The Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is a particular breed of dog which is recognized by most kennel clubs (especially the major ones). Americans often refer to this breed as the Belgian Sheepdog. This breed of dogs is well-known for being hard working and for having a distinctive black coat.
Appearance
One particular thing about the Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is the coat, which is so beautiful that it makes you believe that this dog is always prepared to participate in a beauty contest for dogs. The Groenendael is known for having a balanced appearance, being rustic and imposing, not to mention strong and athletic. The color of its fur is always black, suggesting both power and elegance. Some dogs will have white markings on their chest, although this feature is not mandatory.
Males measure around 24 to 26 inches (or 60 to 66 centimeters), while females are two inches smaller (or 4 centimeters). Males weigh around 55 to 66 lbs, and females have an average weight of approximately 44 to 55 lbs. The beautiful black coat of the Belgian Shepherd Groenendael is very thick. The dense and hard texture is a particular characteristic of this breed. The fur is never wooly, which is an uncommon trait for a shepherd dog.
Character
There is lot to be said about the character and temperament of the Belgian Shepherd Groenendael. First of all, it is important to mention that, even though it somehow seems fierce to you, it is as affectionate and loyal as a dog can be. It poses no danger whatsoever for children. Thanks to its playful attitude, it is great with kids and will provide a suitable playmate throughout the entire day. However, it is important to introduce this dog to kids at an early age: it is easier for the dog to get used to having them around and accepting them as part of its family.
You should never buy this dog if you are not an active person or if you cant provide sufficient space for it to run and play freely. It is very important not only to train it, but to socialize it as much as possible. These dogs are extremely protective and may not be friendly when it comes to strangers. They are especially recommended to people with lots of energy and big families, as they love getting attention constantly. The Belgian Shepherd is not suitable for living in a kennel, because it is always seeking the attention of people. Leaving it alone for long periods of time could cause depression and anxiety.
Since it is a huge fan of exercise, its owner should spend at least 2 hours per day working with it. This dog is agile and obedient, so it can learn new tricks in no time.
You will need to thoroughly groom its coat once a week, but be aware: when shedding (meaning once or twice a year), you will need to comb it daily because of the huge amount of fur it sheds. All in all, the Belgian Shepherd Groenendael will be an excellent companion, if taken care of properly.
