Neck – round and rather outstretched, tapered from head to body, well muscled, with tight skin.
Topline – The withers are slightly higher and slope into the back, which must be level, straight, and firm from withers to hip joints.
Chest – not broad but deep. The lowest point should reach the elbow, forming a smooth ascendant curve to the abdomen.
Abdomen – Moderate development. Neither tucked up nor paunchy. 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.
Tail – strong at the base, bone to reach hock. 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, without forming a hook. Cropped or stump tail shall disqualify.
Discussion
The Belgian Sheepdog has a beautiful neck, which is medium long and slightly arched. The neck should not be so short, or the shoulder assembly placed forward or so straight, that the head appears to sit on the shoulders or form a sharp angle with the backline. This would detract from the harmonious lines and would adversely affect the usefulness of the dog.
Height at the withers should be caused by the proper placement and blending of the neck into well laid back shoulders. Because of this proper placement of the neck and shoulders, the back is relatively short and flows smoothly into the loin and croup areas, which should never be higher than the straight back.
The chest of the Belgian Sheepdog should be deep, but the dog should not stand broadly front or rear. The Forechest should be apparent to the extent that it is not hidden inside the shoulders. The underbody should form a smooth, ascendant curve.
The tail is strong at the base and should flow smoothly into a line from the croup, the last vertebra reaching at least to the tip of the hock. At rest the tail is dropped. The tail is lifted when the dog is in motion, but it should not be carried above the backline or hooked. Neither should it be tucked between the legs.
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