Introduction

The early history of the breed in SA is marked by stories of immigrants who arrived in South Africa, either direct from Europe or via the then Belgian Congo, Kenia, etc and who had brought their pet dogs with them at that time.

Sadly none of these dogs were registered with KUSA and there are no details of what happened to these dogs or any progeny.

In compiling this brief SA history I have relied heavily on Helen Stead's book:

"The Belgian Shepherd Dog in South Africa - The Early History to 1986" now out of print.

From time to time people still relate stories of having owned 'Belgians' prior to the firsts known dogs - I would be interested to receive any information that could be added to our early history.

First Imports

1970 - First known Belgian Shepherd in South Africa

The first known registered Belgian Shepherd that arrived in SA was a Malinois dog named "King" from the Belgian Kennel van het Meerdalwoud. King was imported into SA in around 1970 by Mr Pardon who also imported a female.

His brother also imported a male and female. These 4 dogs were bred from but not registered locally. 

1971 - First known Groenendael to arrive in South Africa

Mr & Mrs Reedijk imported a bitch puppy "Bianca" from the "van Amstelhof" kennel in Holland during 1971. The litter was born on 29 March 1971 and  "Bianca" (NHSB 541161) came to South Africa as a puppy later that year but was never registered locally. The lines behind "Bianca" were some of the top lines in Holland at the time and she sadly did not contribute to the breed in SA.

- Bianca's Pedigree -

1973 - First KUSA resistered Belgian Shepherd - Groenendael

During 1973 Mr Jan van Rijswijk was travelling through the Netherlands and 'fell in love with the breed - especially the character of this breed: obedient and excellent with children'  Mr van Rijswijk brought a puppy "Pasja van Delatro" ('Sambo') back and in 1974 he became the first South African breed champion.

1980 - First KUSA registered Malinois

Mrs Agnes Lemaire came to South Africa in 1980 and brought her "Peter"

( Hachimi of Antwarpse) with her. She had bought 'Peter' in Belgium  as a puppy where he was registered with the 'National Verbond van Belgische Kynologen'.

This registration was not internationally recognised and before leaving Belgium Mrs Lemaire showed 'Peter' under 3 different Judges, who each certified that he was typical of the breed. This enabled her to register him with 'Sint Hubertus' in Belgium and later with KUSA in South Africa.

'Peter' came from working stock and was a dog of truly excellent temperament and working ability. He became the foundation stud of the 'Antwarpse' kennel and his name is found in many Malinois pedigrees in SA.

1980  - First KUSA registered Tervueren

The third variety of Belgian Shepherd to arrive in SA was the Tervueren

"Donia v Schneegioggli" imported from Switzerland as a puppy by Mrs Beatrice  Schlund. "Donia" was shown and did receive the required 5 cc's but as they were never submitted to KUSA she is technically not a champion and was also never bred from.

1985 - First KUSA registered Laekenois

Of the four varieties the Laekenois is the least numerous and have an appeal all of their own. The first two Laekenois arrived in SA on 15 December 1985.

Mr & Mrs Charles Degeul were breeders of Japanese Chin and Maltese in Belgium and were planning to emigrate to SA and had read in an article in the 'Woef' magazine that Mr Stevens ( previously from Belgium ) would like to bring the fourth variety to South Africa. Through Dr Pollet , the writer of the article, they contacted Mr Stevens and arranged to send two dogs before moving to SA.

"Harry v Kriekebos" and "Gissy Poretta" duly arrived in SA and remained with

Mr Stevens where they produced the first litter of Laekenois in SA.