AKC Standard
The Belgian Sheepdog should reflect the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness, and devotion to master. To his inherent aptitude as a guardian of flocks should be added protectiveness of the person and property of his master. He should be watchful, attentive and always in motion when not under command. In his relationship with humans he should be observant and vigilant with strangers, but not apprehensive. He should not show fear or shyness. He should not show viciousness by unwarranted or unprovoked attack. With those he knows well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous of their attention, and very possessive. Viciousness is a disqualification.
Discussion
Belgian Sheepdogs should not be fearful. They should be very stable and intelligent dogs. Temperament is very important to their ability as a working dog.
The BSCA requests that you give awards only to those specimens of the breed that conform to our standard and to heavily penalize those that do not. When judging our breed, please ask yourself if this dog would be able to walk down a crowded street, visit a nursing home or stand firm and protect his home.
If you cannot examine a dog, or it has to be physically held up, or it cannot move around the ring with confidence – DO NOT AWARD THE POINTS.
The BSCA feels so strongly about the temperament of our dogs that a letter has been prepared for all judges. Read a copy of this letter below.
BSCA Letter
Dear Judge,
We would like to thank you for taking the time to read this letter which is being sent to all judges of Belgian Sheepdogs. As you are reading this letter, please consider the IMPORTANT role you play in the future welfare of our breed.
Our Standard states:
“The Belgian Sheepdog should reflect the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness and devotion to master . . . In his relationship with humans, he should be observant and vigilant with strangers but not apprehensive. He should not show fear or shyness. He should not show viciousness by unwarranted or unprovoked attack.”
The members and breeders of the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America are trying to improve the image of our breed. Belgian Sheepdogs should not be fearful! They should be VERY STABLE and INTELLIGENT dogs. Temperament is very important to their ability as a working dog.
We write this letter, strongly requesting that you give awards ONLY TO THOSE SPECIMENS OF THE BREED THAT CONFORM TO OUR STANDARD and to HEAVILY PENALIZE THOSE THAT DO NOT! When judging our breed, please ask yourself if this dog would be able to walk down a crowded street, visit a nursing home or stand firm and protect his home, as well as have the correct structure it takes to herd or compete in obedience.
If you cannot examine a dog, or it has to be physically held up, or it cannot move around the ring with confidence – DO NOT AWARD THE POINTS!
It is within your power to WITHHOLD RIBBONS or to excuse or disqualify any dog. We are sure that after a few shows of receiving no ribbons, dogs with questionable temperaments will not continue to be entered; or, through proper training and socialization, the dog will demonstrate temperament worthy of the points. If not, the dog will not finish its championship and hopefully will not be bred.
We thank you for respecting our concerns in this matter and appreciate your help in encouraging sound temperament.
Sincerely,
The Membership of the
Belgian Sheepdog Club of America
