The Schipperke originated in Belgium and was bred to guard boats either docked or at sea and to hunt down vermin that live aboard the ships. They are descendants of the Belgium Sheepdog but were bred to become decreased in size until they reached their current weight which tops out at a whopping 18 lbs.

This breed is petite and has a significantly compact body and tiny, fine boned legs. They have a sharp muzzle and ears that are tiny but are pointed upwards giving them a constantly perceptive look. The Schipperkes tail will be docked for show purposes but if left natural will be a tight coil that curls over to touch their lower back.

The Schipperke is a lively little dog that is courageous and strong minded. They love children, and will get along well with other dogs and cats so will make a great family dog. This breed has a very high adoration for their master and will usually give all of their love and loyalty toward that one person. They are not as outgoing or friendly with people they’ve never met or even know because they are devoted to their owner.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 11-13 inches high
Females: 9-12 inches high

Weight

Males: 7-18 lbs
Females: 7-18 lbs

Color(s)

The Schipperke only comes in one colour variation which is the solid black. They can come in tan, a rich brown, or a cream colouring but none of these will be accepted for show rings as black is the only permitted colour.

Coat

This breed has a very thick double layered coat that is a bit more dense and hard feeling to the touch. The top coat is fine yet smooth, while the undercoat is fleecy and insulating giving them protection from colder climates. The Schipperke has a “mane-like” tuft of fur around their necks which gives them a more distinguished look.

Life Expectancy

About 15-18 years.

Personality

The Schipperke is a clever breed that has a mischievous side that needs to explore! They are bright dogs and will not be too difficult to train if their owner is consistent with the techniques. These little guys are notorious for their cleanliness because they have little to no smell and groom themselves as regularly as a cat would.

This breeds purpose was to guard their master’s territory (in this case boats or ships) and this trait has been carried on to the Schipperke of today. Despite their size, these little dogs are not all bark and will defend what belongs to them at will! Strangers are not welcome around this breed unless they are formally introduced.

Care

The Schipperke will need a large amount of grooming maintenance to upkeep their thick fur. One to three times per year times they will lose their coat to re-grow a new one, this is called “blowing their coat”. The entire undercoat of the dog will be shed and during this time they will need to be brushed at least 2-3 times per day! Bathing should be done about every 2 months or at the owners discretion as to how often. The Schipperke is prone to cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip dysplasia and a breed specific disease called MPS IIB. They might be inclined to inherit hypothyroidism but this will only be in some lines.

Training

This breed is a very clever little dog and will need firm yet gentle training methods to grasp any concepts. Sessions should be shorter and made to be enjoyable so the dog is motivated to learn! They want to please their masters but can be stubborn so owners must be consistent and patient.

Activity

The Schipperke will need at least an hour per day of exercise which can be time spent in an off-leash park or on a walk. It is suggested they be taken to dog parks because they will burn off their energy much quicker if they are running after a ball or playing with other dogs. This breed will do well in an apartment as long as they have their daily exercise and a backyard is preferred so they have an outdoor area at home to run around in!

The Brussels Griffon originated in Belgium and was bred to be a companion to people. There are 3 types of this breed which vary slightly in coat texture and length. The Griffon Bruxellois has a wiry texture that is of shorter length (about an inch long).

The Petit Brabancon has the opposite, a soft short coat like that of a Boxer. Finally, the Griffon Belge has a wiry textured coat similar to the Griffon Bruxellois but will be a red & black or black & tan colour.

All 3 of these varieties are considered the same breed and are becoming more common in modern day. During the war these dogs were wiped out so much that they were a rarity, but have flourished and re-emerged into popular culture once again due to appearances on TV shows and movies.

Breed Group

Toy

Size

Males: 7-8 inches high
Females: 7-8 inches high

Weight

Males: 6-12 lbs
Females: 6-12 lbs

Color(s)

This dog, due to its 3 varieties has 3 different types of coat colours. The Griffon Bruxellois is a dark red colour with a black mask on their face. The Petit Brabancon can come in any colour but is most commonly a dark red with a black mask. Finally the Griffon Belge can come in black and tan or a black and dark red colouring with a black mask.

Coat

The Brussels Griffon will come in 3 coat varieties to coincide with the 3 separate types of dog. The Griffon Bruxellois has a hard, wiry short coat that is rough to the touch. The Petit Brabancon has a short, silky coat that is best described to have the appearance of a pugs coat, and the last variety being the Griffon Belge which has the same type of coat as the Griffon Bruxellois being a harder, wiry texture that is about an inch in length.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

The Brussels Griffon is a bright, charismatic little dog that can be quite sensitive. They are loving companions that thrive on being part of the family and don’t like being left alone. They get along well with other dogs and small pets making them a great dog for families. The Brussels Griffon is a notorious barker and can be quite picky with their diet!

