Description: The Belgian Sheepdog is a beautiful, alert, looking dog with a moderately long coat. Its head is in proportion to the body. It is square in body shape, that has good musculature. The head is flattened on the top with a slightly pointed muzzle that has tight lips. Their bite can be either scissor or even. It has erect ears that are triangular in shape and sit in good proportion to the head. It has oval eyes that are brown. The legs are straight, ending with cat like feet. The tail is feathered and parallel, reaching the hock and good and robust. They have a moderately long coat that is weather- resistant, with a good ruffle around the neck. We can see feathering on the legs and underbelly. The colour is black but you are allowed small amounts of white on the chin, toes and chest.

History: This breed worldwide is known as the Belgian Groenendael but is called the Belgian Sheepdog by the AKC. This dog comes, as the name suggests from Belgium, in a small village called Groenendeal. It is part of a set of four dogs named, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Laekenois and Belgian Tervuren. In America, there is still debate as to whether this is one breed or four. This has been a working sheepdog, but is very adaptable and, are now used as police dogs, offering a range of skills.

Temperament: This is the most popular of the four Belgian dogs. Here is a bright intelligent dog that is eager to be obedient. It is a very strong territorial dog with a great sense of protection. It will need intensive socialization to bring out the best in this breed. This is not a first time owner's dog as you need good to brilliant skills in leadership, being firm, and consistent with rules. You have to be able to challenge this dog mentally and offer lots of walks and exercise. This breed needs to be part of the family pack. Good training needs to be used daily, to help the dog keep to the role it should be in, that is with you being the pack leader. Without this you can have a very destructive dog on your hands. With their high energy, they are quick learners, and need a job to do. Extreme care should be used for this breed when non- canine pets are in the same home. The herding instinct needs to be stopped as herding humans can result in people having nipped ankles. Really look into this breed and the care they need to make them happy before you think of getting one.

Health issues: This breed can have skin problems, epilepsy, eye problems, excessive aggressiveness or shyness, and sometimes but rarely hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This breed can, if given the chance, over eat, and then you have an obese dog with all the health issues that can bring. Feed by weighing out the right amount and sticking to this.

Grooming: This breed needs daily brushing and combing. When this dog is shedding extra time is required. This dog needs any mats in their coat sorted quickly. This is a heavy shedder, twice a year.

Living conditions: This dog will do well in an apartment providing you met the needs of physical and mental exercise. This breed is used to being out doors and so would benefit from a good sized garden, but not instead of walks, as well as.