AKC Standard
Males should be 24 – 26 inches in height and females should be 22 – 24 inches, measured at the withers. Males under 22 1/2″ or over 27 1/2″ inches in height and females under 20 1/2″ or over 25 1/2″ in height shall be disqualified.
The length, measured from point of breastbone to point of rump, should equal the height. Bitches may be slightly longer. Bone structure should be moderately heavy in proportion to his height so that he is well balanced throughout and neither spindly or leggy nor cumbersome and bulky. The Belgian Sheepdog should stand squarely on all fours. Side view – The topline, front legs and back legs should closely approximate a square.
Discussion
The essential impression of the Belgian Sheepdog is that of a square dog. The four legs should be squarely under the dog and require proper placement and angulation of both front and rear assembly to meet the standard. Dogs that are long in body or short on leg can never represent the ideal.
Bone Structure is proportional to the medium size and harmonious appearance presented.
The height measurements (24″ – 26″ for males, 22″ – 24″ for females) reflect the desire to have a medium sized dog capable of being large enough to fulfill the role of guardian of the flocks and property, but not so large as to limit the herding ability.
Size
This graphic represents the maximum height for males on one end and the minimum height for females on the other end. Please be aware of the height variations and do not penalize a dog that is within the standard. The whole dog should be considered with reference to how the dog’s height would affect the working ability of the dog. When in question, measure!
Skeleton
The length from the point of breastbone to the point of rump should equal the height.
Shoulder long and oblique, laid flat against the body, forming a sharp angle (approximately 90°) with the upper arm.
The upper and lower thigh bones approximately parallel the shoulder blade and upper arm respectively, forming a relatively sharp angle at the stifle joint.
