If you’re curious about types of Belgian Shepherds, you’ll discover there are four main varieties. The Belgian Shepherd (Chien de Berger Belge) actually comes in four distinct types – the Malinois, Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois – each originally bred as a farm herding dog. All four share common traits: they’re intelligent, energetic, and loyal.
Traditionally they worked Belgian pastures for sheep and cattle, and today these dogs are widely used around the world as companion animals, police/military K-9s, rescue dogs, and more. In this guide we’ll break down each of the four types of Belgian Shepherds, highlighting what they look like, how long they live, what they’re typically used for, and what they cost.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is one of the four types of Belgian Shepherds, known for a sleek, short coat in fawn or mahogany with a black “mask.” Malinois are medium-large dogs (about 24–26 inches tall for males) and weigh roughly 55–75 pounds.
They have a square, athletic build and an intelligent, alert face. This breed is highly energetic and driven. It thrives on having a job to do. Malinois typically live around 10–14 years, and a puppy from a reputable line costs about $2,000–$3,500.
Originally bred as a Belgian farm herding dog, the Malinois now excels as a working dog. They are famous as police and military dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and service dogs. For example, Belgian Malinois have been used to detect explosives, locate missing people, and even star in Hollywood films for their smarts.
These dogs love intense exercise. lLke the other types of Belgian Shepherds, Malinois need daily aerobic work (a long run, games, or agility training) to stay happy. Without enough stimulation, a Malinois may become bored or destructive. In short, the Malinois is a loyal, hard-working dog with a short tan coat and a big work drive – one of the four types of Belgian Shepherds that’s especially prized in protection and sport work.
Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren is another one of the four types of Belgian Shepherds. It’s an elegant, medium-sized dog with a long, fawn-colored double coat and a black mask on the face. Adult Tervurens stand about 22–26 inches at the shoulder and weigh roughly 55–65 pounds.
They are sometimes mistaken for long-haired German Shepherds because of their build and coat. The average lifespan for a Tervuren is about 12–14 years. If you’re looking for a Tervuren puppy from a quality breeder, expect to pay around $2,000 (rescue or adoption can be much cheaper, often under $500).
Like its cousins, the Tervuren has a strong herding background. Historically it helped Belgian farmers manage flocks, and today it excels in many dog sports and jobs. Tervurens are highly intelligent and athletic, and they love to learn. They are often used in agility, obedience trials, and service/therapy work.
For example, Tervurens make excellent candidates for search-and-rescue or therapy because of their smarts and gentle nature. While similar in drive to the Malinois, Tervurens tend to be a bit more reserved and affectionate with family. In modern times they are popular as both working dogs and family pets.
Overall, the Belgian Tervuren is the fawn-and-black, long-coated shepherd – one of the four types of Belgian Shepherds – prized for its versatility, grace, and loyalty.
Belgian Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog)
The Belgian Groenendael, also called the Belgian Sheepdog, is the third type of Belgian Shepherd. It stands about the same size (around 24–26 inches tall) but is best known for its long, solid black coat.
Every inch of a Groenendael (except its face) is covered in a thick double coat that is glossy and black. Males typically weigh 55–75 pounds and females 45–60 pounds (very similar to a Malinois).
The Groenendael’s average lifespan is about 12–14 years. Because it’s a rarer variety, a Groenendael puppy usually costs between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on bloodline and breeder.
Traditionally bred to herd sheep in Belgium, the Groenendael has a rich working history. For example, Belgian Sheepdogs served in World War I as ambulance dogs and message carriers, and they were later imported to help police in Paris and New York.
Today, Belgian Groenendaels are still very versatile: like the other types of Belgian Shepherds they often work as police and detection dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, or service dogs.
Many Groenendaels are kept as devoted family companions as well. In summary, the Groenendael is the elegant black-coated shepherd – one of the four types of Belgian Shepherds – valued for its intelligence, steadiness, and striking appearance.
Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is the fourth and rarest type of Belgian Shepherd. It looks quite different from its cousins because of its shaggy, wiry coat. A Laekenois has a coarse, bristly outer coat in light fawn or red colors with a black “overlay” (tipped black). Its face and muzzle have distinctive rough hair.
Size-wise, it’s also a medium-large dog (about 24–26 inches tall and 55–75 pounds). The Laekenois’s lifespan is typically around 10–12 years. Because it’s rare, a Laekenois puppy can be pricey – often $1,700 to $2,500depending on breeder and pedigree.
Like the other Belgian shepherds, the Laekenois was bred for farm work. It’s known to have been used by the Belgian Army in modern times as well. Today, this breed is appreciated for herding, guarding, and as a loyal family dog. It tends to bond closely with one person and is especially affectionate with children.
