Groenendael

Appearance of the Groenendael: Long-haired Belgian Shepherd

The main feature that sets the Groenendael apart from the other three breed types is its long black coat. According to the breed standard, white markings on the chest or paws are permitted.

Its fur is thick, shiny and has plenty of undercoat. Males have a particularly lush mane around the neck and chest. On the hind legs, this dog also sports long, fringed hair known as “trousers”.

Majestic Appearance

Overall, the compact build of the Groenendael appears harmonious and almost square. It has strong muscles, a wedge-shaped head and triangular, upright ears. Its appearance is both majestic and elegant.

Character: What is the Groenendael Like?

Like the other Belgian Shepherd varieties, the Groenendael is an excellent guard and herding dog. This active, intelligent dog is highly motivated to work and has a strong protective instinct. It is always loyal to its people and watches over them with devotion.

If the energetic Groenendael gets enough exercise, it also makes a well-behaved family dog. However, children should be taught early on how to interact properly with this sensitive family member.

A matter of upbringing

The jet-black dog gets along well with other dogs and pets, provided it has met them as a puppy. With strangers, the vigilant Belgian usually behaves neutrally.

Behavioural issues such as nervousness, aggression, excessive barking and/or destructive behaviour are usually due to the dog being under-stimulated or poorly trained.

When training a Groenendael, it’s important to remember that it is one of the late developers. It only reaches maturity and a stable temperament at around three years old.

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Keeping and Activity for a Groenendael

The lively, energetic Groenendael needs to be walked several times a day. Challenging walks, ideally lasting more than two hours a day, are just right for this active dog.

Search games or tracking work during the walk help ensure that this sporty Belgian is challenged both physically and mentally.

Dog sports such as agility, obedience or mantrailing are perfect for this quick, responsive shepherd. It’s also suitable for training as a service, search or rescue dog. Thanks to its people-oriented nature, it can even be trained as a therapy dog.

An affectionate dog like the Groenendael doesn’t want to be left home alone for long. If it gets bored, it may take out its frustration on the furniture.

A house with a garden, ideally on one level, is the perfect environment for this eager working dog. With experienced owners who know how to channel its energy, this agile sports dog is in the best hands.

Tips for Care: Regular Brushing

The long coat of the Groenendael needs regular grooming. It’s best to brush it thoroughly every day after walks. The long-haired shepherd usually doesn’t need to be bathed. Its coat naturally repels dirt and doesn’t develop an unpleasant odour.

Feeding the Groenendael

When it comes to food, this easy-going Belgian isn’t fussy. Whether dry food, wet food or BARF is on the menu depends on the preferences of the owner. However, portion sizes should be adjusted to the dog’s activity level: hardworking dogs need more energy than, for example, relaxed seniors.

Health: Prone to epilepsy

The Groenendael is generally a robust dog with few health problems. However, epilepsy is diagnosed more often in this variety of Belgian Shepherd. While around 0.5 to 1 percent of all dogs suffer from this condition, the rate for Groenendaels is 9.5 percent. Hip dysplasia and various eye diseases are also occasionally seen. Affected dogs should be excluded from breeding to prevent passing on hereditary conditions.

How old does the Groenendael get?

Although epilepsy is the most common cause of death, this condition seems to have little effect on the average life expectancy of the Groenendael, which is around 13 to 15 years.

History: Born at a Castle

The Groenendael originated from the mating of a Belgian Shepherd-type female with a black herding dog. It takes its name from Château Groenendaal near Brussels, where the first dogs of this variety were bred.

Like the Malinois, the Tervueren and the Laekenois, it belongs to the Belgian Shepherd breed. Breeding for this breed was standardised at the end of the 19th century. The individual varieties differ only in appearance.

Behaviour and temperament, however, are meant to be the same across all varieties. Even so, according to breeding guidelines, the different representatives of the breed must not be crossed with one another.

Getting a Groenendael: How much does it cost?

If you’re thinking about getting a Groenendael, your best bet is to contact a reputable breeder. Responsible breeders who truly care about their dogs will remove animals with known genetic issues from their breeding programme, helping to ensure healthy puppies.

You can also sometimes find Belgian Shepherds in animal shelters. While the Malinois is generally more common, Groenendaels do occasionally come up in need of a new home. To find one, you could get in touch with rescue organisations that specialise in rehoming (Belgian) Shepherds.

Conclusion: A Powerful Working Dog

With his long, black coat, the Groenendael is a real head-turner. But dog lovers shouldn’t be dazzled by his good looks.

Despite his elegant appearance, he’s a powerful working dog who needs plenty of breed-appropriate activities to keep him happy. If you can’t provide that, it’s best to look for a different four-legged companion.

Breed profile: Groenendael

Brief info:	The Groenendael is a long-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd breed. It is well-suited as a guard dog, search dog, and service dog.
Height:	up to 66 cm
Weight:	25-30 kg
Average life expectancy:	13-15 years
Temperament:	intelligent, sensitive, eager to learn, hardworking
Coat	long, straight, dense
Coat colour:	black, small white markings possible
Training effort:	high
Grooming effort:	medium
Exercise needs:	high
Origin:	Belgium