History 

The Standards and the Varieties 

of the Belgian Shepherd Dog

Thanks to my continuous documentary research on the history of the our Belgian dogs, I would like to give the interested parties a synthesis on the history of its standards and varieties. The emphasis is put on the precision of the texts and dates. That is why you will find a chronological overview and some annexes at the end.

Among others I have referred to the written work of two of our most distinguished dog-fanciers of whom the authority in the matter of advice and breeding is irrefutable.

The first one is Charles Huge (1865-1948). He was an honorary member of the Société Royale Saint-Hubert and chairman of the Representatives of the Union Cynologique Saint-Hubert, one of the highest ranks in Belgian world of dog-breeding. Charles Huge is an all-round dog-fancier whose activities include all canine sports and the study of its different aspects like anatomy, veterinary art, breeding, training, etc.

Besides being a breeder of dachshund, fox-terrier, pointer and setter Gordon under the affix 'Sanior', he was an all-breed judge and also judged most working activities. In 1935 he will defend his thesis on selection by heredity before the Congrès Cynologique Mondial.

The second is Félix Eugène Verbanck (1885-1973), vice-chairman of the Representatives of the Union Cynologique Saint-Hubert. He is the author of several written works on the Belgian shepherd dog. He was judge for both beauty and work, and breeder under the affix 'de l'Ecaillon'. He obtained the golden palm medal in the Order of the Crown from the Ministry of Agriculture. His preferred breeds were the Malinois and the English Setter.

I am very much aware that the treated subject is a difficult and delicate matter, but I intend to provide every interested party with an objective overview by means of history in order to understand and explain. By developing a questioning, researching and critical attitude, the study of history constitutes the antidote for drifting.

Brakel, August 1994