So, what are we breeding for?

There are so many aspects to a Belgian,  and we all love them for countless reasons. However when breeding, we make our plans with lots of research as our goal is always to improve our lines with our guide being the written FCI breed standard.

A breed standard describes the perfect type, structure, gait, and temperament of each breed — the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was intended.

We have become concerned that many Belgians in Australia are losing their fronts, not only in angulations, but also many are developing ‘Cathedral’ fronts. (When their front legs resemble a church steeple when viewed from the front, forming a triangle starting at the chest).

There is also a growing number of fine boned, smaller type Belgians that while they may appear ‘elegant’ lack the power and medium bone mentioned in the breed standard. A Belgian should give the impression of elegant strength and power.

The power, elegant strength and medium bone is something that is important to us and the style of Belgian we believe is to type and fit for purpose as a working dog.

Belginoz and Dalibel are striving to produce harmoniously proportioned Belgians, square in stature and with free-flowing effortless movement, maintaining elegance without losing power and strength.

Sadly, due to construction faults, many Belgians in Australia do not show correct effortless movement with medium reach and drive.  All too often we see either stilted choppy movement or unbalanced reach and drive.

Belginoz and Dalibel are focused on maintaining the correct structure, balance and bone which are true hallmarks of the breed, allowing us to preserve elegance, power, effortless movement all the while retaining a level top line when a dog is stacked and on the move.

We are breeding for health and working ability so our dogs can be fabulous family members for many years to come.

We don’t have all the answers and continue to learn and grow with every discussion we have about Belgians. We hope that we get the pleasure of having a conversation with you about Belgians as well.