Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Your Pet, Our Passion.
Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael

Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael

The Groenendael dog is a medium-sized, long-haired breed that appears square in its outline. Although often confused with the Longhaired German Shepherd Dog by the general public, they are squarer in profile, lighter in bone, and more refined in head, with a light, brisk movement. The Groenendael breed is black in colour, and adult dogs should measure between 61-66cm and adult females 56-61cm. They weigh between 27.5-28.5kg.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Personality

The Groenendael is an affectionate, devoted companion that wants to join in with everything. Their natural dog guarding instincts will kick in if and when they sense it is necessary. They will protect their home and family, so it is not advisable to encourage his guarding instincts when young, as he could start guarding you in 'normal' situations. Early, thorough socialisation is imperative with this breed.

History and Origins

There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog – the Groenendael, Tervueren, Malinois and Laekenois – named after the areas in Belgium from which they came. Hardworking sheepdogs from Belgium have been recognised since the Middle Ages. In the 1890s a professor of the Belgian School of Veterinary Sciences recorded standards for the various types of Belgian sheepdogs. It was noted that they were all similar in type with the main difference being the coat. The professor then divided them into varieties and advised breeding them as separate breeds. The Groenendael dog breed was developed from a black bitch of the Belgian sheepdog type being crossed with another black herding dog. The resulting litter became the precedent of the Groenendael.

Found your perfect fur friend? Here's some useful tips from us:

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality, but there are some instincts and behaviours that they're born with. Try our Dog Breed Selector tool and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
7 of the Best Dog Breeds for Families and Kids
Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to stay active while helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. To help you ensure you find the best match, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families.
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Finding a good breeder
If your heart is set on a purebred puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Finding the right breeder is crucial to make sure that your pup has received the best start to grow into a happy and healthy dog. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!