Can Two Belgian Malinois Produce a Belgian Tervuren?
Among the four recognized varieties of the Belgian Shepherd dog breed—Malinois, Tervuren, Groenendael, and Laekenois—the distinctions lie primarily in coat type and color rather than genetics alone. Given this shared heritage, a fascinating question arises: Can two Belgian Malinois produce a Belgian Tervuren puppy?
Shared Heritage of Belgian Shepherds
All four varieties of Belgian Shepherds originate from the same foundational stock of herding dogs developed in Belgium. These dogs were bred for their working ability rather than strictly for appearance. Over time, region-specific traits such as coat length and coloration informed the classification into the four modern varieties:
- Malinois – Short coat, fawn to mahogany coloring with black mask.
- Tervuren – Long coat, fawn with black overlay and black mask.
- Groenendael – Long black coat.
- Laekenois – Rough coat, fawn coloring.
Genetics and Coat Variation
The possibility of two Malinois producing a Tervuren lies primarily in genetics. The long coat of the Tervuren is a recessive trait, while the short coat of the Malinois is dominant. If both Malinois parents carry the long-coat gene recessively, they can pass it on to offspring, resulting in a long-coated puppy—genetically identical to a Tervuren in appearance and often in behavior.
This situation is more likely if the lines of Malinois used in breeding have not been strictly selected against the Tervuren coat gene. However, such outcomes are often seen as mismarks or outliers in breeding programs focused on uniformity.
Breed Recognition and Registration
In Belgium and some other countries, the Belgian Shepherd is considered a single breed with four varieties—so cross-variety breeding can still produce registerable offspring, though they may be classified by their coat type. In contrast, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has recognized these as separate breeds since 1959. Therefore, a long-coated puppy born to two Malinois parents in the U.S. might not be eligible for registration as a Belgian Tervuren under strict AKC rules, even if it would be considered such in Belgium or by other kennel clubs.
Considerations for Breeders
- Purpose of the breed: The Belgian Shepherd was historically a working dog, and mixing coat types was less important than function.
- Lineage testing: DNA testing can reveal the presence of recessive coat genes in breeding lines.
- Registration standards: Understanding kennel club-specific breed standards is essential if breeding for show or resale purposes.
Traits and Temperament
Aside from coat type, Malinois and Tervurens share many traits due to their common ancestry. Both are known for their intelligence, high energy, strong work ethic, and loyalty. Differences may appear in temperament and sensitivity—Tervurens are often more reserved and sensitive, while Malinois tend to be more intense and driven.
Conclusion
Yes, it is genetically possible for two Belgian Malinois to produce a Belgian Tervuren if they both carry the recessive gene for the long coat. This is a reflection of the complex genetic relationships among the four Belgian Shepherd varieties. However, whether the resulting puppy is formally recognized as a Tervuren depends on breed standards and registration rules specific to each country or kennel club.
