Belgian Sheepdog

AKC Group: Herding

Club: Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, Inc.

Corresponding Secretary : Claire Trethewey
Address: 2373 NW 185th Ave #163 , Hillsboro, OR , 97124
Website: www.BSCA.INFO
Email: clairedelune@alfirin.net
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

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.

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

History:

The Belgian Sheepdog is known as the Groenendael , or Chien de Berger Beige in most parts of the world. Its origin can be traced to the late 1800's when it was listed, both in stud books and at dog shows, among many other shepherds as the Chien de Berger de Races Continentales (Continental Shepherds). By pedigree we can identify many of the Continental Shepherds not only as the Belgian Shepherds (Groenendael, Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois), but also as German Shepherds, Hollander Herders, Beauceron, Bouvier des Flandres, and Briards.

As the European countries developed a sense of pride and a spirit of nationalism, many individuals worked to develop animals that would be identified with their own countries. In Belgium, in the late 1800's, efforts were made to determine if there was a true shepherd dog representative only of Belgium, and in September 1891, the Club du Chien de Berger Beige (Belgian Shepherd Club) was formed for this purpose. Between 1891 and 1901, when the Belgian Shepherd was registered as a breed by the Societe Royale Saint-Hubert, efforts were directed toward developing a standard, improving type, and exhibiting.

Interest in the Belgian Shepherds developed very quickly after they were recognized as a breed. Prior to World War I it had become apparent that, although called a shepherd or sheepdog, the Groenendael was a versatile animal, and with its keen intelligence and easy trainability, it could perform a variety of functions. The Paris police utilized the Groenendael in the first decade of the 20th century, as did the New York police who, in 1908, imported four Belgian Sheepdogs to work alongside an American-bred Groenendael.

In the same period, Belgian Customs officers employed the Groenendael for border patrols, and their efforts in capturing smugglers were greatly praised. The Groenendael were also used as herders, watchdogs, faithful companions, and became outstanding participants in the popular European "working trials," from the local trial through international competitions. The Groenendael, "Jules du Moulin," demonstrated this versatility by earning his World Championship at the defense trials in France in 1908. Repeating his victories in 1909, 1910, and 1912, he also earned his International Championship at the police trials of Belgium and France for four straight years, 1909-1912.

During World War I, Belgian Sheepdogs distinguished themselves on the battlefields, serving as message carriers, ambulance dogs, and even pulling machine guns. Although first registered in the United States as early as 1911, their fame really took hold after the war. The Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed in 1919, and it was not uncommon to see ten or twelve Belgian Sheepdogs exhibited at the larger Eastern shows in the 1920's. By 1926, the Belgian Sheepdog was ranked 42nd of the 100 breeds recognized by the AKC.

The Great Depression had a marked effect on the Belgian Sheepdog. Its popularity dropped to 97th place, and the American club ceased to function. World War II again found the Belgian Sheepdog serving as a war and defense dog, and many were utilized to guard military installations. Interest in the breed was rekindled after the war and the current Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed in 1949. Since then, many Groenendael have been imported and the interest in the breed has continued to grow.

Through an AKC decision, effective July 1, 1959, only the Groenendael can be registered as Belgian Sheepdogs, and must have three generations of Groenendael ancestors.

Throughout their history Belgian Sheepdogs have earned their reputation as truly well-rounded dogs, and to this day they continue to captivate our hearts. Their elegance of carriage and balanced movement are a pleasure to behold. Their talents in obedience, tracking, schutzhund, herding, and as sled dogs have kept even the most activity-minded of us satisfied. Their skills in police work, search and rescue, and as guide and therapy dogs have proven very valuable to society These dogs have found their greatest value, however, in the hearts of their owners as gentle and devoted companions willing to give all to those they love.