AHBR | Belgian Shepherds

Belgian Shepherds were developed in Belgian and were all-purpose farm and herding dogs. There are four recognized varieties – the Groenendael (called Sheepdog in the US), the Tervuren, the Malinois, and the Laekenois. The varieties are anatomically identical but differ in hair texture, hair length and colors.

The Groenendael or Sheepdog have long hair and are entirely black. The were given the name Groenendael. The Tervuren also have long hair, but are fawn or red with a black mask and black overlay on the tips of the hair. The Malinois have short hair, and are fawn or red with a black mask and black overlay. The Laekenois is also fawn, but has a rough, somewhat curly coat.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog is an elegant, well-proportioned, medium-sized, square dog who gives an impression of elegance. They are a hardy breed, accustomed to living in the open air and built to resist inclement weather and the atmospheric changes so frequent in the Belgian climate.

The Belgian Shepherd is an enthusiastic and remarkably quick dog for his size. He shows a natural tendency to be in motion. The Belgian was developed for endurance. He must be able to move and tend the flock all day and to guard it from all invaders. The Belgian Shepherd Dog is usually in motion and is capable of working livestock all day. Because he was developed as a herding dog, and because of his exuberant temperament, he tends to move in circles around his owner rather than in a straight line.

In addition to his inborn ability as guardian of the flocks, he is an exceptional watchdog and a tenacious and brave defender of his master and family. He is vigilant, and highly responsive to his owner's direction. He is alert, intelligent and inquisitive. While he is firmly loyal to those he knows and loves, he typically exhibits reserve with strangers. He can be very possessive of his family. Because of the Belgian’s trainability and athleticism, they often excel at competitive sports such as obedience, agility, flyball, and tracking. Many Belgians also work as police dogs and Search and Rescue dogs. Belgians are considered high-energy dogs.

Belgians are moderate to large sized dogs, with males typically weighing somewhere between 50 and 70 lbs, and females between 40 and 60 lbs. The desirable size for males is 23" -- 26", while for females, it is 21" -- 24". The males are typically more impressive in appearance than the females.

Belgians are a double-coated breed, with very dense undercoat. For the Groenendael and Tervueren, the hair is short on the head, the exterior face of the ears, and the lower part of the legs, except on the back of the forelegs, from the elbows to the pasterns, which are garnished by long hairs called feathering. The hair is long and straight over the rest of the body and longer and more abundant around the neck and on the breast, where it forms a collarette and frill. The opening of the ear is protected by tufted hairs. The hair from the base of the ear is raised back and frames the head. The thighs are covered with very long and abundant hair, which forms culottes. The tall is garnished with abundant hair, forming a plume.

For the Malinois, the hair should be short on the head, the exterior of the ears and the lower parts of the legs. Short on the rest of the body, thicker on the tail and around the neck, where it forms a slight collarette beginning at the base of the ear and extending to the throat. In addition, the hindquarters should be fringed with longer hair. The coat should be thick, close and of good firm texture with a woolly undercoat. The coat should conform to the body without standing out or hanging down. The distribution of hair on the tail simulates an ear of wheat.

For the Laekenois, the hair is rough and of a harsh state, which appears disorderly. The length of the hair is noticeably the same on all parts of the body. The length is approximately two-and-a-half inches (six centimeters). The hair around the eyes and the hair garnishing the muzzle is not excessive. The existence of a hard, rough beard and moustache on the muzzle are mandatory. The tail does not form a plume.

Belgians are typically a healthy breed, with lifespans of 12 – 14 years. Health problems include CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly), epilepsy, and hip dysplasia.