Medium sized and square in outline, the Belgian Groenendael long, smooth coat that is black in colour, occasionally with small white markings on the chest and toes. The Groenendael is often mistaken for a solid black long coat German Shepherd, but they are lighter in build and far more elegant and refined.
| Lifespan: | 10 - 14 years |
| Weight: | 27.5 - 28.5kg |
| Height: | Males between 61 - 66cm, females between 56 - 61cm |
| Colours: | Black with occasional white markings on chest and toes |
| Size: | Medium |
| Kennel Club Groups: | Pastoral |
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 5/5 |
Clever and attentive, although somewhat wary of strangers, the Groenendael is to this day, all a herding and guarding breed should be. Very trainable, with a huge capacity for learning but willing to make their own decisions should instruction not be forthcoming, they are in need of a dedicated owner with plenty of time to work with them and train them to a high standard. Friendly, and devoted affectionate to close family and friends, they do take time to warm to strangers and will not tolerate rough handling or over-familiarity from those they do not know.
Country of Origin: Belgium
There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherd and these were originally just variations in coat type, as they were primarily bred for their ability to herd and guard so they were considered one breed. Now the four types, the Laekenois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Malinois are classified separately as breeds in their own right - although this took some time, with the Belgian Kennel Club only recognising three types initially (the Groenendael, Tervuren and Malinois) in 1897.
The Groenendael is possibly the most striking of the four, with their luxurious black coat and pricked ears and was created by Nicholas Rose, owner of Chateau de Groenendael, south of Brussels in 1885. He owned what would become the foundation bitch, a long-haired black dog named Petite, and spent a year searching for a male that would match her. He found a dog called Piccard D’Uccle, and together these two founded the breed. The Groenendael first reached the US in 1907, but didn’t reach England until 1931.
