AKA: Belgian Malinois, Chien de Berger Belge, Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder (Mechelse Schelper)

Description: The Belgian Malinois is one of the four Belgian shepherd dogs that originated in Belgium. It is a squarely muscular dog that is well-proportioned and agile. The chest is deep and reaches to the elbow. The front legs are straight and dewclaws may be removed. As for the hind legs, dewclaws has to be removed.

The neck has longer hair compared to the rest of the body, forming a collar around it. Th Malinois also has small dark almond-shaped eyes and triangular ears that stand erect. The skull is flat, the nose black, and the teeth meets in a scissors or level bite.

Dynamics: The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. Like the other Belgian Sheepdogs, it is watchful and has serious and strong protective and territorial instincts. It needs patient and extensive training. The training should not be harsh because the Malinois will become uncooperative in this case.

The Malinois has to be socialized from puppyhood to get along well with children and other animals. Take special care in introducing it with noncanine animals. They are loyal, alert, and instinctively protective, which can make it dominant over other dogs. If left alone, the Malinois will find some ways to amuse itself. It has a lot of energy and may sometimes show herding behavior by chasing and circling around.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 55-65 lbs (24-29 kg)

Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)

Color: The Malinois’ coat ranges from fawn, red, mahogany, and black, and has black tips, mask, and ears. Some white can sometimes be seen on the chest and feet.

Country of Origin: The Belgian Malinois originated from Belgium and is named after the Belgian city of Malines.

Grooming: Grooming the Malinois is easy because its hair is short. Brush regularly with a bristle brush and bathe only when necessary.

Activities: The Malinois is a working dog with lots of energy. It is used to an activ outdoor life so it needs to have plenty of exercise. It also prefers to be off a leash and run free. Presently, the Belgian Malinois is used at tracking, guarding and protection, narcotics and bomb detection, search and rescue, herding, and pulling sleds or carts.

Other Info: The Malinois has a life expectancy of 12-14 years. It has no major health concerns although it is still prone to skin allergies, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Excessive shyness or excessive aggressiveness is not good for the Malinois too.

The Belgian Malinois will do okay in an apartment but it has to be sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors from time to time. This breed prefers cool climates but can adapt to others.

AKA: Chien de Berger Belge, Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

Description: One of the four Belgian shepherd dogs, the Laekenois has a unique wire coat that distinguishes it from the other breeds. It has a shaggy and woolly look because its coat can grow up to 2 inches long. The hair is dense and bushy on the tail.

Its body is sturdy, well proportioned, and muscular. The ears look small and set high on the head and the eyes are dark in contrast to the light hair color. The front legs are straight and the feet are round and cat-like. Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs and has to be removed from the hind legs. The skull is flat, the nose black, and the teeth meets in a scissors or level bite.

Dynamics: The Laekenois is the rarest among the four Belgian shepherd dogs. Like the other three, it is serious, smart, and obedient. It also has strong protective and territorial instincts. It needs patient and extensive training. It does not pay to be harsh to the Laekenois because it will only be uncooperative in this case.

The Laekenois has to be socialized from its puppyhood to socialize well with children and people. Take extra care when introducing it to noncanine animals. They are instinctively protective and can be dominant with other dogs.

It is best for a Laekenois if it is given time, attention, and companionship. If left alone, this breed will find ways to amuse itself. It has lots of energy and needs to have something to do most of the time.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: 55-65 lbs (24-29 kg)

Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)

Color: The Laekenois comes in a range from fawn to mahogany with black overlay.

Country of Origin: The Laekenois originated from Belgium. It was once the favored sheep tender and the “dog to have” but is now the rarest among the four Belgian Sheepdogs.

Activities: The Laekenois has lots of energy to dispose of and needs a lot of exercise. It is accustomed to an active outdoor life and prefer to be off a leash and kennel.

