Dogs have immense significance in Belgian society; they play multifaceted roles deeply ingrained in the nation's history and daily life. Belgian Shepherds, such as the Malinois, have been used for centuries as herding and guarding dogs.
Canines often accompany their owners in parks, cafes, and public spaces, reflecting the Belgians' love for their pets. Dogs are also celebrated during various festivals, including the Ducasse de Mons. During the festival, Saint George's Dragon is paraded through the streets with dogs adorned with colorful ribbons.
1. Belgian Malinois
Height: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm)
Weight: 40-80 pounds (18-36 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The Belgian Malinois hails from the region of Malines, Belgium. The medium-sized working dog is one of four Belgian Shepherd varieties, which also include Groenendael, Tervuren, and Laekenois.
The breed has a rich history rooted in the late 1800s when a group of shepherds began selectively breeding dogs for herding and guarding. In 1891, the Malinois was officially recognized by the Belgian Kennel Club. As expected, the breed quickly found its destiny as a police and military dog, often serving in search & rescue operations.
2. Belgian Tervuren
Height: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm)
Weight: 45-75 pounds (20-34 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Belgian Tervuren was first bred in the late 19th century in Tervuren, a small village in Belgium. This breed was created by a Belgian breeder named M.F. Corbeel, who aimed to create an intelligent herding dog.
During his pursuit, Corbeel crossed various local herding dogs with exceptional working abilities. The result was a magnificent and versatile breed that was recognized by the Belgian Kennel Club in 1891. They gained international recognition in the early 20th century and were subsequently imported to other countries.
3. Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)
Height: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm)
Weight: 55-75 pounds (25-34 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Belgian Sheepdogs have a striking appearance, consisting of a long and abundant black coat that exudes an air of sophistication. These dogs possess a strong and muscular build, making them agile and quick on their feet.
These wolf dogs are incredibly intelligent and excel in various tasks, such as obedience, agility, and tracking. They are also often employed in police and search and rescue work due to their exceptional trainability and drive. At the same time, they also make exceptional family companions.
4. Belgian Laekenois
Height: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm)
Weight: 55-75 pounds (25-34 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Belgian Laekenois is a medium-sized dog with a well-muscled and rigid build. It has a rough, tousled coat that is dense and weather-resistant, providing protection in various climates. The coat is typically around 2-3 inches in length and has a slightly harsh texture.
The Laekenois has a distinct fur pattern on its face, giving it a unique appearance. Its coat color is predominantly fawn with varying shades, ranging from light to dark reddish-brown. The breed may also have a black overlay on the tips of its fur, giving it a grizzled appearance.
5. Brussels Griffon
Height: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
Weight: 8-12 pounds (4-5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Brussels Griffon is believed to have been created by crossing several different breeds, including the Affenpinscher, Pug, and English Toy Spaniel. These combinations resulted in a unique and distinctive breed known for its expressive face and human-like expressions.
The breed's history can be traced back to the 1800s when it was primarily used as a rat-catching dog in stables. Over time, it gained popularity as a companion dog, particularly among the Belgian nobility. The breed's name is derived from the city of Brussels, where it was commonly found.
6. Belgian Mastiff (Chien de Saint-Hubert)
Height: 24-28 inches (61-71 cm)
Weight: 70-115 pounds (32-52 kg)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
The Belgian Mastiff is considered a unique breed for its intelligence and trainability. These dogs excel in tasks such as police and military work, search and rescue, and competitive dog sports. Their versatility and adaptability make them stand out among other breeds.
Moreover, the Belgian Mastiff has a distinctive appearance. They have a sleek and muscular body with a short coat that comes in various shades of fawn, mahogany, or black. Their alert and intense expression, coupled with their elegant yet powerful stance, give them a regal and imposing presence.
7. Belgian Bichon (Bichon Belge)
Height: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Weight: 6-12 pounds (3-5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Belgian Bichon, also known as Bichon Belge, can make excellent pets. These small, friendly dogs are known for their cheerful and affectionate nature. They are also highly sociable and enjoy being around people.
One of the key advantages of Belgian Bichons is their low-shedding coat, which makes them a good option for individuals with allergies. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and to maintain their fluffy appearance.
