AKC Registration  

Pedigree Table

  Pedigree Tree

  Conformation Show Record  

  Obedience Trial Record  

Agility

Evergreen

KC

11/11/00

Southern Colorado KC

12/2/00

PLACEMENT

Evergreen

KC

Southern Colorado KC

The Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is know as the  Groenendael, or Chien de Berger Belge in most parts of the world. Its origin can be traced to the late 800s when it was listed, both in stud books and at dog shows, among many other shepherds as the Chien de Berger de Races Continentales (Continental Shepherds). By pedigree we can identify many of the Continental Shepherds not only as the Belgian Shepherds (Groenendael, Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois), but also as German Shepherds, Hollander Herders, Beauceron, Bouvier des Flandres, and Briards.

As the European countries developed a sense of pride and a spirit of nationalism, many individuals worked to develop animals which would be identified with their own countries. In Belgium, in the late 1800s, efforts were made to determine if there was a true shepherd dog representative only of Belgium, and in September 1891, the Club du Chien de Berger Belge (Belgian Shepherd Club) was formed for this purpose. A commission of club members was established which contacted veterinarians and others throughout the provinces. In November 1891, under the direction of the veterinarian Professor Adolphe Reul, a gathering was held at Cureghem, on the outskirts of Brussels, to examine the shepherd dogs of that area. From the 117 dogs exhibited, Professor Weul and his panel of judges concluded that for this Brabant Province there was a consistent type of sheepdog. They were anatomically identical but differed in hair textures, colors, and hair lengths. What Professor Reul described was a square, medium-sized sheepdog, with well-set triangular ears and very dark brown eyes. The Club de Chien de Berger Belge devoted its efforts to similar exhibitions in the remaining eight provinces, and found similar results. Between 1891 and 1901, when the Belgian Shepherd was registered as a breed by the Societe Royale Saint-Hubert, efforts were directed toward developing a standard, improving type, and exhibiting.

The longhaired black Belgian Shepherds primarily owe their existence to Nicolas Rose, restaurateur and owner of the Chateau Groenendael, outside of Brussels. He purchased what are considered to be the foundation couple of the longhaired blacks, “Picard d’Uccle” and “Petite,” and established a thriving kennel which can be traced to 1893, the year the Club du Chien de Berger Belge adopted the first standard for the Belgian Shepherds. Picard d’Uccle was bred to Petite, producing the outstanding “Pitt,” “Baronne,” and “Duc de Groenendael,” as well as to his daughters and others in the area, who are to be found in the pedigrees of our current dogs. This stock formed the basis of these beautiful longhaired blacks, officially given the name Groenendael in 1910.

Interest in the Belgian Shepherds developed very quickly after they were recognized as a breed. Prior to World War I it had become apparent that, although called a shepherd or sheepdog, the Groenendael was a versatile animal, and with its keen intelligence and easy trainability, it could perform a variety of functions. The Paris police utilized the Groenendael in the first decade of the 20th century, as did the New York police who, in 1908, imported four Belgian Sheepdogs to work alongside an American-bred Groenendael.

In the same period, Belgian Customs officers employed the Groenendael for border patrols, and their efforts in capturing smugglers were greatly praised. The Groenendael were also used as herders, watchdogs, faithful companions, and became outstanding participants in the popular European “working trials,” from the local trial through international competitions. The Groenendael, “Jules du Moulin,” demonstrated this versatility by earning his World Championship at the defense trials in France in 1908. Repeating his victories in 1909, 1910, and 1912, he also earned his International Championship at the police trials of Belgium and France for four straight years, 1909-1912.

During World War I, Belgian Sheepdogs distinguished themselves on the battlefields, serving as message carriers, ambulance dogs, and even pulling machine guns. Although first registered in the United States as early as 1911, their fame really took hold after the war. The Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed in 1919, and it was not uncommon to see ten or twelve Belgian Sheepdogs exhibited at the larger Eastern shows in the 1920s. By 1926, the Belgian Sheepdog was ranked 42nd of the 100 breeds recognized by the AKC.

The Great Depression had a marked effect on the Belgian Sheepdog. Its popularity dropped to 97th place, and the American club ceased to function. World War II again found the Belgian Sheepdog serving as a war and defense dog, and many were utilized to guard military installations. Interest in the breed was rekindled after the war and the current Belgian Sheepdog Club of America was formed in 1949. Since then, many Groenendaels have been imported and the interest in the breed has continued to grow.

