At first glance, this dog looks like a black version of a Border Collie, but they’re a completely different breed. The Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael is one of four variations of herding dogs from Belgium, which were not classified as separate breeds until the 1890s. These variations of Belgian Sheepdogs include the Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervuren. The Groenendael gets their name from Nicolas Rose, a breeder who also ran a restaurant near Brussels called Chateau Groenendael.
Breed Overview
Height:
22–26 inches
Weight:
60–75 pounds
Lifespan:
12–14 years
Colors:
Black
Suitable for:
Active individuals and families, people with a lot of fenced outdoor space
Temperament:
Energetic, loyal, watchful, needy, intelligent, and serious
The Groenendael is differentiated from the other Belgian Sheepdogs by their thick, long, black coat and pointy ears. Groenendaels are known for their workaholic personalities; they never give less than their best in life and in competitions. People love these dogs for their agility, obedience, and duty-driven personalities.
Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael Characteristics
Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.
As with any dog, make sure you purchase a Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael puppy from a reputable breeder that diligently selects dogs to mate based on their health record. It can be easy to fall into the trap of buying a dog from a puppy mill, which usually has a bad reputation for poor health and safety standards.
If you want to own a Groenendael, you should be prepared to give your puppy lots of training, either through your efforts or through a puppy training program. Their exercise needs are high, with a minimum of 1 hour of exercise per day. Because of this, you should also ensure you have a lot of yard space with a fence by the time they are adults. The fence is vital because Groenendaels love to chase strangers and small animals.
Because they are herding dogs, Groenendaels need thorough training and exercise to be “good dogs” as adults. Otherwise, you might have a very independent and stubborn dog that would rather do what they want than listen to you.
Image Credit: Piqsels
Temperament & Intelligence of the Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael
Belgian Sheepdog Groenendaels are a highly intelligent breed. They are especially good at speed and agility races. Of course, this comes after socialization and training from puppyhood all the way into adulthood. Belgian Sheepdogs are well-suited for owners who know how to be good, strong leaders.
With adequate training, all Goenendaels want to do is make their owners happy, and they respond well to positive reinforcement. They are intelligent and need plenty of activities that get their brains working, preferably in a social setting with their owner or owner’s family. Otherwise, if left alone for too long, they can get into trouble by making messes or ruining furniture, clothing, or toys.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? ?
Belgian Sheepdog Groenendaels are fiercely devoted to their owners. This is due to their herding instincts. They will guard and protect all members under their charge. When “off-duty,” the Groenendael is affectionate and playful to all family members, even children. However, young children should always be supervised when interacting with Groeneddaels. A young child who does not understand when a dog is saying “no” with their body language could upset the dog and get hurt.
Other dogs and Belgian Sheepdog Groenendaels should get along just fine if they are socialized properly from a young age or if the dogs grow up together. Interactions with other small animals, though, might be more problematic. The Groenendael has a high prey drive that might be impossible to break, so having small animals like rabbits, other rodents, or cats in the same house might not be possible.
Things to Know When Owning a Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael:
Food & Diet Requirements ?
As with most dogs, the Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael does well on high-quality dog food with a high nutritional value. Keep the dog food age-appropriate by checking the bag for the age range it was intended for. Any dog can be susceptible to obesity, so make sure to feed your dog the right amount of food in relation to their weight and exercise levels. Your veterinarian can help you pick the ideal brand and provide feeding tips. As always, provide your dog with fresh water at all times.
Exercise ?
Although Groenendaels are not the most energetic canines in the world, they still have high exercise needs due to their herding instincts. Belgian Sheepdogs love to be around their human companions, and they prefer exercising with their owners. This can include running, hiking, or walking your dog. Not all exercise requires much work from you, however. Groenendaels also love to play fetch with balls, sticks, and frisbees.
Image Credit: Piqsels
Training ?
Like most herding dogs, Groenendaels benefit greatly from socialization and proper training. Training should be viewed as a high priority for your dog. Luckily, they respond very well to training, as they are intelligent and eager to please their owners. The training only works if you win their trust with positive and encouraging tactics. Rough or aggressive methods will not work well in training with most dogs, and Groenendaels are no exception.
Grooming ✂️
Belgian Sheepdog Groenendaels are long-haired dogs that require grooming to keep them healthy. Brushing should occur at least once a week to keep the shedding down. They will not need to be bathed too often unless they get dirty or roll around in bad-smelling substances.
Gronendaels shed heavily once a year, right before summertime. You must brush them more often during this period to properly remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Along with brushing, you will need to clip your dog’s nails regularly and brush their teeth. You can learn to do this yourself or have your vet or groomer do it.
Generally, the Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael is a hearty breed. However, all dogs suffer from some conditions more than others. With careful breeding, many of these conditions have been reduced or eliminated, which is why it’s so important to get your puppy from a great breeder.
Groenendaels can be sensitive to anesthesia sometimes. Before agreeing to any procedure your dog might need, discuss this issue with your vet to weigh the possible risks.
Minor Conditions
Cataracts
Ear Infections
Sensitivity to Anesthesia
Eye Infections
Serious Conditions
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Cancer
3 Little-Known Facts About the Belgian Sheepdog Groenendael
1. Sometimes They Have Floppy Ears
Groenendaels usually have pointed ears that stick straight up. Occasionally, they have floppy ears. While some consider this an adorable feature, it’s considered a flaw, and a dog with floppy ears will not be able to compete in dog shows.
2. They Are Always Black
Groenendaels always have an all-black, thick double coat. Sometimes, white markings can appear on their chest, but it does not happen often. The other Belgian Sheepdogs are differentiated by their coat colors.
3. Have Served Along with Armed Forces
Belgium Sheepdog Groenendaels have served as police and search-and-rescue dogs in recent history. In the past, especially during the World Wars, they also served as war dogs. They have had roles as border patrol guards, messenger dogs, and ambulance dogs.
Final Thoughts
Belgian Sheepdog Groenendaels, though not the most famous Belgian Sheepdogs, are an excellent option for those looking for an energetic, affectionate, and obedient dog. Of course, all these traits are honed with good training right from the start. Without the proper training, you might have a stubborn dog on your hands. You will also need to ensure you have the space for this dog, as they are not great for living in apartments.
With a rich history of working alongside humankind, the Groenendael is a great companion dog and exercise partner.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.
