And, just to add to the confusion, there are four "types" of Belgian Shepherd dogs. Besides the Malinois, there are three more: Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois. Please, pardon my spelling.

I knew about the Tervuren & Groenendael never heard of the Laekenois. thanks john

That is probably because the Laekenois is not currently recognized by the AKC.

Sorry to hijack, but is the Laekenois a non-shedding version? They sort of look like they may be...

Jamie,

I am not sure but I do not think that would describe the coat of a
Laekenois. I believe they need to be brushed to remove dead hair and are lightly trimmed once or twice a year.

I forgot to mention that the UKC does recognize all four as one breed. And, the Malinois and Laekenois (rarest of the 4)are used in police work more than the other two.

OhOHOHOHOH!!!! More confusion! In addition to the short haired variety of the Dutch Shepherd that we're all used to seeing (well, as used to seeing as you can get with an uncommon breed like the DS) there are other varieties. Long coat DS's, and WIRE HAIR!!!! Both rare, the wire hair is rarely found in the states.

Where Belgian Shepherds have branches into 4 varieties/breeds, the Dutch Shepherd has kept the name, with just an addition to coat type. Short hairs are most suitable for sports/working dogs, the wire hairs seems to be major jokesters with a big goofy personality, and the long coats are rumored to be much lower key the the DS we know. (please keep in mind I've never met a long coat, or wire coat in person. Only know some owners over the lovely internet) Both the wire and long coats seem to be a much less drivey version of the DS.

NOW are you confused?

Jamie- The Laekenois does shed, but it's a 'hand strip'/wirey breed, so it does not blow coat like the un-wire double coated dogs. (Paint it brindle, and it looks like the wire coated DS)

???? My head hurts ??????

I was successful then. rofl.

Ram, you still following all this? Did you get your questions answered (and more, that you probably never thought of)

 Quote: Kelly Byrd

I was successful then. rofl.

LOL it was a good question, I was not smart enough to even ask the question

I sure would like to give the Belgian a try, I retire next year and would have the time but not sure if I am young enough to work him out along with my two Lab's.

 Quote: kelly byrd

Tail carriage... Some dogs have a 'gay' tail, and others don't. Some lines have more upright carriage then others. (Kadi, I just saw a video of one of your pups on a BH routine, do many of your dogs have happy/high/gay tail? I love it. ) Koenig has a VERY 'gay' tail. Sometimes it gets close to Husky style curve in it. Pretty extreme, and it would be faulted in the conformation ring, (FCI).

Some of them carry their tails VERY high when they are happy, excited, in drive, etc. Most don't have actual gay tails, they carry them normal when they are relaxed, but I do like that really cocky "flag waving" look :-)