Through an AKC decision, effective July 1, 1959, only the Groenendael can be registered as Belgian Sheepdogs, and must have three generations of Groenendael ancestors.

Throughout their history Belgian Sheepdogs have earned their reputation as truly well-rounded dogs, and to this day they continue to captivate our hearts. Their elegance of carriage and balanced movement are a pleasure to behold. Their talents in obedience, tracking, schutzhund, herding, and as sled dogs have kept even the most activity-minded of us satisfied. Their skills in police work, search and rescue, and as guide and therapy dogs have proven very valuable to society. These dogs have found their greatest value, however, in the hearts of their owners as gentle and devoted companions willing to give all to those they love.

HOW DOGS ARE JUDGED

(Also see the Judging Flowchart)

CLASSES

In every breed,  Dogs (males) are judged first, then bitches. For each sex there are six classes:

1. Puppy - for dogs between 6 months and one year of age.

2. Twelve to Eighteen Month - for dogs between 12 and eighteen months of age.

3. Novice - for dogs which have never won a first prize.

4. Bred by Exhibitor - for all dogs except Champions, six months of age and over, which shall be presently owned and exhibited by the same person or kennel who are recognized breeders on the records of the American Kennel Club.

5. American-Bred - for dogs born in the U.S.A.

6. Open - for all dogs American and foreign bred.

Usually the most experienced show dogs are to be seen in the American-bred and Open Classes.

Into this class come the first prize winners of the above classes and two awards are made: Winners (purple ribbon) and Reserve Winners (purple and white ribbon).

Dogs of either sex which are already champions and the two which were chosen Winners compete here and one is chosen Best of Breed. This dog competes later in the Groups as sole representative of his breed.

Only two dogs compete in this class - the Winners male and Winners bitch. One is chosen Best of Winners.

Championship points can be won by one dog and one bitch in each breed. The Winners dog and Winners bitch receive these points. The number depends on the number of each sex competing in each breed. When a dog has received 15 points he is a champion and holds the title all his life.

As a judge goes over each dog in the ring he is comparing him to a mental picture of the perfect dog of that breed. He judges each dog on:

1. Physical structure (head, teeth, feet, bone structure, muscle tones, etc.)

2. Condition (proper weight, condition of coat, animation, etc.)

3. Gait - as seen from front, side and rear.

4. Temperament - penalizing heavily for shyness or viciousness.

In a dog show the competition becomes keener and more exciting at the end. When all breeds have been judged only one dog in each breed remains undefeated - the one which was chosen Best of Breed. These dogs are called to compete in one of the seven groups - Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding. One wins each group.

THE JUDGING PROCESS FLOW CHART

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB SCHEDULE OF POINTS

If the dog designated Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best of Breed or Variety, the dog of both sexes that have been entered for Best of Breed or Variety competition and that have been defeated in such competition, shall be counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes for its sex in calculating championship points.

If the dog designated Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed or Variety, the dogs of its own sex that have been entered for Best of Breed or variety competition that that have been defeated in competition for Best of Opposite Sex shall be counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes for its sex in calculating championship points.

After points have been computed for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch subject to the two above stipulations, the dog awarded the Best of Winners shall be credited with the number of points calculated for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch, whichever is greater.

In counting the number of eligible dogs in competition, a dog that is disqualified or that is dismissed, excused or ordered from the ring by the judge, or from which all awards are withheld shall not be included.  

Any dog which shall have won fifteen points shall become a Champion of Record, if six or more said points shall have been won at two shows with a rating of three or more championship points each and under two different judges and some one or more of the balance of said points shall have been won under some other judge or judges than the two judges referred to above.

number OF ENTRIES of (DOGS, BITCHES) NEEDED To obtain CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

BREED

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

 1

2

3

4

5

Belgian Sheepdogs

     (2, 2)

     3, 3

     (4, 5)

   (6, 6)

     (9, 7)

vs. -  e.g. - Golden Retrievers

     (3, 4)

    (13,14)

  (22, 23)

 (32, 35)

    (50, 56)

The American Kennel Club View...

AKC OFFICIAL STANDARD FOR THE BELGIAN SHEEPDOG