Page 1 THE BELGIAN SHEEPDOG - I .. - -".`~~*. -
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Page 1 THE BELGIAN SHEEPDOG - I .. - -".`~~*. -
THE BELGIAN SHEEPDOG - I - -".' ~~*. The Belgian Sheepdog -- Club of America, Inc. .. 1959 This booklet is dedicated to the memory of three members of the Belgian Sheep:iogClub of America whose devotion and loyalty to the breed caused their fellow members of its Board of Directors to wish to honor them for their service inpromoting the breed by this dedication: Virginia Dykema Helen Quilhot William B. Vestal The picture on the cover II of the ~Belgianl on the Skyline- (Thor C.D.X., Bonita del Rio Carmello, Ch. HadJe de Flanderl, U.D.T.) who were owned by Mr. and Mrs. Vestal some years ago. Mr. Vestal was Informed, shortly before his death, that this lovely picture, a favorite of the entire fancy for years, had been selected to be the only picture included in this booklet. . THE STORY OF THE BELGIAN SHEEPDOG - andTHE OFFICIAL Belgian Member Sheepdog Club OFFICERS STANDARD Club of America, of the American OF THE BSCA Kennel Inc. Club 1959-60 C. W. Bliss President 1st V. President 2nd. V. President Secretary-Treasurer.. Mary K. Killa'WaY .Robert D. Krohn Dorothea M. Kelley BOARD OF DIRECTORS C. W. Bliss 29025 Gates MUls Blvd., Cleveland 24, Ohio Mary K. Dilla\\l3.Y Old Plymouth Road, Sagamore, R F D I, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Robert D. Krohn 2454 45th St., Los Alamos, New Mexico Dorothea M. Kelley 81 Edgewood Drive, Avon Lake, Ohio Myron E. Rowland 1310 HoytAvenue, Muncie, indiana C. Gene Summers 513 Price St., Charleston 2, West Virginia William F. Burt Morningside, R. D. I, Concord,Mass. Prepared by Dr. Frank E. Dykema, Belgian Sheepdog Club of America THE BELGIANSHEEPDQG INTRODUCTION The aim of this short description 1s to give the reader a word pIcture of the Belgian Sheepdog and to present the find qualities and desirahle characteristics of the breed, one of the dogs of the Working Group. Therefore, our first step will be to introduce the reader to the origins and background ofthe Belgian Sheepdog. HISTORY The Belgian Sheepdog has an ancestry which seems to be common to many of the herding dogs used throughout the modern world. The lineage can be traced back to Central Europe, particularly to the Mooreland dog. Since Europe then was thinly populated as compared to modern times, domesticated animals required herding and protection from attackers such as wolves. Not only was there danger from wild life; but, also, the rigorous climate demanded animals that could withstand all kinds of weather: heat, cold, rain, snow, any combination. As people did not move about too much in the past, a dog could be developed over the years that would meet the needs of and conditions present in isolated areas. The Beigian Sheepdog came into being as a result of the rugged climate and requirements of the shepherd for a bright, strong, and agile dog. Eventually the breed, truly the dog of the Belgian Shepherd which included several varieties of color and coat became so promInent as to be considered the national dog of Belgium. The breed inspiredOuida's D()gof Flanders and the more famous poet, phTIOsO: pller, and dramatist Maeterlinck's Our Friend the~: both indicating the wiQe:' spreaa ana exceptioDaI interest aftha Europeans. Belgian royalty even sponsored one type of the Belgian Sheepdog. The first organization for the purpose of breeding specific types of Belgian Sheepdogs was initiated by Professor Reul v.rl.ln 1891 under the name of the Club du Chien d~ Berger BeIge. A few years later, in 1897, the hIstory of the Groenendael (long haired, black) Belgian Sheepdog began. About this time, a resident of Veda, Mr. Beernaerte, had found 1n Feluy-Arquermes a Belgian shepherd dog with long black hair working as a herd dog. Impressed by Us beauty, speed, and gentle sureness in herding the flock, he acquired It and called It "Piccardd'Uccle." Meanwhile, N. Rose, proprietor of the Restaurant du Chateau de Groenendael, had already bred several sheepdogs with long black hair and owned a bitch named" Petite." "Piccard d'Uccle" was bred to .Petite"and produced "Due de Groenendael", a sheepdog with long black hair, beautiful little ears and good tall carriage, but with an enormous white "cravat" on Its chest. From the same Utter came "Pitt", "Barotllle", "Margot", and "Berger", all named .of Groenendael", and It Is thus that the kennel name became the name of one of the types of Belgian Sheepdogs. All our good Groenendaels descend from these ancestors, and you have only to trace their pedigrees back far enough to find at the origin "Piccard d'Uccle" and "Petite." The longhaired, blackGroenendael,after makiag Its show debut In 1898, grew rapdily in popularity in its native land and throughout the continent. Shortly after the turn of the century, Belgian Sheepdogs were imported into the United States, some being used for pollee work in New Jersey and New York. Some authorities credit the breed with being the first to be used for police and war work. The Groenendael became the popular type breed and shown in the United States; and, although other types were imported from time to time, the Groenendael color and physical characteristics had become identified almost exclusively with the breed name In the popular mind. On July 1, 1959, the American Kennel Club separated the three types in the United States into separate breeds, naming the Groenendael the Belgian SheePdog. The other types (now breeds) were named Belgian Tenuren and Belgian Malinois. The Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, Inc. founded in the early part of the 20th Century Is a breed club