Grooming: Grooming the Laekenois takes special attention. The rough, wiry coat has to be trimmed about twice a year. Excess hair should be removed and do not trim to closely to the skin. Use a coarse-toothed comb for grooming. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Laekenois has a life expectancy of 12-14 years. It has no major health concerns but it is still prone to skin allergies, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Excessive shyness or excessive aggressiveness is not also good for the Laekenois to have. The Laekenois will do fine in an apartment but it has to be taken out on exercises and daily walks. It is only moderately active indoors and will sometimes sleep outdoors. This breed prefers cool climates, but will be okay to other conditions.

AKA: Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Shepherd, Chien de Berger Beige

Description: The most popular the four Belgian shepherd dogs, the Groenendael is a muscular black dog with a body that is squarely proportioned. It has a coat that is moderately long, especially a little full at the neck, underside, legs, and tail. The face and lower legs have short hair. The Groenendael has a dense undercoat.

The Groenendael has almond-shaped brown eyes, a black nose, and triangular ears that stand erect. The muzzle is long and the chest is deep, reaching into the elbow. The front legs are straight and parallel to each other. Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs but it is imperatively removed from the back legs. The feet is cat-like and round. The skull is flat and the teeth is in a scissors or level bite.

Dynamics: The Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is a serious, smart, and obedient dog. It has strong protective and territorial instincts, which makes it a very good shepherd and guard dog. It can be shy or sensitive, and needs extensive socialization from puppyhood. The training should be patient and not harsh for the Groenendael has a tendency to be uncooperative if it feels heated upon.

Due to its protective instincts and loyalty, the Groenendael can become an excellent police and guard dog. But it can also be a very good pet. It is a loving companion and it is good with children if socialized with them.

The Groenendael is best when it has something to do. If left alone, it will find some ways to entertain itself. It has a lot of energy inside it and can be dominant at times. Extra care should be taken when introducing it with other dogs and non-canine pets. The breed tends to be dominant over them unless properly socialized.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 65-75 lbs (29-34 kg), females 60-70 lbs (27-32 kg)

Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (55-61 cm)

Color: The Groenendael’s coat is black. Some may posses a little white on the chest, chin or toes.

Country of Origin: The Groenendael, or the Belgian Shepherd, got its name from a village in Belgium. It was bred by Nicholas Rose, by pairing a Petite and a Picard d’Uccle.

Activities: This working dog needs a lot of exercise and is used to an active outdoor life. It is also best for them to be free from a leash and kennel and in a safe area.

Grooming: Grooming the Groenendael requires daily combing and brushing because of its heavy outer coat and dense undercoat. Take special care when they are shedding. Clip hair to form the ruff and legs, toes, and outer ears. The Groenendael sheds twice a year with additional shedding throughout.

Other Info: The Groenendael has a life expectancy of 13-14 years. It hardly has any major health problems but it is prone to epilepsy,skin allergies,eye problems, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. It also has a tendency to be either excessively shy or excessively aggressive, and this is generally not a good thing for a Groenendael. Be careful not to overfeed this breed because it can become lazy and obese.

This breed will be okay in an apartment but it has to be sufficiently exercise and taken outdoors from time to time. It will sometimes want to sleep outdoors, though generally it wants to be with his family.

Presently, the Groenendael is being used in herding, as a watch and guard dog, in drug detection, search and rescue, and as a family companion.

AKA: Berger de Beuce, Bas Rouge (Red Stocking), Beauce Shepherd, French Shorthaired Shepherd

Description: The Beauceron is a herder dog that gives off strength and vitality from its appearance. It is about the size of a Doberman Pinscher. It has short hair with longer fringes in the tail and hindquarters. The outer coat is rough and lined with a woolly, fluffy undercoat for good thermal insulation.

The Beauceron’s distinctive feature is the double dewclaw on the hind legs, making six toes per foot. The ears are cropped and standing. The eyes are a dark chestnut color. The tail is usually carried low in the shape of a ‘J.’

