Belgian Shepherd: Difference between revisions

The Belgian Shepherd is a medium-sized athletic breed with a body built for endurance, they typically stand between {{convert|56|and|66|cm|in}} with bitches being on average {{convert|4|cm|in}} shorter than dogs, they usually weigh between {{convert|20|and|30|kg|lb}}; the [[breed standard]] states the ideal height is {{convert|62|cm|in}} for dogs and {{convert|58|cm|in}} for bitches.{{r|Alderton|Fogle|FCI}} The breed has a long, slender head with triangular, erect ears that are rounded at the base, and a long, narrow but balanced muzzle,{{r|Fogle|Morris|Jones}} according to the breed standard a dog that stands 62 centimetres at the withers should have a head that is {{convert|25|cm|in}} long and a muzzle approximately half that length.{{r|FCI}} The breed's body is muscular but not overly heavy; the body's length from shoulder to haunches is approximately the same as their height at the withers, proportionally slightly longer in bitches; they have a straight topline and their belly is neither low-slung nor overly high like that of a [[sighthound]].{{r|Jones}} The breed's chest is deep but not overly broad; their neck is muscular, widening at the shoulders with a slight arch at the nape; their tail is strong and of medium length and curves upwards slightly at the level of their knee; their forelegs are straight and well-boned, their hind legs are muscular and very powerful, none of the legs are overly heavy.{{r|Jones}}

 

 

The Groenendael variety is long-haired, it has a solid black double coat, the outer coat is straight and particularly long around the shoulders, neck and chest; they have short hair on the face, and well feathered legs and tail.{{r|Fogle|Jones}}