When it comes to Belgian dog breeds, the first thing that might come to mind is the Belgian Shepherd Dog.
But most of the dog breeds that come from there are rather exotic in this country.
Especially number 10 surprised me, because his appearance reminds of a very popular companion with a short snout!
10 Belgian dog breeds at a glance
1. Groenendael
Let’s talk about one in this country Belgian Shepherd Dogwe usually mean the Groenendael, who is one of five different Belgian Shepherd Dogs. He can be recognized by his black fur.
The Groenendael takes on its task as herding dog very seriously. His flock to guard is like his family.
Conversely, his flock is his family, which he wants to keep together and protect.
That’s why he is reluctant to be alone and surrounds himself as family dog happy with his people.
2. Tervuren
The Tervuren is the second shepherd dog in the group.
He too is brilliant herding dogalthough originally as Protection and watchdog was used.
He often worked in Belgian breweries and, in addition to guarding, even had to transport the beer with the help of a cart.
The Tervuren still has a strong watchdog instinct today and loves his family. He is very docile and obediencebut also requires a lot of work.
3. Malinois
Malinois are also often regarded as shepherd dogs. This dog has far more skills and qualities than just herding the livestock.
Visually, the Malinois comes close German shepherd closest and is therefore often confused with this one.
He is very open minded and livelybut also very sensitive and requires contact with conspecifics and a lot of activity.
Good to know:
Many police and customs dogs are Malinois. Compared to German Shepherds, these are smaller and more agile.
4. Laekenois
Also the Laekenois belong to the Belgian Shepherd Dog family. They got their name from Chateau de Laekenthe residence of the Belgian royal family.
The medium-sized, wiry-coated dogs are the rarest of the Belgian Shepherds.
In essence they are docile, obedience and very intelligent.You need a lot of exercise and employment.
For this he thanks his people with a lot of love, friendship and loyalty.
5. Schipperke
If he Schipperke nor the Belgian Shepherd Dogs or rather the sharpen one can argue.
He has black and pointed ears but is smaller than a Groenendael.
Untypical for a German shepherd is his stubborn. He likes to ignore commands and instead does what he feels like doing.
Consistent training from puppyhood is therefore essential.
The Schipperke is a real bundle of energy. He needs lots of exercise and employment.
6. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a real ball of fur, but not necessarily in lap-dog format.
become adult dogs up to 40 kilograms in weight and almost one meter tall.
Because of his patient and kind beings but you can still cuddle with him.
It was originally used to herd large animals, such as herds of cows.
Following his instincts as a herding dog, the intelligent dog also looks out for his family, to whom he is obedient and loyal.
7. Brussels Dwarf Griffon
The Brussels Dwarf Griffon is also under the name Griffon Bruxellois known.
Many dog breeds like that unite in him Yorkshire terriers or Cavalier King Charles Spanielwhich were gradually crossed in.
At first, the small dogs were considered rat and mouse catcher used and quickly became popular companion dogs among the Belgian nobility.
Today the Dwarf Griffon is a popular family and lap dog.
He is easy to keep in an apartment, but still needs enough exercise.
8. Bouvier des Ardennes
The dog breed from the Belgian Ardennes was already thought to be extinct. However, in the 1980s, this rare breed of dog was reconstructed and re-bred.
The Bouvier des Ardennes was in Belgium a long time ago as frugal and persistent working dog estimated. Also as guard dog he found his use.
Today he is a favorite again family dogwho is a loyal friend to his people, as long as they keep him busy and demanding.
9. Saint Hubert’s Dog
The floppy one Chien de Saint Hubert is an excellent one search and hunting dog.
This breed has its origins in the Middle Ages and is believed to have descended from dogs from the Abbey of St Hubert in the Belgian Ardennes. He was mainly bred for the French nobility.
The dogs are not only considered today forefathers of many European hunting dog breeds, but also of the American one Bloodhounds.
Due to their hunting instinct, Hubertus dogs need a consistent hand.
10. Petit Brabancon
The small Brabant Griffon is strictly speaking not a Griffon. In addition, he lacks the typical wire hair.
Due to its origin story, it is nevertheless one of the Belgian Pygmy Griffons counted.
The little four-legged friends have a lively and impatient temper. They like to be with their people, but can keep themselves busy.
Their keeping is simple and also suitable for apartments. However, they are alert and therefore like to bark.