APPROVED STANDARD
FOR THE BELGIAN SHEEPDOG
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 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 touch the elbow, forming a smooth
ascending 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 stripe 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, except 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
