The Belgian Sheepdog, or Groenendael, is elegant, proud, and intelligent. During WWI, Belgian Sheepdogs served on the battlefields as message carriers, ambulance dogs, and even pulling equipment. This breed performs well in sports like obedience, herding, and tracking. They are also excellent workers, and work as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs.
Is the Belgian Sheepdog the right Breed for You?
You are choosing a companion, and family member, to live in your home for the next 12-14 years. It is important to be sure that this is the right breed for you, your lifestyle, and your family for many years to come.
The Belgian Sheepdog is willing to please and is people oriented. They are happiest with an owner who can give them plenty of attention, exercise, and jobs to do. They are excellent companions for joggers, hikers, horseback riding, frisbee, and playing ball. This breed wants to be treated as part of the family, gets along with gentle children, and has the intelligence and trainability to make them an excellent watch dog. They tend to be sensitive and usually don't take well to harsh training techniques. They respond very well to positive training, which does NOT mean being permissive. They need a leader and consistent rules to be a well mannered member of the family.
Belgian Sheepdogs are a herding breed and have a moderately high activity level and drive to work. This is what makes them a great performance dog. Belgians have excelled in obedience, agility, and tracking, but unless they have a constructive outlet for their energy they can become bored and destructive. They need exercise and attention every day. Because of this Belgians do not make good 'backyard' dogs. They like to be with their person indoors and out, and will often follow them from room to room. They are very affectionate members of the family.
Is the Belgian Sheepdog the right Breed for You?
You are choosing a companion, and family member, to live in your home for the next 12-14 years. It is important to be sure that this is the right breed for you, your lifestyle, and your family for many years to come.
The Belgian Sheepdog is willing to please and is people oriented. They are happiest with an owner who can give them plenty of attention, exercise, and jobs to do. They are excellent companions for joggers, hikers, horseback riding, frisbee, and playing ball. This breed wants to be treated as part of the family, gets along with gentle children, and has the intelligence and trainability to make them an excellent watch dog. They tend to be sensitive and usually don't take well to harsh training techniques. They respond very well to positive training, which does NOT mean being permissive. They need a leader and consistent rules to be a well mannered member of the family.
Belgian Sheepdogs are a herding breed and have a moderately high activity level and drive to work. This is what makes them a great performance dog. Belgians have excelled in obedience, agility, and tracking, but unless they have a constructive outlet for their energy they can become bored and destructive. They need exercise and attention every day. Because of this Belgians do not make good 'backyard' dogs. They like to be with their person indoors and out, and will often follow them from room to room. They are very affectionate members of the family.