This breed is a posh and classy little dog who loves to be spoiled rotten! They want to be carried around, have constant attention on them and be in the presence of their owners at all times. If this dog is going to be left alone often they will become very depressed.

Care

The Brussels Griffon will need weekly grooming to keep their coat at its best. They will need to be brushed about twice per week, and bathed every 2-3 months or according to how often their owner would like.

These dogs are prone to respiratory problems due to their pushed in face, slipping stifles and difficulty birthing. Eye problems can also be common, such as cataracts, glaucoma and lacerations of the eyeball due to their eyes being slightly protruded from their face.

Training

The Brussels Griffon is a sensitive dog that will need regular consistent training and a firm mannerism for them to grasp obedience. Often owners will take pity in being stricter with these dogs because they have a charming attitude that allows them to get their way often. Just like any other breed, this dog will need gentle methods and consistency to be able to learn and be well trained.

Activity

This breed will need a short walk everyday for their exercise needs. They play inside throughout the day which burns off most of their energy. The Brussels Griffon will be perfect for apartments because they don’t take up much space. A backyard is not needed as long as they are taken out for daily walks.

The Bloodhound is a scent hound that originated in Belgium and is used for the sole purpose of their ability to smell. These dogs are known to be able to pick up scents that have been in an area for days! They are very popularly used as police dogs as they can track down criminals on the run with ease.

This breed is over 1000 years old and has not changed to much in appearance over the years. The Bloodhound originally was one of a variety of colors but over time has been bred to be red or black and tan, which it is famously known as.

The Bloodhound is known for their long floppy ears and the loose skin surrounding their face. They have a strong muscular body with long athletic legs. The Bloodhounds eyes are set further into the head and their muzzle is long with very loose drooping jowls.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

Male: 25-27 inches high

Female: 23-25 inches high

Weight

Male: 90-110 lbs

Female: 80-100 lbs

Color(s)

Solid red, black and tan, or liver and tan.

Coat

The Bloodhounds coat is glossy and short while the fur on their ears and head is soft and smooth.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

The Bloodhound is an affectionate family dog that loves children. They are gentle and protective yet they can be absent minded when it comes to finding an interesting scent. Stubbornness is a very common characteristic of this breed so consistent training when it comes to basic obedience will be needed.

Bright and well tempered, the Bloodhound gives the name “mans best friend” a true meaning. This breed is loyal and reliable which is why they are used on the police force quite commonly. Their sense of smell is remarkably powerful and is justifiable in court!

Care

The Bloodhounds coat is short and smooth, therefore maintaining their coat is quite easy. Either brush them down once to twice per week, or use a “hound glove” which is perfect for this breed. It will bring their coat to a glossy finish while removing the dead fur.

This breed is prone to ear infections because they have large floppy ears that give bacteria an easy place to multiply. They are also prone to Bloat, hip dysplasia and callused elbows if they constantly lay on hard flooring.

Training

The Bloodhound will need an owner with some experience in training basic obedience. This breed can be very stubborn and in addition, as pups they can be rambunctious and opposing to their owner, making this procedure more difficult.

Constant and positive training will be needed to break the “teenage” rebellious streak. Patience is key with this breed as they can create conflict with their masters training methods, and they have been known to perfect getting their way.

Activity

The Bloodhound is a dog that will need to live an area with as much space as possible. A house with a backyard will be perfect as they will be too cramped in an apartment. They will need to be walked every day and these should last at least one hour. Trips to the off-leash dog park is another suggestion so they can run around safely and get the chance to socialize with their friends!

Some says that the Bouvier des Flandres might have originated from Flanders in Belgium. Back to the 16th century these dogs were used to drive cattle and pull carts.

The Bouvier was used, during World War I, as a messenger and to find hurt soldiers. The breed almost disappeared during the war. Luckily, it has been rescued by Flemish breeders in the 1920’s. In the 1930’s, they were first brought to the United States where they were used as guide dogs, guard dogs, tracking dogs and as companions.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

Male: 23-28 inches
Female: 22-27 inches

Weight

Male: 75-90 lbs
Female: 60-80 lbs

Color(s)

The Bouvier des Flandres can have all shades of fawn, black, salt and pepper or gray and brindle.

