mrv
Posted : 1/18/2009 1:21:44 PM
There is a possiblity it is a belgian X GSD. However, there is far more gsd than belgian in that dog. One of the problems with single shots, you have any number of characteristics of type which can not be evaluated. For those interested, here is a link to malinois rescue that helps point out the major differences. The coat is common of the more heavily coated gsds.
http://www.malinoisrescue.org/abmcidmal.shtml
There are four varieties of belgian shepherds all named for the geographic region or town in which the type was developed. They are essentially the same dogs with different coverings. There are variations from the original dogs in temperment but that is more a function of breeder selection. It is possible to get dogs of two different coats in the same litter. Every where but the US, belgians are registered as the fall. In AKC a black dog of two parent tervurens is a dog with a disqualifying coat. In all other conformation type events, the animal is listed by its variety. You can also get long coated dogs or wire coated dogs out of malinois breedings. There were more color variations initially but those colors fell out of favor and removed from the breed standard. There is a black and tan Laeken on the club website. http://www.belgianlaekenoisclub.us/
Malinois short coated, fawn to mahogany, with black overlay (which is expected to darken with age) http://malinoisclub.com/
Laekenois wire coated dog
Tervuren long coated, fawn to mahogany, with black overlay http://www.abtc.org/
Groenendeal long coated black dog http://www.bsca.info/
UKC club United Belgian Shepherd Club of America One breed, four varieties http://www.ubsda.com/