BELGIAN SHEEPDOG Breed Standards
Also called the Groenendael, after the kennel that first bred them at the end of the 19th century, the Belgian Sheepdog is a breed that was developed by the crossbreeding of various herding and working dogs in and around Belgium. In much of the world the Belgian Sheepdog, along with the Tervuren and Malinois, is recognized simply as the Belgian Shepherd; in the United States, however, the three breeds are recognized as being distinct from each other.
The Belgian Sheepdog was first recognized formally as a breed in its native land in 1891. In 1903, the first working dog trials featuring the Belgian Sheepdog were held and measured performance in areas of agility and obedience with spectacular results. These proud and noble dogs served in World War I as machine gun pullers, messengers and ambulance dogs. The Belgian Sheepdog was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1912, and was recognized as being distinct from the Belgian Malinois and Tervuren in 1959. To this day, the Belgian Sheepdog is used as a worker, hunter, herder, rescuer and policedog.
SKILLS: The first impression of the Belgian Sheepdog is that of a well balanced, square dog, elegant in appearance, with an exceedingly proud carriage of the head and neck. He is a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. His whole conformation gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness. The male dog is usually somewhat more impressive and grand than his female counterpart. The bitch should have a distinctly feminine look.
SIZE: Males should be 24-26 inches in height and females 22-24 inches, measured at the withers.
Males under 22½ or over 27½ inches in height and females under 20½ or over 25½ inches in height shall be disqualified.
The length, measured from point of breastbone to point of rump, should equal the height. Bitches may be slightly longer. Bone structure should be moderately heavy in proportion to his height so that he is well balanced throughout and neither spindly or leggy nor cumbersome and bulky. The Belgian Sheepdog should stand squarely on all fours. Side view - The topline, front legs, and back legs should closely approximate a square.
COAT: The guard hairs of the coat must be long, well fitting, straight and abundant. They should not be silky or wiry. The texture should be a medium harshness. The undercoat should be extremely dense, commensurate, however, with climatic conditions. The Belgian Sheepdog is particularly adaptable to extremes of temperature or climate. The hair is shorter on the head, outside of the ears, and lower part of the legs. The opening of the ear is protected by tufts of hair.
Ornamentation - Especially long and abundant hair, like a collarette, around the neck; fringe of long hair down the back of the forearm; especially long and abundant hair trimming the hindquarters, the breeches; long, heavy and abundant hair on the tail.
Color - Black. May be completely black, or may be black with white, limited as follows: Small to moderate patch or strip on forechest. Between pads of feet. On tips of hind toes. On chin and muzzle (frost may be white or gray). On tips of front toes - allowable, but a fault.
CARE REQUIRED: The Belgian Shepherd/Groenendael has a long, straight, medium length, heavy outer coat and a dense under coat that requires daily combing and brushing. Extra care should be given when the dog is shedding. Clip out mats that form, particularly in the ruff and on the legs, and clip hair from between the toes and on the outer ears. This breed is a seasonal, heavy shedder, shedding twice a year with some additional shedding throughout the year.
CHARACTER: The Belgian Sheepdog should reflect the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness and devotion to master. To his inherent aptitude as a guardian of flocks should be added protectiveness of the person and property of his master. He should be watchful, attentive, and always in motion when not under command. In his relationship with humans, he should be observant and vigilant with strangers, but not apprehensive. He should not show fear or shyness. He should not show viciousness by unwarranted or unprovoked attack. With those he knows well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous of their attention, and very possessive. Viciousness is a disqualification.
TRAINING: This is a working dog that is accustomed to an active outdoor life. As such it needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash as much as possible in a safe area.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Belgian Shepherd/Groenendael will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The Groenendael can sleep outdoors, although he prefers to be with his people.
EXERCISE: This is a very demanding dog that is becoming more and more popular. It needs an experienced owner for it can easily be difficult to control unless the owner knows how to handle him. There can be wide differences in temperament and aggressiveness.
