Most of the world’s national kennel clubs identify the Belgian Shepherd as a single breed with four distinct varieties.
In 1959, the American Kennel Club recognized the Belgian Shepherd varieties as four separate breeds: the Belgian Sheepdog (aka Groenendael or Chien de Berger Belge), Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren.
This division increased awareness of the lesser-known varieties and was based on the breeds’ different coat types and colors. “In 1911, the black-coated Belgians arrived in the United States from European breeding stock,” says Peri Norman, an AKC Herding Group judge and longtime Belgian Tervuren breeder. “When the red-coated dogs arrived later in the U.S., they received much attention, and people favored them.”
The Belgian Breeds’ Shared Characteristics
The four Belgian breeds belong to the AKC Herding Group. These medium-sized dogs share a common history and genetic foundation. But while they have similar traits, including overall structure and temperament, they have different breed standards.
Belgian farmers developed the highly intelligent Belgian Shepherd from local shepherd dogs to help around the region’s small 20-acre farms.
These versatile herding dogs guarded the farm, pulled carts, and tended to sheep, goats, geese, and duck flocks. They understood the boundaries without fences and relied on their instinctual ability to move animals.
According to their breed standards, these breeds are strong, athletic, alert, and agile. The males look unquestionably masculine, while the females are distinctly feminine.
Belgian Laekenois
The AKC recognized the Belgian Laekenois (pronounced “Lak-in-wah”), also known as Laeken, Laekense, and Chien de Berger Belge, in 2020. Named after the town of Laeken, northwest of Brussels, Belgium, where it originated, the strong and sturdy Laekenois guarded linens drying on the line.
The Laekenois is the oldest and rarest of the four Belgian herding breeds and is considered a more primitive and diverse breed. “They’re able to judge someone’s character and determine friend from foe quickly,” says Laekenois breeder Zan Currier, of Down East, Maine. “The main differences between the Laekenois and the three breeds concern teeth and coat.”
The standard requires a full complement of teeth. An overshot or undershot bite is a fault. Missing two premolars or molars is a serious fault, and four or more missing teeth is a disqualification. “The dentition is important because it defines the structure of the head,” Currier adds.
Katie Doomy, of Piedmont, Alabama, went looking for a Malinois but was attracted to the Laekenois’ scruffy look with a beard. “I liked its rough, tousled coat in shades of red, fawn, or grayish tones,” Doomy says. “I also wanted a dog who was easy to live with and could go out in public with other dogs.” Doomy enjoys participating in dog sports and animal acting with her 5-year-old female, “Saz” (Ch. De Rafale Reve du Debut, RN, CGCA, CGCU, TKE).
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois’ short fawn or mahogany coat sets it apart from the other Belgian herding dogs. This breed is a sensitive and affectionate family companion, as well as a military K-9 and police companion.
The Malinois was developed in the 19th century. It was bred in and named after the city of Mechelen (pronounced “Malines” in French), in the northwestern region of Belgium. Malinois were imported from Europe and entered the United States in 1911. World War II disrupted the breed’s influx, and the number of Malinois declined. After the war, more Malinois came to America.
“A problem solver and eager worker, the breed is strongly attached to its owner,” says Linda Friedow, Judges’ Education chair of the American Belgian Malinois Club.
The Malinois breed standard states that a full complement of teeth is preferred with a scissors or a level bite. Overshot or undershot, as well as missing teeth, are faults.
Belgian Sheepdog
AKC-recognized in 1912, the Belgian Sheepdog, or Groenendael, is named after its birthplace in Groenendael, Belgium. Nicolas Rose, the breed’s founder, bred them in his Château de Groenendael.
The breed’s abundant, long-haired coat is always black with only small white markings on the chest and toes. The Belgian Sheepdog’s attractive silhouette and coat convey elegance and are distinguishing features of the breed.
The Belgian Sheepdog welcomes steady work, is loyal to its owner, and is highly trainable. A full complement of teeth is required, but the breed’s teeth shouldn’t be undershot or overshot. The breed’s dental arrangement may be either an even bite or scissors.
Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren originated in Tervuren, Belgium, in the late 19th century. It was initially bred with distinctive characteristics of intelligence and working ability. Later, the importance of coat color was added. AKC recognized it as a separate breed in 1959.
The Belgian Tervuren’s coat is straight and abundantly long, set apart from the three Belgian herding breeds. On the body, it’s fawn to russet mahogany with a black overlay.
The tips of fawn hair are blackened. The coat’s guard hairs are long, close-fitting, and medium-harsh in texture. “The coat is not silky or wiry, and wavy or curly hair is a fault,” Norman says. Tervuren is adaptable to temperature and climate extremes.
The breed standard requires a full complement of teeth with a scissors or a level bite. Overshot and undershot teeth are faults, and four or more missing teeth are a serious fault.
“This breed is graceful and moves effortlessly,” Norman says. “Truly, the Tervuren is a joy to live with and observe when herding.”