Some Belgians can be a couple of inches shorter in length than they are in height. This is possible by creating a very straight front and rear assembly, setting the front far forward, and adding a very short back. It is unlikely that a dog with this structure can move anywhere near correctly. More commonly, this is the dog that is almost painful to watch, as he is forced into strange movement in an effort to keep his feet from running into each other. If you are interested in a working dog, structure and movement should be a priority.
Good structure allows the dog greater endurance, flexibility and shock absorption for jumping.
A dog with a great heart and attitude will work no matter what his structure, but good structure will make work easier for your dog. In our breed, we prize small ears, dark eyes with an almond shape, and a smooth headpiece with parallel planes. If a dog is obviously recognizable as a Belgian, then he must carry some degree of breed type. If the dog's breed is questionable, then the dog does not carry good breed type. Some dogs are clearly representing their breed, but they lack those fine qualities that distinguish it as an outstanding specimen.