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AVAILABLE TESTS:
C101 - DNA Parentage
C128 - Canine Coat Color Test (Groenendael)
C128 - Canine Coat Color Test (Laekenois)
C128 - Canine Coat Color Test (Malinois)
C128 - Canine Coat Color Test (Tervuren)
To Learn more about various canine health problems that may occur in Belgian Shepherd, visit '
Infectious DNA Testing' page.
BREED DESCRIPTION
The Belgian Shepherd, known as the Groenendael worldwide, and named for this village in Belgium, is one of the four
varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs. In most parts of the world the four varieties: the Groenendael (black, long coat,
pronounced Grow-en-en-doll), the Laekenois (fawn, rough coat, pronounced Lak-in-wah), Malinois (fawn-mahogany, short
coat with black marks and overlay, pronounced Mal-in-wah), and the Tervuren (fawn-mahogany, shades of gray are
acceptable in some registries, long coat with black mask and overlay, pronounced Terv-yer-en) are all considered one
breed. However, in America since 1959, the AKC has recognized the Groenendael, Malinois and Tervuren as separate breeds,
but has not recognized the Laekenois at all. A less well-known, but growing U.S. registry, the UKC, does recognize all
four varieties as one breed.
All the Belgian Sheepdogs developed from hardy working dogs, which ensures that the modern breeds are
compatibly gifted on the field. The Groenendael was developed by Nicholas Rose, a breeder form Groenendael, Belgium who
established the first Belgian Sheepdog kennel with a pair of black sheepdogs, Petite and Picard d'Uccle. Their progeny
became the foundation stock for the breed. The highly intelligent and protective Belgian Sheepdog/Groenendael has been
used in herding, as a police and war dog in both World Wars, in drug detection, search and rescue, schutzhund, and as a
family companion and guardian. Although the Belgian Shepherd is not for everyone, this high energy dog makes an excellent
family companion if properly socialized and trained.
Today, the Belgian Groenendael and Tervuren are most often used as companion dogs, while the Laekenois
and Malinois are used as guard dogs.
IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Size: Males 24 to 26 inches, Females 22 to 24 inches (at the withers).
Appearance: Balanced, muscular body with smooth, energetic motion.
Coat and Color: Long, straight, thick coat with shorter hair on the head, lower legs and outer ears.
Black color; minimal white markings on the chest, between the pads of the feet, tips of the hind toes, chin and muzzle
permitted.
Head: Flat skull with a moderately pointed muzzle; dark brown, almond shaped eyes; erect, triangular
ears.
Tail: Low, with a slight curve at tip.
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