Information on AKC Belgian Sheepdog Puppies
Belgian Sheepdog Breed Standard
General Appearance
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. Faults - Any deviation from these specifications is a fault. In determining whether a fault
is minor, serious, or major, these two factors should be used as a guide: 1. The
extent to which it deviates from the standard. 2. The extent to which such deviation
would actually affect the working ability of the dog.
Size, Proportion, Substance
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.
Head
Clean-cut and strong, overall size should be in proportion to the body. Expression indicates alertness, attention, readiness for activity.
Gaze should be intelligent and questioning. Eyes brown, preferably
dark brown. Medium size, slightly almond shaped, not protruding. Ears
triangular in shape, stiff, erect, and in proportion to the head in size. Base
of the ear should not come below the center of the eye. Ears hanging (as on a
hound) shall disqualify. Skull - Top flattened rather than rounded. The width approximately the same, but not wider
than the length. Stop moderate. Muzzle moderately pointed,
avoiding any tendency to snipiness, and approximately equal in length to that
of the topskull. The jaws should be strong and powerful. Nose black
without spots or discolored areas. The lips should be tight and black, with no
pink showing on the outside. Teeth - A full complement of strong, white teeth, evenly set. Should not be overshot or
undershot. Should have either an even bite or a scissors bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck round and rather outstretched, tapered from head to body, well
muscled, with tight skin. Topline--The withers are slightly higher
and slope into the back, which must be level, straight, and firm from withers
to hip joints. Chest not broad, but deep. The lowest point should
reach the elbow, forming a smooth ascendant curve to the abdomen. Abdomen--Moderate
development. Neither tucked up nor paunchy. The loin section, viewed from
above, is relatively short, broad and strong, but blending smoothly into the back.
The croup is medium long, sloping gradually. Tail strong
at the base, bone to reach hock. At rest the dog holds it low, the tip bent back
level with the hock. When in action he raises it and gives it a curl, which is
strongest toward the tip, without forming a hook. Cropped or stump tail shall
disqualify.
Forequarters
Shoulder long and oblique, laid flat against the body, forming a
sharp angle (approximately 90 degrees) with the upper arm. Legs
straight, strong and parallel to each other. Bone oval rather than round. Development
(length and substance) should be well proportioned to the size of the dog. Pastern
medium length, strong, and very slightly sloped. Feet round (cat
footed), toes curved close together, well padded. Nails strong and black, except
that they may be white to match white toe tips.
Hindquarters
Legs--Length and substance well proportioned to the size of the
dog. Bone oval rather than round. Legs are parallel to each other. Thighs
broad and heavily muscled. The upper and lower thigh bones approximately parallel
the shoulder blade and upper arm respectively, forming a relatively sharp angle
at stifle joint. The angle at the hock is relatively sharp, although the Belgian
Sheepdog does not have extreme angulation. Metatarsus medium length, strong and
slightly sloped. Dewclaws, if any, should be removed. Feet slightly
elongated. Toes curved close together, well padded. Nails strong and black, except
that they may be white to match white toe tips.
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. Disqualification
Any color other than black, ex-cept for white in specified areas. Reddening due
to climatic conditions in an otherwise correct coat should not be grounds for
disqualification.
Gait
Motion should be smooth, free and easy, seemingly never tiring, exhibiting facility
of movement rather than a hard driving action. He tends to single track on a fast
gait; the legs, both front and rear, converging toward the center line of gravity
of the dog. The backline should remain firm and level, parallel to the line of
motion, with no crabbing. He shows a marked tendency to move in a circle rather
than a straight line.
Temperament
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.
Disqualifications
Males under 22½ or over 27½ inches in height and females under 20½
or over 25½ inches in height.
Ears hanging (as on a hound).
Cropped or stump tail.
Any color other than black.
Viciousness.
Approved December 11, 1990
Effective January 30, 1991