Coat

A tousled, double coat capable of withstanding the hardest work in the most inclement weather. The outer hairs are rough and harsh, with the undercoat being fine, soft and dense. The coat may be trimmed slightly only to accent the body line. Overtrimming which alters the natural rugged appearance is to be avoided.

Topcoat must be harsh to the touch, dry, trimmed, if necessary, to a length of approximately 2½ inches. A coat too long or too short is a fault, as is a silky or woolly coat. It is tousled without being curly. On the skull, it is short, and on the upper part of the back, it is particularly close and harsh always, however, remaining rough. Ears are rough-coated.

The undercoat, is a dense mass of fine, close hair, thicker in winter. Together with the topcoat, it will form a water-resistant covering. A flat coat, denoting lack of undercoat is a serious fault. Mustache and beard very thick, with the hair being shorter and rougher on the upper side of the muzzle. The upper lip with its heavy mustache and the chin with its heavy and rough beard gives that gruff expression so characteristic of the breed. The Eyebrow should be erect hairs accentuating the shape of the eyes without ever veiling them

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Personality

The Bouvier des Flandres is a very good family dog as it is calm, gentle, smooth and excellent with children. Very loyal and alert, they tend to be very protective of their family and territorial. This is an enthusiastic dog who takes it a long time to get to maturity. Extremely intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation not to get bored. As they are very loving, Bouviers always want to be close to the family. On the other hand, they tend to be suspicious with strangers. This breed is very adaptable to all kind of new situations.

Care

The Bouvier des Flandres is prone to: twisted stomach, bloats and hip dysplasia. Bouviers need to be brushed several times a week and their coat needs to be trimmed three or four times per year. These dogs need any excess hair in the ears and between the toes removed on a regular basis. This breed is a very light shedder if properly groomed and is often referred to as ‘hypoallergenic’.

Training

As puppies, Bouviers tend to be strong willed and quite stubborn, so they need patient training with an experienced owner. They say of this breed that once they learn a command, they will know it for their entire life.

Activity

These are athletic and agile dogs. However, if they aren’t sufficiently exercised, they might become obese and lazy, so they need a lot of regular exercise to stay in shape. Bouviers des Flandres are not good apartment dogs as they need to spend a lot of energy every day.

The Belgian Tervuren comes from a Belgian village named Tervuren. This dog is one of the four Belgian sheepdogs breeds (the Malinois, the Laekenois, the Groenendael and the Tervuren).

Those four breeds are considerate, in most parts of the world, as the same breed, but have been recognized (except for the Laekenois) in America in 1959 by the AKC. Brewer M. Corbeel was the first to create the Tervuren breed with a fawn dog and a black longhaired dog.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

Male: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches

Weight

Male: 65-75 lbs
Female: 60-70 lbs

Color(s)

The Body of the Belgian Tervuren varies from fawn to mahogany with black. The fawn hairs often have black tips. The Belgian Tervuren becomes darker with age. The chest is usually black but can also be a mix of black and gray and can have a little bit of white. This breed has a black mask and black ears. The tail’s tip is usually darker and the tips of the toes are white.

Coat

The Tervuren’s coat is long, straight, profuse and tight. The hairs must not be silky or wiry but of a medium roughness. The undercoat is extremely dense, but however adapts very well with climatic conditions. The hairs are shorter on the head, outside the ears and on the front of the legs. Long and profuse hair around the neck forms a kind of mane. The back of the forelegs are fringed with long hairs and the tail with long and abundant hairs. The females usually have shorter hair than the males.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 14 years.

Personality

The Belgian Tervuren is a very smart and obedient dog. This devoted, loyal and extremely territorial dog is very protective of its family and makes a great guard dog. They also make excellent alert police dogs, which they are often used for. The Tervuren, serious and watchful, may be shy with some strangers. Because of its herding instinct, this dog may try to herd some of the family members by nipping their heels. This breed is good with children and will be affectionate and friendly with those it loves. Courageous and dominant, it might not get along well with other dogs. It’s a possessive dog, but must never show viciousness.

Care

The Tervuren is a very healthy breed with no major concerns. However, they can sometimes have epilepsy, skin allergies or eye problems. If this breed is overfed, it may become lazy and obese.

The Tervuren must be brushed and combed every day. The mats that are formed should be clipped out, and also hair between the toes and on the outer ears. This dog is a constant shedder: males shed heavily once a year and females, twice a year.

Training

Because of its highly protective behavior, this breed needs to be socialized at an early age. The training must be done by an experienced and firm master. The Tervuren should not be treated harshly. If so, it may become uncooperative. This is a good working and herding dog that excels at competitive obedience.