8. Belgian Griffon (Griffon Belge)
Height: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
Weight: 8-12 pounds (4-5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Belgian Griffon is often confused with the Brussels Griffon due to their similar appearance, but there are some differences between them. Firstly, the main distinction lies in their coat types.
The Belgian Griffon has a rough coat, whereas the Brussels Griffon has a smooth, short coat that is easier to care for. This difference in coat type also affects their shedding patterns, with the Belgian Griffon shedding less compared to the Brussels Griffon.
9. Belgian Beauceron
Height: 24-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)
Weight: 70-110 pounds (32-50 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Belgian Beauceron should not be confused with the Belgian Malinois as they are different breeds. However, they both originate from Belgium and share some similarities.
Beaucerons are large and powerful herding dogs with a muscular build and a dense double coat. On the other hand, the Malinois is a medium-sized and highly energetic breed. They have a short, dense coat and a leaner physique that suits them perfectly.
10. Belgian Bulldog
Height: 11-13 inches (28-33 cm)
Weight: 20-40 pounds (9-18 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Belgian Bulldog, despite its name, is not directly related to English or French bulldogs. It is a distinct breed with its unique characteristics. The breed has a large head with a short muzzle, a powerful jaw, and a wrinkled forehead. Also, their coat comes in various colors, including fawn, brindle, and black.
While the Belgian Bulldog may share some physical similarities with the English and French bulldogs, their origins and breed history are different. The Belgian one was developed in Belgium, primarily as a working dog, whereas the English and French bulldogs were bred for different purposes.
11. Belgian Hare Dog (Brabancon)
Height: 9.5-11 inches (24-28 cm)
Weight: 7-10 pounds (3-4.5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Belgian Hare Dog originated in Belgium in the early 20th century. Contrary to its name, it is not related to the hare or a dog breed, but rather a specific coat color in certain breeds.
These dogs were created by breeders who aimed to develop a dog with a reddish-brown coat resembling that of a Belgian Hare, a breed of domestic rabbit. This unique coat color was sought after for hunting purposes, as it allowed the dogs to blend into their surroundings while hunting game.
12. Bouvier des Flandres
Height: 23.5-27.5 inches (60-70 cm)
Weight: 70-110 pounds (32-50 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Bouvier des Flandres in native to the Flanders region of Belgium. The breed's history can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was primarily used as a versatile working dog on farms.
During World War I, the breed's population declined significantly, but it was revived by a group of dedicated breeders who worked towards its preservation. The Bouvier des Flandres gained recognition as a distinct breed in 1922, and its popularity grew steadily.
13. Schipperke
Height: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm)
Weight: 10-16 pounds (4.5-7.3 kg)
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Schipperke is considered a unique breed due to its distinct physical characteristics, temperament, and history. This tiny dog stands out with its fox-like face, pointed ears, and thick double coat that comes in various colors. One of its most distinguishing features is its lack of a tail.
Originally bred to guard boats, farms, and homes, Schipperkes has excellent herding and hunting abilities. They were often employed to catch rats and other vermin on ships, earning them the nickname "Little Captain."
14. Bloodhound
Height: 23-27 inches (58-69 cm)
Weight: 80-110 pounds (36-50 kg)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
The Bloodhound dog is believed to have originated in Belgium during the medieval era. This large hound dog was primarily bred by monks in the St. Hubert Monastery in Belgium's Ardennes region.
The breed's name itself is derived from the monks' patron saint, St. Hubert, who was known for his affinity for hounds and his association with hunting. The Bloodhound's distinctive droopy ears and wrinkled skin were traits that the monks deliberately bred for.
15. Papillon
Height: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Weight: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Papillon dog breed originated in Belgium, specifically from the region of Flanders. Its history dates back several centuries, with depictions of Papillon-like dogs appearing in Renaissance paintings. The breed's name, "Papillon," means butterfly in French.
These dogs were highly popular among the European nobility during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were often seen in the courts of France, Spain, and Italy, adored for their elegant appearance and charming personalities. They were even treasured as companions, often seen perched on the laps of their noble owners.
Petjurni Team
