Belgian Sheepdog

The dogs of the long-haired Groenendael breed, named after a castle near Brussels are alert and agile, with a marked wariness.

The masked, short-coated Malinois breed, very similar to a German shepherd dog, derives from the Malines area in Belgium. The Tervuren breed, resembling a long-haired German shepherd and named for a Brussels suburb, is derived from crossbreeding the others. Its beautiful coat, much softer to the touch than it appears, take a few years to grow fully.

Belgian shepherd dogs handle vigorous training well and work actively as sheepdogs, sled dogs, and police and rescue dogs. All require a lot of exercise.

The long-haired types must be brushed very carefully during the shedding period.

Origin : Belgium
Size : (male) Height 24-26 inches; Weight 71-80 pounds
(female) Height 22-24 inches; Weight 71-80 pounds
Coat : Long (Groenendael), short (Malinos), long and straight, with dense undercoat (Tervuren). Colors are black (Groenendael), fawn with black mask (Malinos), varying from fawn to mahogany with black tipped overcoat, a black mask and black ears (Tervuren)