GROENENDAEL

FCI Group 1: Working, Herding and Herding Dogs
~ The breed is exceptionally friendly.
~ Belgian Sheepdog, or Belgian Shepherd, refers to four different varieties of the breed; Tervueren, Malinois, Laekenois and Groenendael.
~ The breed is hardworking, alert, easy to train and needs a lot of stimulation, both physical and mental.
~The Belgian matures late, around the age of three.
~ The Belgian is considered a healthy, long-lived breed, even for its size. The average lifespan is between 11 and 14 years.

Characteristics/Mentality:

The Belgian is very lively, happy, alert and attentive - you can be sure that it will get the most out of it. It is also intelligent, easy to learn and extremely willing to work. If it does not find an outlet for its exuberant energy and desire to work, we risk ending up with a so-called "problem dog". Environmental training and socialization during the first year of life are important. Towards its owner, the breed is soft and loving, but in relation to unknown people it can be disinterested.

Size and appearance:

According to the standard, a Belgian Sheepdog should be medium-sized, well-proportioned, square, combined with elegance and power. Dry, strong muscles, hardy and used to a life in the open air. Created to withstand the changing seasons and frequent weather changes in the Belgian climate. With its harmonious build and proud head posture, it gives the impression of robust elegance. The four varieties - Groenendael, Malinois, Laekenois and Tervueren - have the same standard, except for the coat. The Groenendael has a long, black coat. The Malinois has a short, reddish-yellow coat with black tips and a black mask. The Laekenois has a rough, dry coat. The coat is reddish-yellow with a hint of black tips. The Tervueren is long-haired. The coat is reddish-yellow or gray with black tips and a black mask.

Grooming:

There is not much grooming involved with this breed as the coat is of such a quality that it "grooms" itself to a great extent. It is bathed when needed and should be brushed a couple of times a month, more often during shedding periods.

History:

Belgian Sheepdogs – Groenendael, Malinois, Laekenois and Tervueren – were first recognized as a breed in 1891. From being a herding dog, they have developed into a versatile working and family dog. In the last twenty years of the 19th century, many European countries became interested in creating one or more "national dog breeds". In Belgium, it was Professor A. Reul, a veterinarian in Cureghem near Brussels, who became interested in trying to create a Belgian Sheepdog breed. In 1899, the breed club decided that the long-haired Belgian Sheepdog should be black, the short-haired red-yellow with black hair tips, and the wire-haired ash-gray. All other colors were prohibited. In 1907, the non-black, long-haired Belgian Sheepdog, the red-yellow and the wire-haired Belgian Sheepdog were also recognized in the breed.

Want to know more about the breed?

NKK recommends that everyone contact the breed club for the breeds they are interested in.

The breed standard describes the breed's physical and mental characteristics, and is also recommended reading material for anyone considering purchasing a puppy of this breed.