There are Four Coat Types

Laeken -Rough, not quite wiry texture of medium length. Light fawn to grey in color having a beard and whiskers.

Tervuren -Long straight coat of rich fawn, mahogany, or gray with a black overlay esp. neck, over shoulders, down the back and rib cage. He has a substantial mane, collar, feathering on back of forelegs, full britches and a plumed tail.

Groenendael - Long straight, black coat sporting mane, and collar, feathering on back of forelegs, full britches and plumed tail.

All types have a dense undercoat and may have a small patch of white on chest or toe tips. Face is black in all but Laeken and frost on muzzle appears at an early age. The Belgians head is clean cut with a very moderate stop and plains of the head level and parallel with a strong jaw, a full compliment of teeth and tight lips showing no pink on outer edge. Eyes are dark brown and almond in shape and should not protrude. Ears are triangular stiff erect and base of ear should not come below center of eye. His neck is round, well muscled and tight, set proudly on shoulders. Chest is deep but not broad. The shoulder is long and flat against body. He has relatively sharp angles at shoulder, stifle and hock without extended angulation in rear The tail should reach hock at rest but not curl over dogs back, even in action.

DISQUALIFICATION'S OF BELGIANS

• viciousness or excessive shyness
• Atypical coloring
• Hanging ears
• Cropped tail
• Males under 23" over 27"
• Females under 21" over 25"

Breed Characteristics

Intelligent, courageous, active, alert, sensitive having herding and guard instincts would begin to describe this breed which is always in motion. They are easily trained, responding to commands with speed and accuracy They are most affectionate with their people. This high performance breed loves to work.

They need plenty of exercise. The Belgian was used to protect flocks from marauding wolves and don't take kindly to coyotes and stray dogs who cross the boundary the Belgian watches. .

Prevention is always the best medicine so keeping a dog from developing bad habits will prevent future problems. Time spent socializing and training your puppy will pay off ten fold in the future. Kennels are a safe place for your dog while you are not around, it'll keep him away from cars and livestock and developing other bad habits. Usually by the time they are two years old and the adolescent phase passes they begin to settle down.