Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
AKA: Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Shepherd, Chien de Berger Beige
Description: The most popular the four Belgian shepherd dogs, the Groenendael is a muscular black dog with a body that is squarely proportioned. It has a coat that is moderately long, especially a little full at the neck, underside, legs, and tail. The face and lower legs have short hair. The Groenendael has a dense undercoat.
The Groenendael has almond-shaped brown eyes, a black nose, and triangular ears that stand erect. The muzzle is long and the chest is deep, reaching into the elbow. The front legs are straight and parallel to each other. Dewclaws may be removed from the front legs but it is imperatively removed from the back legs. The feet is cat-like and round. The skull is flat and the teeth is in a scissors or level bite.
Dynamics: The Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is a serious, smart, and obedient dog. It has strong protective and territorial instincts, which makes it a very good shepherd and guard dog. It can be shy or sensitive, and needs extensive socialization from puppyhood. The training should be patient and not harsh for the Groenendael has a tendency to be uncooperative if it feels heated upon.
Due to its protective instincts and loyalty, the Groenendael can become an excellent police and guard dog. But it can also be a very good pet. It is a loving companion and it is good with children if socialized with them.
The Groenendael is best when it has something to do. If left alone, it will find some ways to entertain itself. It has a lot of energy inside it and can be dominant at times. Extra care should be taken when introducing it with other dogs and non-canine pets. The breed tends to be dominant over them unless properly socialized.
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: males 65-75 lbs (29-34 kg), females 60-70 lbs (27-32 kg)
Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (55-61 cm)
Color: The Groenendael’s coat is black. Some may posses a little white on the chest, chin or toes.
Country of Origin: The Groenendael, or the Belgian Shepherd, got its name from a village in Belgium. It was bred by Nicholas Rose, by pairing a Petite and a Picard d’Uccle.
Activities: This working dog needs a lot of exercise and is used to an active outdoor life. It is also best for them to be free from a leash and kennel and in a safe area.
Grooming: Grooming the Groenendael requires daily combing and brushing because of its heavy outer coat and dense undercoat. Take special care when they are shedding. Clip hair to form the ruff and legs, toes, and outer ears. The Groenendael sheds twice a year with additional shedding throughout.
Other Info: The Groenendael has a life expectancy of 13-14 years. It hardly has any major health problems but it is prone to epilepsy,skin allergies,eye problems, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. It also has a tendency to be either excessively shy or excessively aggressive, and this is generally not a good thing for a Groenendael. Be careful not to overfeed this breed because it can become lazy and obese.
This breed will be okay in an apartment but it has to be sufficiently exercise and taken outdoors from time to time. It will sometimes want to sleep outdoors, though generally it wants to be with his family.
Presently, the Groenendael is being used in herding, as a watch and guard dog, in drug detection, search and rescue, and as a family companion.