countries, all four Belgian Shepherds are considered different varieties of the same breed, but in America, they are considered four entirely different dogs.
The Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is a medium-sized dog that is incredibly well-built and muscular. They have long neck fur and a double-layered coat. The coat is also black, glossy, and thicker around the chest area, forming a collar.
Their protective coat allows them to tolerate cooler temperatures, and they love running around outside. They get along really well with humans, dogs, and other pets when socialized early. Because they can be a bit reserved, they require plenty of training and exercise, but they are suitable for most families.
2. Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
| Size | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Personality | Intelligent, active, devoted |
| Other Names | Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog, Laeken, Chien de Berger Belge |
The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois is a medium-sized body with strong muscles and an elegant look. Their fur is much more short, rough, and bristly. Plus, the coat is primarily yellow-copper with black areas around the nose and tail.
Regarding personality, the Belgian Shepherd Laekenois is very similar to the Groenendael. They love to play outside and get along well with animals and people. They are also pretty easy to train.
3. Belgian Shepherd Malinois
| Size | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years |
| Personality | Intelligent, active, devoted |
| Other Names | Belgian Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder, Pastor Belga Malinois |
Like the other two Belgian Shepherds, the Belgian Shepherd Malinois is medium-sized, strong, and elegant. What sets them apart is their coat. It is primarily short but a little longer along the collar. The fur color is reddish-yellow, but they have black around the muzzle, too.
The Belgian Shepherd Malinois is just as easy to train as the other two varieties. They love playing with people, animals, and dogs. They’re ideal for active owners who like walking or running outside.
4. Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
| Size | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Personality | Intelligent, active, devoted |
| Other Names | Belgian Tervueren, Chien de Berger Belge |
Finally, the last Belgian Shepherd type is the Belgian Shepherd Tervuren. In most respects, this Belgian Shepherd is similar to the other three varieties in that they are medium-sized and elegant. Their coat is short on the head but long along the rest of the body, especially around the neck. Their colors can vary from copper-red to mahogany, and they have a black head and black hair tips.
Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Tervuren is incredibly active, intelligent, and gentle. They get along well with other people and children but can be aggressive if not socialized from an early age. Luckily, they are very easy to train.
5. Bloodhound
| Size | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Personality | Intelligent, Persistent, Stubborn, Gentle |
| Other Names | St. Hubert Hound, Chien de Saint-Hubert, Sleuth hound |
An old breed that descends from Tibetan Mollos, the Bloodhound is a large and strong dog. They’re known for their thin skin that droops along their forehead, cheeks, and neck. They also have distinct eyes, which are deep-set and dark. The coat is rough and short and can come in many colors, such as black, fawn, fawn and red, and pure red.
The Bloodhound is known for being an intelligent, active, friendly, and persistent dog. Because they were bred to track prey, they can easily locate scent trails and stick to them, making the breed independent and stubborn. At the same time, they are gentle around people, children, dogs, and other animals.
Because Bloodhounds are stubborn, they can be a bit difficult to train. It’s important to teach them from an early age, or else they will have a mind of their own. Bloodhounds make great companion dogs, but they are especially suitable for people who need hunting dogs.
6. Brussels Griffon
| Size | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years |
| Personality | Calm, jolly, curious |
| Other Names | Griffon Bruxellois, Belgium Griffon, Petit Brabancon, Griffon, Griff, Bruss |
The Brussels Griffon is the national dog of Belgium. Their bodies are short and strong, paired with large, round skulls. Their eyes are prominent and set apart, and they can have various coats, including the Bruxelles Griffon, Belgian Griffon, and Barbacon Dwarf.
Brussels Griffons are calm yet playful and restless. They are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. They also get along well with children, other animals, and dogs. This is an excellent dog for apartment living or more moderate activity.
7. Bouvier Des Flanders
| Size | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Personality | Sensitive, alert, hard-working |
| Other Names | Flanders Cattle Dog, Vlaamse Koehond |
As their name implies, the Bouvier Des Flanders was developed in Flanders. This large dog is strong and stocky. Because of their whiskers, their head appears much bigger than it actually is. The coat is double-layered and often has a lot of texture on the outside layer. It can come in multiple colors: gray, fawn, salt and pepper, and black.
Compared to many other breeds, the Bouvier Des Flanders is well-balanced and brave. They are protective and devoted to the family and require thorough training and socialization. If not socialized from an early age, they can be suspicious around strangers and other animals, but they get along well with children.
8. Papillon
| Size | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years |
| Personality | Obedient, affectionate, lively |
| Other Names | Epagneul Nain Continental, Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog, Moth Dog |
The Papillon is a small, graceful, and elegant breed. Despite their short stature, they have a long body and large ears. There are two Papillon varieties: one with straight ears and one with drooping ears. Depending on the breed type, fringes often run along the ears, tail, and chest.
Despite being so small, Papillons can be a bit naughty but are also intelligent, alert, and playful. If trained well, they are obedient. They get along with children and other animals, but they may be a bit reserved around strangers. They’re suitable for less active people and apartment dwellers.
9. Schipperke
| Size | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years |
| Personality | Brave, curious, sure of itself |
| Other Names | Spitzke, Spits, Spitske |
Finally, the last dog on our list is the Schipperke. They look like small wolves; their body is much bigger in the front than the back, and their fur is much longer on the hind legs and neck. The coat color is almost always pure black.
The Schipperke is daring and curious and makes an excellent watchdog. However, they are also affectionate and loyal to their owner and get along great with children.
It is important to train them early because they can get into mischief if not socialized and trained. The Schipperke is ideal if you are looking for a watchdog or need to catch pests, such as rodents, rabbits, or moles.
- You might also like: 325+ Popular & Unique Brussels Griffon Names: Ideas for Cute and Quirky Dogs
Conclusion
As you can see, Belgium has very unique dogs. Though most of them are large, there are a couple of small ones, too. The great part about Belgian dogs is that they come in so many varieties that almost any household can find a Belgian breed to fit in their home.
Featured Image Credit: SnottyBoggins, Pixabay