member of the American Kennel Club. Membership is open to any person favorable to its objectives of promoting the breed and who Is In good standIng with the American Kennel Club. CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY TRAITS No resume would be complete without reference to the outstanding character ofthe breed. Through great good fortune, the European and American breeders of the Belgian Sheepdog have adhered to sound breeding patterns, unhampered by the desire for quick profit. Intelligence and sound temperament have beenmaintalnedasphys_ leal type has been improved. The Belgian Sheepdog, noted for its intelligence and alertness, has been widely used for police and war work abroad and in this country. The rapidity with wltich the Belgian learns and its responsiveness to its master's every wish make it a joy to train, for whatever purpose, be it as working herder of stock, as show dog, or as the obedient house pet, companion to children (for whom it shows great affection) and guardian of property. The natural herding instinct of these dogs pius their superior speed and agility makes them tireless workers. The Belgian is wonderful companion, especially sensitive to its master's moods. Orie must Hve with these dogs to understand their deep loyalty and affection for the immediate family. With friends they are curious and reserved; with strangers, alert. In personality, the Belgian is happy and gay in spirit, Inquisitive of mind, with a delightful humor that wUl bring no dull moments, and an originality that will leave the new owner amazed at the dog's ingenuity. APPEARANCE The Belgian Sheepdog starts out in life as a wonderfully soft, fuzzy, black "bear cub" in appearance. Soon this profile will be replaced by the aristocratic beauty and elegance of the mature animal. Stunning in his abundant coat, the Belgian Sheepdog makes one of the most attractive silhouettes In dogdom. A distinctive characteristic ofthe Beigian is its proud bearing. In show pose the dog stands naturally, squarely on all four legs. The topHne is straight from back of the withers to hips, with no slope as Is char- acteristic of some shepherd breeds. It is a compact dog, giving a square appearance when viewed from the side. His movement Is quick and agile. He Is never heavy-footed and makes unbelievably fast turns. In accordance with his heritage as herder, he is built for maneuverability as weli as endurance. He has a deep chest, small, compact feet, moderate bone, and high set triangular ears, held erect when at attention. ThetaH is heavily plumed, of medium length, and carried rather gaily as he moves but dropped as he stands. Feathering on forelegs and underside of body, ruff framing expressive face and eyes, culotte add to the beauty... this beauty being left "as is" for the show ring. SPECIAL FEATURES The Belgian Sheepdog has a very desirable quality in that he has no objectionable "doggy odor". He makes an excellent companion io the home as weli as In the field. He changes coat usually once a year. Even in this period. the householder finds the shedding of the soft undercoat far less a problem than the shedding of some of the smooth coated dogs whose hairs stick with tenacity to upholstery and rugs. Some Belgian owners save combings for yarn and have cashmere-like sweaters made of U. Another feature of practical Interest is simplicity of grooming. The Belgian Sheepdog's long coat responds with delightful sheen by first combing and follow-up with brisk burshing. An occasional trimming of toenails and cutting of the hair between the toes to keep the feet small and tight. cleaning the ears and seeing that teeth are kept free of tartar...and there you have It...even if you plan to show the Belgian... maximum of usefulness with minimum of care. OBEDIENCE Basic to all training is OBEDIENCE; whether it be for household, herding, war, police, guide, guard, or any other type of work for which Belgian Sheepdogs are used. Their superior intellect lends itself to this training; and one needs only to turn to the record made at obedience trials to find the degree to which Belgians have excelled. Even though the total number of Belgian Sheepdogs reg i s t ere d places the breed among the less common dogs, the number holding obedience titles (Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent, Utility Dog, Tracking Dog) is much greater than breeds that have a much larger portion of the dog population. Not only do they earn their degrees, but they are also top ranking at trials where they appear In competition. They are notable in the trials as happy and fast workers. They are always eager to please and contrite when they have made a mistake. Their happiness at pleasing their handlers In trials Is shown by their quick response to commands, attentiveness and gaily wagging tails. Persons new to training Belgian Sheepdogs are often astonished by their following the quietly spoken command. Sometrainers of these dogs have, therefore, been accused of using mental telepathy because of the sharp contrast to the loudly bawled command too often heard at the trials. SUMMARY Now we come to the final word in this brief description of the Belgian Sheepdog. This black beauty is companion, protector, and friend. His intelligence, loyalty and stamina can be relied upon at all times. If you are looking for an enthusiastic - supporter ASK THE MAN WHO OWNS APPROVED A BELGIAN! STANDARD, FOR BELGIAN SHEEPDOGS, BY A.K.C. ON JUNE 9, 1959 EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1959 PERSONALITY The Belgian Sheepdog should reflect the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness, and devotion to master, To his inherent aptitude as 