Belgium has a long and distinguished history of creating, developing and breeding pedigree dogs. The relatively low number of dogs you will find on this page is largely the result of the country’s small size as well as the tendency of their larger neighbours to muscle in and take much of the credit! In reality, a large number of the best-known breeds in Europe today, be they considered British, French or German, owe much to the expertise of Belgian breeders.
Dog breeding is regulated in Belgium by the Kennel Club Belge, established in 1908.
Table of Contents
Belgian Shepherd
Belgian Shepherd dogs fall into four different types of a similar size but of different appearances. They are all intelligent, alert, energetic and versatile dogs, able to fulfil a wide variety of jobs. In spite of their potentially fearsome size and appearance, however, they are also rather sensitive: a Belgian Shepherd is very affectionate and devoted and will tend to seek out companionship wherever possible. Their size, coupled with their powerful natural instincts to protect and herd, means that this is a breed that benefits from plenty of good, consistent early training and socialisation. Provided that this – as well as their high daily requirements for exercise and mental stimulation – can be met, a Belgian Shepherd is an outstanding family pet.
Groenendael
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long; in solid black
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Laekenois
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Rough haired; in fawn with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Malinois
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short-haired; in fawn with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Tervuren
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long haired; in fawn or grey with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Bloodhound
Size: Giant
Height: 58-72 cm (23-28 inches)
Weight: 40-54 kg (88-119 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in black and tan, liver and tan, or red
Life Expectancy: 7-12 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Perhaps the most famous of all the breeds of scenthound, the impressive Bloodhound descends from the dogs kept at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert since the Middle Ages, where they were used to hunt deer and wild boar. They were also employed in the tracking of missing people, and it is this skill that gained the breed much of their lasting fame. Bloodhounds are gentle giants, affectionate and even-tempered around people and noted for their patience with even the very youngest children. However, they are absolutely tireless and single-minded when on the trail of a scent and anyone thinking of adopting a Bloodhound must be ready for the dual burden of their rigorous daily exercise and occasionally extremely stubborn behaviour.
Bouvier des Flandres
Size: Large
Height: 59-68 cm (23-27 inches)
Weight: 27-40 kg (60-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Rough and thick double coat; in grey, black, fawn, brindle or blonde
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Flanders Cattle Dog (or a Vlaamse Koehond in Flemish), the Bouvier des Flandres is a calm, docile and intelligent dog noted for its adaptability to any number of tasks including herding, pulling carts or working as a guard dog or police dog. Their large size means good early training and socialisation are a must, particularly if the dog is going to be spending time around other animals. This said, the Bouvier des Flandres is very trainable and generally possessed of an extremely pleasant nature, making them excellent family pets.
Brussels Griffon
Size: Very small
Height: 23-28 cm (9-11 inches)
Weight: 4-5 kg (8-10 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth or wiry; in red, black and tan or black and red
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
Brussels Griffon is a blanket term used to describe three similar but distinct breeds of toy dog; the Griffon Bruxellois, the Griffon Belge and the Petit Brabançon. These distinctly-visaged dogs are all alert, inquisitive and intelligent, particularly noted for their sensitivity which makes them excellent watchdogs. However, this same sensitivity can make them nervous of unknown people, since they are quite unwilling to tolerate rough handling. Brussels Griffons are classic companion animals, often forming unbreakable bonds with their favoured people and never wanting to be apart from them.
Papillon
Size: Very small
Height: 20-28 cm (8-11 inches)
Weight: 3-4.5 kg (7-10 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, straight and fine; in white with patches of any colour except liver
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is an intelligent, confident dog with a happy, outgoing temperament and a particular gift for quickly learning new tricks and skills. Papillons can prove nervous (sometimes aggressively so) in the company of new people or animals but good early socialisation can quickly transform a previously jumpy pet into one who will happily spend time with cats, dogs or strangers alike. While the Papillon displays many of the typical characteristics of a toy dog – loving to spend time dozing on the lap of their favoured people – they also possess an unusual amount of energy for a dog of their size and need a regular exercise routine.
A Papillon with dropped ears is known as a Phalène, but despite the different names both are considered to belong to the same breed.
Schipperke
Size: Small
Height: 31-33.5 cm (12-13 inches)
Weight: 3-9 kg (7-20 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length double coat; usually in black but sometimes cream or reddish brown
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
The Schipperke is an unusual breed, with learned opinion divided as to whether it was originally a Germanic Spitz-type dog or a miniature sheepdog. The breed itself likes to keep everyone guessing by retaining aspects from the character of both. Schipperkes are active, curious and very intelligent dogs who are very devoted to their owners and will want to spend as much time as possible with them. This breed is known to suffer from Separation Anxiety and leaving a Schipperke alone for too long is almost guaranteed to lead to loud and destructive behaviour. The Schipperke is also an extremely agile dog, both physically and mentally, noted for its problem-solving abilities. As such, it is recommended that this breed receives plenty of physical and mental exercise to stop any potential mischief.