Belgian Sheepdog

Also known as the Belgian Groenendael, the Belgian Sheepdog is a robust, intelligent herding breed hailing from Belgium. They originated during the late 1800s along with the Belgian Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois. Since Belgium's economy relies heavily upon dairy exports (as the world's leading provider of milk chocolate) there was a high demand for breeds that could independently herd livestock - Cue the Belgian Sheepdog! But their resume goes far beyond livestock herding. By the early 1900s, Belgian Sheepdogs were being employed far beyond Belgium's borders as police K9 officers and border patrol guards. When war broke out, they acted as messengers, guard dogs, ambulance dogs, and freighters for artillery. Today, they can be found in the workforce and in family homes as loving companions.