Part 4: Tervuren History: Four Versions

 There were four distinct coat types recorded by the Club du Chein de Berger Belge. 

 The illustration at right shows a decent rendition of their differences.

 These were...

Image found on the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America site.

  the Greonendale

("Grohn-en-dale")

black, long hair

the Tervuren

("Terv-ur-en" or "Terv-u-ren") 

mahogany, long hair

the Malinois

("Mahl-in-waugh") 

mahogany, short hair

the Lakenois

("Layk-en-waugh")

wiry, or curly, coated, commonly brown or light

 I have listed them in order of their perceived popularity/commonality in the States... I understand it is rare indeed to see a Lakenois in America, although I hear the Groenendale fanciers are seeing declining numbers of the blacks. But they are numerously and fondly remembered by many, and so I still leave them at the top of the list at this time.

Credit: BSCA website

  It was the Greonendale that first made it to these shores, and they were entered into the AKC as the
Belgian Sheepdog.

 To quote the website of the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America...

"Belgians were registered and shown as one breed in the United States until issues arose over color and inter-variety breeding. In 1959, the AKC gave each variety a separate status. The long-haired black dogs kept the AKC breed name of Belgian Sheepdog."