The Belgian Shepherd can refer to any of four varieties of this dog: the Groenendael, the Laekenois, the Tervuren, or the Malinois. In some regions, these are considered four different varieties of a single breed; in other regions, they are considered separate breeds.

The Groenendael takes its name from Chateau Groenendael in Belgium. It evenutually became known as the Belgian Sheepdog or in most parts of the world as the Chien de Berger Belge. The Laekenois takes its name from Castle Laeken. Malinois is derived from "Malines", the French name for the town of Mechelen . The Tervuren is named for the town of Tervuren.

The Belgian Shepherd was a working farm dog expected to both herd and guard. All the Belgians are hard-working, intelligent dogs of the same general size and temperament. They differ in their coats and superficially in appearance.

The Groenendael has a long, shimmering black coat. The Tervuren has a long coat which is typically mahogany or red. The Malinois is the short-haired variety. And the Laekenois is the wire-haired variety.

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The Belgian Shepherd is affectionate and friendly. He can be very possessive of his family and desires their attention.

Ever watchful and on the move, the Belgian Shepherd glides in large circles. It is playful, alert, watchful and protective — a tough, independent and intense dog. It is aloof with strangers. It is intelligent and biddable, but independent.

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The coat needs to be brushed a few times a week to keep it in healthy condition. The Belgian Shepherd does not shed regularly, but when shedding season comes you will need to pay more attention to the coat to rid it of dead hair.

The Belgian Shepherd is not a good dog for apartment dwellers. They require a good deal of exercise, either a good long jog or a long, strenuous play session. It needs room to move during the day and does best with access to a yard. Although it can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, it is family-oriented and happier if it can share time in the house with its family. Its double coat needs brushing and combing twice weekly, more when shedding.