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 notshowviciousnessby unwarranted or unprovoked attack. With those he knows well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous of their attention, and very possesive. OVER-ALL APPEARANCE 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 alld 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. Males should be 24-26 Size and Substance inches in height and females 22-24 inches, measured at the withers. - The length, measured from point of breast bone to point of rump, should equal the height. Bitches may be slightly longer. Bone structure heavy in proportion is well balanced spindly or leggy or should be moderately to his height so that he throughout and neither cumbersome and bulky. Stance _ The Belgain Sheepdog should stand squarely on all fours. Side view: the top line, front legs, and back legs should closely approximate a square. - Indicates alertness, attention, Expression readiness for activity. Gaze should be intelligent and questioning. 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 harslmess. The undercoat should be extremely dense, commensurate, however, with climatic condl- tlons. 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 ofthelegs. The opening of the ear Is protected hy tufts of hair. Ornamentation; especially long and abundant hair, like a collarette, around the neck, fringe of long hair down the back of the forearm; especially long and ahundant hair trimming the hindquarters, the breeches; long, heavy, and abundant hair on the tail. Color - Black. May be completely black or may be black with white, limited as follows; Small forechest. to moderate patch or strip on Between pads of feet. On tips of hind toes. On chin and muzzle or gray). (frost-maybe On tips of front toes fault. - allowable white but a HEAD Cleancut and strong, overall be in proportion to the body. size should Skull _ Top flattened rather than rounded. The width approximately the same, but not wider, than the length. Stop - Muzzle, Moderate. Jaws, Lips - Muzzle moderately pointed, avoiding any tendency tosnipinesl'l, and approximately equal in length to that of the top skull. The jaws should be strong and powerful. The lips should he tight and black, with no pink showing on the outside. Ears - Triangular in shape, stiff, erect, and in proportion to the head in size. Base of the ear should not come below the center of the eye. Eyes - Brown, preferably dark brown. Medium size, slightly almond shaped, not protruding. - Nose areas. Black, without spots or discolored - Teeth A full compiement of strong, white teeth, evenly set. Should not be overshot or undershot. Should have either an even bite or a scissors bit. TORSO - Neck Round and rather outstretched, tapered from head to body, well muscled, with tight skin. - TopHne The withers are slightly higher and slope into the back which must be level, straIght, and firm from withers to hip Joints. The loin section, viewed from above, Is relatively short, broad and strong, but blending smoothly into the back. The croup is medium long, sloping gradually. - Strong at the base, bone to reach hock. Tail At rest the dog holds it low, the tip bent back level with the hock. When in action he raises It and gIves it a curl, which Is strongest toward the tip, withoutformlngahook. Chest - Not broad, but deep. The lowest point sbould reach the elbow, fonning a smooth asceDdant curve to the abdomen. Abdomen tucked-up - Moderate development. nor paunchy. Neither FOREQUARTERS Shoulder - Long and oblique, laid flat against the body, forming a sharp angle (approximately 900) with the upper ann. - Legs Straight, strong. and parallel to each other. Bone oval rather than round. Development (length and substance) should be well proportioned to the size of the dog. Pastern: medium length. strong, and very slightly sloped. - Feet Round (cat footed), toes curved close together, well padded. Nalls strong 8.D.d black except that they may be white to match white toe tips. HINDQUARTERS - Broad and heavily muscled. The Thighs upper and lower thigh bones approximately parallel the shoulder blade and upper arm respectively, forming a relatively sharp angle at stifle Joint. Legs - Length aDd substance well proportioned to the size of the dog. Bone oval rather than round. Legs are parallel to each other. The angle at the hock is relatively sharp, although the Belgian Sheepdog does not have extreme angulation. Metatarsus medium length. stroDg, and slightly sloped. Dew Claws, If 8.D.y,should be removed. Toes curved Feet - Slightly elongated. close together, well padded. Nails strong and black except that they may be white to match white toe tips. GAIT Motion should be smooth, free and easy, seemIngly never tiring, exhlbitingfacHityof movement rather than aharddrivingaction. He tends to single track on a fast gait; the legs, both front and rear, converging toward the center Une of gravity of the dog. The backline should remain firm and level, parallel to the line of motion with no crabbing. He shows a marked tendency to move in a circle rather than a striaght line. FAULTS Any deviation from these specif1catlons is a fault. In determining whether a fault Is minor, serious, or major, these two factors should be used as a guide: 1. The extent to which it deviates from the Standard. 2. The extent to which suchdeviationwould actually affect the working ability of the dog. DISQUALIFICATiONS 1. VIciousness. any color other than black, except for white In specified areas. 3. Ears - hanging (as on a hound). 4. Tall - cropped or stump. 5. Males under 22-1/2 or over 27-1/2 inches in height. Females under 20-1/2 or over 25-1/2 Inches in height. 2. Color -