Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) originated in Belgium. Mostly all the old and new kennel club’s recognise them as a good breed, but they are recognised under the name “Belgian Sheepdog” in the United States by their kennel clubs. Like most German Shepherds, the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) is medium in size. They live up to the hard working abilities of the rest of the German shepherd family of dogs. Their height and the length are almost the same; this gives them a square proportioned body as compared to the other breeds that are longer than their usual height, which gives them a rectangular proportioned body.

A proper Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) is recognised by their signature black coat of long and silky hair. It should always look natural and never look done up even for dog show purposes. Its coat needs to be clean and smooth and always should not be allowed to interfere with the dog’s ability to do its work. It should come off as the dog is a sophisticated and sleek breed. People usually generally prefer the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) to be in an all jet black coat, but most kennel clubs allow them to sport small white markings along their chest.

Their masters should also remember that in the show rings, the dogs must sit and take positions by their own, without the handler having to touch them or force them at all. They are very athletic as a breed. Being strong and rugged is what they are good at naturally. The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) is a very loyal and an affectionate companion to have. They are an excellent breed for you if you have lots time and patience in your hands as they need to be maintained well. They are dominating to some extent and are easily trainable as they don’t question their master’s orders. They are very powerful and large for a breed of dog and socialising them right from when they are little pups will only help be more controllable when they grow up. They are very protective of their masters and their properties and are great with children too. They prefer living indoors with the families and don’t prefer being isolated for long times. They suffer from anxiety if they are made to live in kennel or even outdoors for a long period of time.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) weighs around 20 to 25 kg for the females, and around 25 to 30 kg for the males. The males also happen to be a little taller than the females. The males stand tall at 60 to 66 cm (24 to 26 inches) and the females stand tall at around 56 to 62 cm (22 to 24 inches). Both the sexes have a hard and dense double coat on them. It’s profuse and thick and never soft and silky. In most show rings, the dogs with altered or no double coat at all get penalised which sometimes leads to the dogs scoring low over all.