Belgian Shepherd

Coat

Groenendael

Laekenois

Sable: Red sable in any of the patterns, but heavy black shading/tipping is not preferred.
Masking: May be masked with Black (35) , small or standard mask.

Laekenois

Malinois

Sable: Text
Masking: Must be masked with Black (35) , standard or extended mask.
Ears must be black.
Black toes/fingers are allowed, as is a fully black head in dogs with extended masking.
A large amount of black on the throat/front of chest is typical and accepted in this variety.

Malinois

Tervueren

Sable: Red sable in any of the patterns.
Grey (25) Dusty (125) are also allowed base colours, but they are not preferred.
Masking: Must be masked with Black (35) , standard or extended mask.
Ears must be black.
Black toes/fingers are allowed, as is a fully black head in dogs with extended masking.
A large amount of black on the throat/front of chest is typical and accepted in this variety.
Urajiro: Is allowed - may extend up and include whole legs, but rich colours are preferred in this variety.

Tervueren

All four varieties may have Grey (25) jowls.
Ticking/Roaning: White (15) allowed in all varieties as trim on the chest/feet only.

Eyes

Dark Brown (50-59/90-99)

Nose

Black (35-39/244)

Faults

Mismatched colours.

Disqualifications

Lack of mask in the tervueren or malinois variety.

Notes

Sheepdogs resembling the Belgian Shepherd have been found in Europe for hundreds of years, and in many varieties. When the interest for these dogs awake during the late 1800's, breeders tried to define the different type of Belgian Shepherd, coming up with eight final varities after many discussions (some of which go on even today!). Later, these were changed to four types, which are the ones we know today. In our modern day, the Belgian Shepherd is kept as a working dog, and has done well not only on the agility and obedience field, but has also successfully been trained as a police dog.

The Belgian Shepherd is divided into four varities. They are identic apart from coat type/colour. The Malinois is shorthaired and fawn in colour. The Tervueren could be said to be a longhaired variety of the Malinois, while the Lakenois is wirehaired. The Groenendael is longhaired and solid black.

The Belgian Shepherd should have an elongated head, with the muzzle the same length or slightly longer than the skull. The ears are set high, small and erect. The neck is of medium length, powerful and slightly arched. The body is square in shape, powerful but never heavy. The topline should be straight. The tail should be tapering, hanging or curved.