The Laekenois’s versatility means it can do many tasks. It’s still used in herding competitions and can make an alert watchdog or companion. In brief, the Belgian Laekenois is the rough-coated, fawn-colored shepherd – one of the four types of Belgian Shepherds – known for its devoted personality and sturdy work ethic.
Belgian Shepherd Training Tips
All Belgian Shepherd breeds share a common intelligence and energy level, so training them is similar. These dogs thrive on mental stimulation and structure. Start early: puppy classes and socialization are key.
Since they were bred to work, give your dog tasks like obedience training, agility drills, or puzzle toys to solve. Positive reinforcement works best – reward good behavior consistently.
Remember that Belgian Shepherds need exercise every day. A long walk, run, or play session will keep them happy. (In fact, Malinois in particular are famous to run miles every morning!) Without enough activity, even well-trained dogs may get bored. Crate and leash training, plus basic commands like sit, stay, and recall, should begin young.
Since these breeds can be territorial or watchdoggy, early exposure to people and animals is important. In general, consistency and patience will pay off: all four types of Belgian Shepherds respond well to clear rules and plenty of love.
How Much Do the Four Types of Belgian Shepherds Cost?
When considering any of the four types of Belgian Shepherds, understanding the pricing helps you budget and choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
- Belgian Malinois puppies typically cost around $2,000–$3,500 from reputable breeders. These higher prices are due to their popularity in police, military, and protection roles, making purebred lines particularly valued.
- Belgian Tervuren puppies average about $2,000, though rescue options or adoption fees can be significantly lower (often under $500). Prices can fluctuate based on breeder reputation, lineage, and region.
- Belgian Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog) puppies are relatively rare and usually cost around $1,500–$3,000, again depending on breeder prestige and bloodline quality. Their stunning solid-black coats and versatility increase their market appeal.
- Belgian Laekenois, the rarest among the four types, can cost $1,700–$2,500 per puppy. Their distinctive wiry coat, unique appearance, and scarcity often push prices toward the higher end.
Keep in mind, adoption through shelters or breed rescues is significantly cheaper (typically around $300–$600), but availability is limited.
Interesting Facts About These 4 Types of Belgian Shepherds
Belgian Malinois – Elite Military Heroes
Did you know that the Belgian Malinois was the breed chosen by the U.S. Navy SEALs for the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in 2011?
These dogs wear specialized tactical gear and can parachute from planes, rappel from helicopters, and swim underwater—earning their nickname as the “Navy SEALs of the dog world.” Their bravery, speed, and intelligence have made them legendary among military handlers around the globe.
Belgian Tervuren – The Master of Versatility
Here’s an intriguing fact: the Belgian Tervuren is the smartest of the four types of Belgian Shepherds, excelling in obedience competitions and even canine acting!
Tervurens frequently appear in dog movies, commercials, and shows because of their majestic appearance, expressive faces, and ability to learn complex tricks faster than most other breeds. Their fame once led a Tervuren named “Justin” to become the official mascot of NASA’s Apollo space missions in the 1960s!
Belgian Groenendael – War-Time Heroes Turned Hollywood Stars
Not many people know this: during World War I, the Belgian Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog) served heroically as battlefield messengers, carrying critical messages across dangerous front lines.
Some Groenendaels even wore tiny gas masks to protect them from chemical warfare! Later, their majestic look caught the eyes of Hollywood directors. They landed Groenendaels roles in films and TV shows due to their elegant black coat and impressive intelligence.
Belgian Laekenois – The Rarest Shepherd with Royal Connections
The Belgian Laekenois isn’t just the rarest Belgian Shepherd. It has royal history, too! Originally bred around the Château de Laeken, the official royal residence of the Belgian monarchy, the Laekenois served not only as a herding dog but also as guardians of the Queen’s valuable linens.
Their unique wiry coat made them ideal for blending into the tall grass of royal gardens, stealthily watching for intruders. Owning a Laekenois today feels like owning a piece of European royal history!
Owning One Of The Types Of Belgian Shepherds: Conclusion
The four types of Belgian Shepherds share a common heritage as Belgian herding dogs, but each has its own look and specialties. The Malinois is the short-haired fawn shepherd; the Tervuren is long-haired fawn with a black mask; the Groenendael is long-haired solid black; and the Laekenois is rough-coated fawn with a wiry texture.
Despite these appearance differences, all four varieties are intelligent, loyal, and need active homes.
They typically live around 10–14 years and require regular training and exercise. Traditionally each type was a farm dog, and today they all excel in roles like guarding, detection, and companionship.
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