Belgian shepherd dog Breed description: Character & Co

The Malinois: Belgian shepherd dog, which one associates first

As a police dog, the Malinois has almost replaced the German Shepherd worldwide. But also in the Bundeswehr and in the security service as well as in the private protection service the Malinois stands his man. Therefore, the Malinois breeding is still essentially characterized by breeding strong sports and working dogs. In the last years the Malinois is also increasingly partner of people like you and me. If you are interested in a Malinois (in Belgium it is also called Mechelaar because of its origin) make yourself clear that this is not at all a dog for couch potatoes. Malis are said - often rightly - to have relatively thin nerves. They hear and see every leaf falling in the forest, so they can get nervous very quickly. But if you are active in sports and a rock of character, a Malinois will read your wishes from your eyes. Sometimes even before you know what you want.

The Belgian Black Beauty - Groenendael

The Groenendael is the long-haired, black variety of the Belgian Shepherd. A beauty, but also a working dog, though not quite a heavy boy like the Malinois. The Groenendael is said to be softer and gentler than its Belgian counterparts when comparing varieties. For this reason, the Groenendael is comparatively often found in private hands. It is a great sporting partner for the whole family, but not infrequently has to deal with increased nervousness.

Tervueren - long-haired Malinois or red-brown Groenendael

This long-haired Belgian with a coat coloring like the Malinois has its fan club not only in the protection dog sport. Also in rescue dog sport, agility or tournament dog sport you can meet the Tervueren again and again. And apart from the sport: Isn't he just beautiful? If you are interested in a Tervueren, the best place to get information about Tervueren breeding is the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) e. V. (German Kennel Club). In Germany there are several breeding associations that look after the Tervueren. You can find a list of these associations here.

Laekenois - the curly clown

Last but not least, the Laekenois must not be missing here. The Laekenois has a reddish-brown coat like Malinois and Tervueren, but with cheerful curls. If you haven't seen such a dog live, it's probably because the Laekenois is the least common variety of Belgian Shepherd. Just as docile and eager to work as the other varieties, the Laekenois can be found in almost all areas of service and sporting dogs.