Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds: A Guide to Belgian Canine Excellence-2025

What are the best dogs from Belgium? The best dogs from Belgium breeds include the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael), and Belgian Laekenois. These intelligent and hardworking dogs excel in herding, protection, and companionship.

Belgium is known for producing some of the most loyal and versatile dog breeds. Whether you need a working dog or a devoted family pet, Belgian breeds offer intelligence, agility, and strong protective instincts. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best dogs from Belgium breeds, their unique traits, and how to choose the perfect one for your lifestyle.

Belgian Canine Excellence

Belgium isn’t just known for its stunning architecture, delicious chocolates, and flavorful beer – it’s also home to some truly amazing dog breeds. These Belgian dogs, many of which were originally bred to work hard on farms, are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility. From the high-energy Belgian Malinois to the affectionate Brussels Griffon, there’s a Belgian dog for every type of pet owner.

1. Belgian Laekenois: The Watchful Guardian-Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds

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
• Coat Color: Red, fawn, or gray with traces of black
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- The Belgian Laekenois is one of the four shepherd breeds that hail from Belgium, alongside the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, and Belgian Tervuren. This rare breed stands out for its wiry coat, which gives it a rugged, tousled appearance. While similar in size to the other Belgian shepherds, the Laekenois is less common, making it an intriguing choice for those looking for a unique dog.

This breed is known for being protective, alert, and affectionate with its family, making it a great choice for someone who wants a watchful guard dog that’s also loyal and loving. If you’re into active lifestyles and can provide plenty of exercise, the Laekenois will thrive by your side.

2. Belgian Malinois: The Intense and Energetic Worker

Overview:

• Group: Herding
• Height: 22 to 26 inches
• Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
• Coat: Short double coat in rich fawn to mahogany
• Coat Color: Black mask and ears
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- The Belgian Malinois is likely the most well-known Belgian dog breed outside of Belgium, thanks to its frequent use as a police and military dog. Developed in the Malines region of Belgium, the Malinois is a highly intelligent, energetic dog that excels in tasks like herding, search and rescue, and obedience work.

While this breed is often mistaken for the German Shepherd, the Malinois has a lighter build and shorter coat. It’s important to note that the Malinois is incredibly driven, making it suitable for active families or individuals who can provide it with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Whether you’re looking for a dog to join you in agility training or to protect your home, the Belgian Malinois is up for the challenge.

3. Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael): The Elegant Worker

Overview:

• Group: Herding
• Height: 22 to 26 inches
• Weight: 55 to 75 pounds (males); 45 to 60 pounds (females)
• Coat: Long, thick double coat
• Coat Color: Solid black
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- The Belgian Sheepdog, also known as the Groenendael outside the U.S., is a beautiful and versatile dog with a long, luxurious black coat. This breed was originally used to herd sheep and cattle, but it’s also great at working as a police or military dog, and excelling in dog sports like obedience, agility, and tracking.

If you’re an active person or family who loves spending time outdoors, this breed will fit right in. The Belgian Sheepdog has a strong work ethic and thrives on having tasks to do. They are affectionate with their families but do require consistent training to stay well-behaved and avoid becoming overly protective or anxious.

4. Belgian Tervuren: The Multi-Talented Canine

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: Long, thick double coat
• Coat Color: Fawn, mahogany, or gray with black overlay
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- The Belgian Tervuren is often compared to the Belgian Sheepdog, mainly due to its similar appearance and long coat. The key difference lies in its coat colors, as the Tervuren can come in various shades of fawn to mahogany, and it often has a black mask on its face.

Like the other Belgian shepherds, the Tervuren is known for its intelligence, energy, and loyalty. This breed loves being active and requires lots of exercises, so it’s best suited to owners who can provide regular outings and mental stimulation. The Belgian Tervuren is especially good at sports and is often seen in agility and obedience competitions.

5. Bouvier des Flandres: The Calm, Strong Herding Dog

Overview:

• Group: Herding
• Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches
• Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
• Coat: Long, shaggy double coat
• Coat Color: Black, gray, fawn, brindle
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerful and calm dog that hails from the Flanders region of Belgium. This breed was originally bred for herding, but today, the Bouvier is also prized for its ability to work as a therapy dog, search and rescue dog, and in other service dog roles.

The Bouvier des Flandres is sturdy and muscular, making it a great choice for people who need a dog that can handle physical tasks. It’s calm and steady, which is a departure from the hyperactive nature of other herding dogs, but it still requires regular exercise and socialization to keep it well-balanced.

6. Brussels Griffon: The Tiny Charmer

Overview:

• Group: Toy
• Height: 7 to 10 inches
• Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
• Coat: Smooth or rough coat
• Coat Color: Red, black and tan, solid black, belge
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- The Brussels Griffon is by far the smallest of the Belgian dog breeds, but don’t let its size fool you – this dog has a huge personality! Originally bred to work as a ratter in horse stables, the Brussels Griffon became a favorite of Belgian royalty and soon won the hearts of people around the world.

With its adorable scruffy face and soulful eyes, the Brussels Griffon is the ultimate lap dog. It craves human companionship and is highly affectionate with its family. While small in stature, it’s feisty and will happily serve as a watchdog for its home. This breed is best suited for someone who can give it lots of attention and care.

7. Schipperke: The Feisty Little Captain

Overview:

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
• Height: 10 to 13 inches
• Coat: Abundant, straight, slightly harsh texture
• Coat Color: Solid black
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- The Schipperke is a small but mighty dog that hails from Belgium’s Flemish region. Known for its lively and inquisitive nature, the Schipperke was originally bred as a rat catcher and guard dog, particularly on boats and barges.

This breed is feisty, energetic, and highly alert, making it an excellent watchdog. Though small, the Schipperke has a thick coat and a distinct appearance, with its tail naturally curled and a fox-like face. If you’re looking for a dog with a lot of energy and a strong personality, the Schipperke might just be the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts: Belgian Dogs, Belgian Excellence

Best Dogs from Belgium Breeds- Belgium has certainly given the world some incredible dog breeds. From the hardworking Belgian Malinois to the lovable and scrappy Brussels Griffon, Belgian dogs offer a wide range of personalities and abilities to suit all kinds of pet owners.

Whether you need a high-energy working dog, a calm companion, or a fierce protector, there’s a Belgian breed that fits the bill. By learning more about these dogs and their unique traits, you can find the perfect furry friend to join your family and experience the joy and loyalty that comes with owning a Belgian dog.

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