Belgian Sheepdog — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Belgian Sheepdog — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The AKC gives size at the withers as 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females; dogs under 22½ or over 27½ inches and bitches under 20½ or over 25½ inches are disqualified.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat guard hairs are long, well-fitting, straight and abundant, of medium harshness and not silky or wiry, with a dense undercoat.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The colour is black, possibly with limited white on the chest, toes, chin and muzzle.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The temperament reflects intelligence, courage, alertness and devotion to the master.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Hanging (hound-like) ears are a disqualification.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* A cropped or stump tail is a disqualification.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Any colour other than black (outside the allowed white markings) is a disqualification.