Dynamics: Brave, faithful, patient, and highly intelligent, the Beauceron is readily understanding and obedient of its master’s desires. Its appearance and demeanor commands respect and is a natural guard dog. The Beauceron is an instinctive herder and is happiest when working or exercising.

The Beauceron is generally good with children if they are raised with them since puppyhood. This breed can also be very protective and eager to please its master. Firm and patient training is necessary. The breed should also be thoroughly socialized. The Beauceron is sociable with other dogs and animals that they know but can be very territorial with intruders.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: up to 110 lbs (50 kg)

Height: 24-27 ½ inches (32-70 cm)

Color: The Beauceron either has a black-and-tan coat or a harlequin coat. The black-and-tan coat consists of tan markings above the eyes on the bottom of the upper lip and throat, on the breast, on the bottom of each leg and under the tail. The harlequin coat comes with patches of gray, black, and tan.

Country of Origin: The Beauceron was found throughout northern France, and not just in Beauce.

Activities: It is necessary to give the Beauceron lots of attention and exercise. It also needs something to do most of the time and lots of space to unleash its energy. Daily long walks and agility exercises are essential for the Beauceron.

Other Info: The Beauceron’s life expectancy is about 10-12 years. It is a generally healthy breed, but prone to hip dysplasia. It is also prone to bloat if not watched. Being a serious but energetic dog, the Beauceron will do well in an apartment only if it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors from time to time.

Grooming: The Beauceron doesn’t need much grooming. Attending to the dog when it is shedding is enough.

AKA: Australian Schaferhund, Aussie

Description: The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced medium-sized dog. It has ears that stand high and are triangular and slightly rounded at the tip. The eyes are oval, and they come in brown, blue, amber, or any other variation including flecks and marbling.

The Aussie has a body that is slightly longer than its height. The head has a moderate stop and the jaws form a scissors bite. Rear dewclaws are removed whereas the removal of the front dewclaws is optional. The feet are compact and oval.

The coat of the Australian Shepherd can be straight or slightly wavy, and is weather-resistant. The hair is short and smooth on the head, on the ears, forelegs and hocks. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white. The back of the foreleg is a little feathered and the breaches are a little more full. The Aussie also has a mane and frill that is more pronounced in the males than in females. It also has a docked bobtail if the tail is more than 4 inches.

Dynamics: The Australian Shepherd is an easy-going, courageous, and affectionate dog. It is devoted to its master and family, and is great with children. They are naturally protective, very attentive, and very eager to please. It is a highly intelligent breed, easy train and very active.

The Aussie needs a lot of exercise and work, otherwise it can become nervous and self-destructive. It also has to be socialized from puppyhood. The Aussie is also not very aggressive, and is considered by many to be quiet workers.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 50-65 lbs (25-29 kg), females 40-55 lbs (18-25 kg)

Height: males 20-23 inches (52-58 cm), females 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)

Color: The Australian Shepherd can come in blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver), with or without white markings and tan or copper points.

Country of Origin: The Australian Shepherd was actually bred in the United States and not in Australia. It was bred to help as a herding dog on ranches. Today, the Australian Shepherd is still used for retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guardian, police work, narcotics detection, search and rescue, agility, competitions, and agility.

Activities: As the Australian Shepherd is a very energetic dog, it need to be taken to daily exercises and walks. Physical exercises will be good for the breed. If left alone, it will become restless and destructive.

Grooming: Grooming the breed requires only a little attention. Brush occasionally and bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Australian Shepherd has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Health concerns cannot be avoided, however. The gene for the merle coloration carries with it a blind/deaf factor. The Aussie puppy may also have serious spinal defects due to natural bobtail-to-natural bobtail breedings. Other concerns include the catract and CEA. Minor health concerns include CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger-Huet syndrome, and iris coloboma. Lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM, eye and hip dysplasia, and IMHA.

The Australian Shepherd is not suitable for apartment life. A home with a large yard will do fine.