Belgium is home to several unique and hardworking dog breeds. Traditionally, many of these dogs were bred for specific jobs like herding livestock, guarding flocks, and protecting homes. Smaller Belgian breeds also played important roles as watchdogs, expert rat hunters, and loyal companions.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading to discover seven incredible dog breeds from Belgium!
1. Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois (pronounced lak-in-wah) is one of four closely related Belgian shepherd breeds, along with the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Belgian Tervuren. While they share a similar size and build, these breeds were traditionally used for herding livestock, guarding property, and protecting their owners. In Belgium, they are considered different varieties of a single breed, the Belgian Shepherd Dog, with coat type and color being the key differences.
The Laekenois is the rarest of the Belgian shepherds and is named after the town of Laeken in the Brussels region. It stands out with its unique wiry coat, giving it a naturally tousled look. Known for being watchful, protective, and deeply loyal to its family, this breed makes an excellent guardian and companion. In the United States, the Belgian Laekenois is recognized as part of the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group.
Breed Overview:
Group: Herding
- Height: 24 to 26 inches (males); 22 to 24 inches (females)
- Weight: 55 to 65 pounds
- Coat: Medium-length double coat with wiry texture and curly nature
- Coat Color: Red, fawn, or gray with traces of black on muzzle or tail
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
2. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois originated in the Malines region near Brussels and was initially bred as both a sheep herder and a protector of farms and families. Unlike its Belgian shepherd cousins, the Malinois is the only one with a short coat. Today, it is perhaps the most recognizable Belgian shepherd breed in the United States, thanks to its widespread use in military and police work.
The Malinois is often mistaken for the German Shepherd, but there are key differences. It has a more compact, square-shaped body and a slightly lighter build. Its coat is shorter than that of a German Shepherd, and many believe the Malinois has an even higher energy level and stronger work drive. In the U.S., the breed is classified in the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group.
Breed Overview
- Group: Herding
- Height: 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short double coat in rich fawn to mahogany with a black mask and ears
- Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
3. Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)
The Belgian Sheepdog is the only Belgian shepherd breed with a long, solid black coat. While it’s known as the Belgian Sheepdog in the United States, it goes by Groenendael (pronounced Groan-en-dahl) in other parts of the world, named after the village where it was originally bred.
Historically, this breed was used for herding sheep and cattle, as well as for police and military work. Today, the Belgian Sheepdog remains highly versatile, excelling in search and rescue, police work, service and therapy roles, and competitive dog sports like obedience, agility, and Schutzhund. Known for its intelligence and work ethic, this breed thrives when given a job to do. In the U.S., the Belgian Sheepdog is classified in the AKC Herding Group.
Breed Overview
- Group: Herding
- Height: 22 to 26 inches
- Weight: 55 to 75 pounds (male), 45–60 pounds (female)
- Coat and Color: Thick double coat, always black
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
4. Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren is one of the four Belgian shepherd breeds and closely resembles the Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) in size and coat type. However, while the Belgian Sheepdog has a solid black coat, the Tervuren’s long, thick double coat comes in stunning shades ranging from rich fawn to deep mahogany, with a black overlay and a distinctive black mask on its face.
Named after the village of Tervuren, where the breed was refined, the Tervuren is a high-energy dog that thrives on exercise, mental stimulation, and human interaction. These dogs are extremely affectionate, loyal, and even possessive of their families, making them devoted companions. However, their intelligence and energy mean they need an active lifestyle to stay happy and well-balanced. In the United States, the Belgian Tervuren is classified in the AKC Herding Group.
Breed Overview
- Group: Herding
- Height: 24 to 26 inches (males); 22 to 24 inches (females)
- Weight: 55 to 75 pounds (males); 45 to 60 pounds (females)
- Coat: Thick, double coat
- Coat Color: Red, fawn, or gray with black overlay and black muzzle
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
5. Bouvier des Flanders
The Bouvier des Flandres originates from the Flanders region of Belgium and was originally bred as a livestock herder and all-purpose farm dog. Unlike the Laekenois, Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Tervuren, the Bouvier is larger, more powerful, and heavily built. Its most distinctive feature is its shaggy, rough double coat, which gives it a rugged, tousled appearance.
Unlike some high-energy herding breeds, Bouviers tend to be calm, steady, and less hyperactive, making them excellent working dogs and loyal companions. However, they require early socialization and consistent training, especially from experienced owners who can provide structure, mental stimulation, and plenty of activity. In the United States, the Bouvier des Flandres is recognized in the AKC Herding Group.
Breed Overview
- Group: Herding
- Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
- Coat and Color: Long, shaggy, rough double coat in black, salt and pepper, gray, fawn, or brindle
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
6. Brussels Griffon
Though it’s the smallest of Belgium’s native dog breeds, the Brussels Griffon has an oversized personality. Originally bred as a ratter in horse stables, this scrappy little dog quickly won hearts—especially that of Belgium’s Queen Henrietta Maria, who fell in love with the breed in the 1870s. From the streets and stables, the Brussels Griffon soon found itself in royal palaces and the laps of nobility.
With its adorably scruffy face, soulful eyes, and charming nature, it’s easy to see why this breed remains so irresistible. Today’s Brussels Griffon is the ultimate lap dog and companion, craving human attention and affection. However, they don’t do well when left alone for long periods, making them best suited for owners who can provide plenty of companionship. The Brussels Griffon is part of the AKC Toy Group.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 7 to 10 inches
- Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
- Coat and Colors: Smooth or rough coat in red, black and tan, solid black, or belge (a mix of black and reddish brown)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
7. Schipperke
The Schipperke (pronounced "skip-er-key") has a long history in Belgium’s Flemish provinces, dating back to Medieval times. These energetic little dogs were commonly found in Belgian dockyards, where they earned their keep by hunting disease-carrying rats on barges and canal boats. They also served as fearless watchdogs and companions to boat workers, which is how they got their name—"Schipperke" translates to "little captain" in Flemish.
Beyond the waterways, Schipperkes were also valued by shopkeepers, thanks to their sharp alertness, fearless nature, and exceptional rat-hunting skills. With their solid black coats, compact yet sturdy build, and tailless appearance, these dogs have a distinct and charismatic look. They are known for their high energy levels, feisty temperament, and unwavering loyalty.
Today, the Schipperke continues to be an excellent watchdog, always ready to alert its family when strangers approach. And while modern homes may not require a rat hunter, these little dogs are more than happy to keep their instincts sharp! The Schipperke is part of the AKC Non-Sporting Group.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
- Coat and Color: Thick, straight coat that is shorter on the face and front legs, medium length on the body, and longer around the neck and back legs. Always solid black.
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Conclusion
Belgium is home to some of the most versatile and intelligent dog breeds, each with a unique history and purpose. From the hardworking Belgian Malinois and Bouvier des Flandres to the charming Brussels Griffon and fearless Schipperke, these breeds showcase a mix of strength, loyalty, and companionship. Whether you’re looking for a protective guardian, an energetic herder, or a devoted lap dog, Belgian breeds offer something for every dog lover. With the right training, care, and environment, these remarkable dogs make excellent companions and lifelong friends.