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Have you ever seen a long-haired Belgian Malinois?

Or an all-black one?

They may share DNA with 1 of the other 3 types of Belgian Shepherds…

Weekly Bite

Remember Rogue from my guide on How To Avoid Backyard Breeders?

Rogue is registered as a Malinois.

Yet his pedigree shows ancestors registered as Malinois and Tervueren.

But his DNA test revealed Groenendael (AKA Belgian Sheepdog) genetics.

Even though none of his documented ancestors are registered as Groenendael…

How's that possible?

According to the FCI (the largest international federation of kennel clubs), the Belgian Shepherd is considered 1 breed with 4 coat types.

But according to the AKC (the leading U.S. registry), they're 4 distinct breeds — 1 of which just won Best In Show this year. 🥇

So what separates each type?

1️⃣ Belgian Malinois

Short-haired, fawn with black-tipped hairs (charcoaling), and a black mask.

Belgian Malinois are the most common variety used as a working dog due to their short coats requiring the least grooming.

In fact, there are 2 distinct types of Belgian Malinois, one of which has been purposely crossed with other breeds to maximize working ability.

But I already covered that in my guide on The 2 Types of Belgian Malinois.

2️⃣ Belgian Tervueren

Long-haired, fawn with charcoaling, and a black mask. Think long-haired Malinois.

3️⃣ Groenendael

All black with long hair. Called Belgian Sheepdogs by the AKC.

4️⃣ Laekenois

The rarest. Rough, wiry coat, and fawn with subtle charcoal touches.

TL;DR: Belgian Shepherds come in 4 types that share DNA, drive, and temperament. The FCI treats them as one breed while the AKC separates them.

Tail End

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A heads up: This is my last guide of 2025 since our next two fall on Christmas and New Year's.

It's been a year and a half of weekly guides, and I appreciate every one of you who's been tuning in and replying back to my guides via email or via polls. I promise I read them all and I try my best to reply back to them. If I haven't, it's not personal I promise!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year.

Until 2026, ✌️

Sam