Activity

The Tervuren needs an active outdoor life. Effectively, it demands a lot of daily exercise in which it could run freely. If this breed is ignored it may find ways to entertain itself that will not necessary please the owner. This is a very energetic dog that always needs a job to do.

The Belgian Sheepdog, also known as the Groenendael, is one of the four Belgian Sheepdog breeds. In some parts of the world the four breeds (Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and Tervuren) are considered as the same breed, but the AKC recognized in 1959 the Groenendael, the Malinois and the Tervuren as separated breeds but not the Laekenois.

The Belgian Sheepdog was first developed by Nicholas Rose, a breeder from Groenendael, a little village in Britain, and made a kennel for his new breed.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

Male: 24-26 inches

Female: 22-24 inches

Weight

Male: 65-75 lbs

Female: 60-70 lbs

Color(s)

The Belgian Sheepdog may be completely black, or black with white spots (small patch or stripe on the chest, at the end of toes, and on the chin and muzzle.

Coat

The Belgian Sheepdog has a long, straight and dense coat. The hairs are moderately harsh. The undercoat is extremely dense and adapts to all climatic conditions. On the head, the ears and the legs, the hairs are shorter. Longer hairs around the neck form a mane.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 14 years.

Personality

The Belgian Sheepdog is a very intelligent and obedient dog. Devoted, loyal and extremely territorial, this dog is very protective with its family and makes a great guard dog. They make excellent alert police dogs, which is their first utility. The Belgian Sheepdog is serious, observant and may be shy with some strangers. Because of its herding instinct, this dog may try to herd some of the family members by nipping the people’s heels. This breed is good with children and will be affectionate and friendly with those it loves. Courageous and dominant, it might not get along well with other dogs. It’s a possessive dog, but must never show viciousness.

Care

The Belgian Sheepdog is a very healthy breed. However, there are some minor concerns like epilepsy, eye problems, and skin allergies. This breed has a very low rate of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This dog must never be overfed, or it may become obese.

The Belgian Sheepdog needs daily brushing and combing, especially during the shedding seasons. The mats formed should be clipped out regularly. This breed is a seasonal, heavy shedder.

Training

Because of its high protective instinct, it’s important to socialize this dog from an early age. This breed needs firm training from an experienced owner. However, harsh training is unnecessary because the dog may become uncooperative. The Belgian Sheepdog is good for obedience competition.

Activity

Accustomed to an active outdoor life the Belgian Sheepdog needs a lot of regular exercise off the leash. This breed needs a lot of mental challenges.

The Belgian Malinois is named after the Belgian city of Malines. This dog is one of the four Belgian sheepdog breeds (the Malinois, the Laekenois, the Groenendael and the Tervuren). Those four breeds are considered, in most parts of the world, as the same breed, but have been recognized (except for the Laekenois) in America in 1959 by the AKC.

The Malinois is rare in America, but very popular in Belgium. The Groenendael and the Tervuren are now more used as companions while the Laekenois and the Malinois are used as guard dogs.

Breed Group

Herding

Size

Male: 24-26 inches

Female: 22-24 inches

Weight

Male: 55-65 lbs

Female: 55-65 lbs

Color(s)

The basic color of the Belgian Malinois ranges from fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs. The tips of the toes can be white and a small white spot can appear on the chest. The mask and the ears are black. The tail, the breeches and underparts of the body are lighter.

Coat

The coat of the Belgian Malinois is short, straight, and weather resistant with a dense undercoat. The coat is very short on the ears, the head and the lower legs, but longer around the neck, tail and on the back of thighs.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 14 years.

Personality

The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog that makes a great police dog. These dogs are watchful, alert and loyal with strong protective and territorial instincts. They make great guard dogs and are good for working and competition obedience.

This breed tends to be serious, shy and sensitive. Good with children, they make great family pets; they need to be part of the family and can’t be left alone all day or they will find ways to entertain themselves. The Malinois always needs to do a job and may display herding behaviors like nipping the people’s heels or circling etc.

Care

The Malinois is a very healthy breed, however, skin allergies, eye problems, and hip and elbow dysplasia are sometimes seen in these dogs.

The Malinois is a constant shedder and should be brushed regularly. An extra care should be taken twice a year, when the dog is heavily shedding.

Training

The Malinois needs a firm training, but may never be treated harshly or it will become uncooperative. Because of its high protective instinct, it should be well socialized at a young age.

Activity

This is a very energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash.