Belgian Shepherd Dogs Australia
www.belgianshepherddogsaustralia.com
Belgian Shepherd Information for prospective owners & enthusiasts
The name Belgian Shepherd Dog can refer to any of the four varieties of this breed: the Groenendael, the Laekenois, the Tervueren, or the Malinois.
In Australia the Belgian Shepherd Dog is classed as One Breed, which consists of Four Varieties; in other countries, they are considered a single breed. Structurally all four varieties are the same, differing only in coat and colour, all four varieties are intelligent dogs of the same general size and temperament.
The
Groenendael - long haired black.
The Tervueren - long haired other than black. Colours range from
grey through to fawn - varying in intensity, with black overlay
and a black mask on the head.
The Malinois - short haired. Fawn with black overlay and black
mask. (other colours such as grey and black, of which there are
some, are not recognised in the breed standard).
The Laekenois - rough haired. Fawn with traces of black overlay
mainly on the muzzle and tail.
* The 'mask' is defined as a strict minimum of eight points of
pigmentation of the "phaners" this being both ears, the
two top eye lids, the two top lips and the two bottom lips which
must be black.
* All varieties may have a little white on the forechest and on
the toes.
Note: They are sometimes born with short white/grey hairs on the front of the muzzle and or tip of the chin, which is called "frost" or "frosting". When two dogs of the same "variety" are bred, it is possible for puppies of different "varieties" to be in the same litter, depending on what genes for coat colour they carry. (An excellent book on the History, Genetics and Varieties is the BERGER BELGE ANTHOLOGY by Sally M. Perry & Adrienne A. Pagel)
Rolin Ridge's F.A.Q A must read for those considering getting a Belgian Shepherd, the descriptive caricatures are excellent
Information on the Breed - Puppy Manuals - F.A.Q. - Standard - Articles - Health - Description etc
TRAINING ~ Resources from puppyhood to more advanced training work
HEALTH ~ Informative & Educational Sites (some Belgian specific) - Medical Reference etc
Belgian Shepherd Owners, Breeders & Clubs Worldwide, Working Dogs, Sled Dogs, Flyball, Agility etc
Assistance Dogs ~ Some info on Australian Belgian Shepherds as Seeing Eye, Therapy Dogs
K9 Heroes ~ Avalanche, SAR, Police, War, Therapy & Service Belgian Shepherd dogs
Go shopping for you & your dog - Belgian Shepherd Goodies, Vet Products Online, clothing, jewelry
EVENTS in Australia ~ Breed Specialty Shows, Obedience Trials, Fun days
These
are the names the Belgian Shepherd Dog is known by in other
countries, it is also sometimes wrongly referred to as the
Belgium Shepherd
Belgian Sheepdog - Belgian Tervuren - Berger Belge - Belgische
Schäferhunde - Belgisk Fårehund - Belgische Herdershonde -
Belgiske Hyrdehunde - Belgijskih Ovcara - Belgisk Vallhund -
Belgianpaimenkoira - Pastor Belga - Groenendael - Laekenois -
Malinois - Tervueren
Click here to go to our LUMINEUX Belgian Shepherd Dogs site