Groenendael (photo): Playful handsome, black as night

Belgian Shepherds are a group of herding dogs that include 4 species: Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and Tervuren.
The dogs belong to the same breed and differ only in the structure of their coat and color. The decoration of Belgian Shepherds is black dogs with the poetic name Groenendael, which translates as green valley. They are loyal, tireless and incredibly beautiful companions. A week in the company of dogs - and there will be no room left in your heart for another breed.

Standard requirements

The Belgian Groenendael Shepherd is a strong and tireless dog. She is calm, instantly adapts to changing conditions, smart and active.

The differences between the breed types lie only in the structure, length and color of the coat. The difference between the Groenendael and other types of the breed is its black color and thick coat with a double undercoat.

In the photo, the Groenendael Shepherd looks like it’s asking to be featured on a poster or the cover of a glossy magazine. They were even used in a fashion show. Dogs owe this to their beautiful fur. It is long, straight, forms a frill with a collar around the neck, and feathers on the paws.

The color of the Groenendael is pure black. But a white spot on the chest and light spots on the hind legs are allowed.

Otherwise, the breed standard is the same for any type of Belgian Shepherd.

Breed standard

The Groenendael is a medium-sized breed. He has a proportional, harmonious physique. This dog perfectly combines strength and elegance. The weight of adults is 25-35 kg. , with a height of about 56-66 cm .

A graceful, long head rests on a slightly elongated muscular neck. The ears are erect, rigid, straight, triangular in shape. The dark eyes are almond-shaped, they are not too large, and not protruding. The look is lively and wary. The nose is black, the bridge of the nose is straight. The jaws are strong and well developed. Scissor bite.

The physique is athletic, the body is powerful. The chest is deep, not wide. The ribs are arched. The back is wide and straight. The tail is medium length, very fluffy. The belly is not saggy, harmoniously curved in a beautiful line, not lean. Long limbs with strong bones and well-developed muscles. The paws are round, the paw pads are thick, the claws are large and dark.

The coat is long, straight and smooth. There is a thick undercoat. Only black color is allowed. A significant drawback is the red tint on a black background and gray “pants”.

Application

The Groenendael is a breed of dog that will always find use everywhere. Due to their endurance, easy training, love of work and desire to please the owner, there is no sports or work discipline that the pets cannot cope with.

Initially, the Belgian Groenendael was only a shepherd. But today it is a companion, guide, protector, security guard, policeman and rescuer. He is equally comfortable with agility and protective guard service, canicross and search and rescue service.

Protecting property and the owner is in the blood of Groenendaels. They do this even without special training.

Wherever the owner wants to use the dog, the Groenendael will happily support him and devote himself entirely to the work.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Each dog has its own pros and cons, which you should familiarize yourself with before getting a puppy. First the good:

Pros:

• An excellent security guard. Such a dog will always protect and defend its territory.
• Beauty. Nature has awarded the Groenendael with beautiful black wool, which looks impressive and certainly attracts the attention of others.
• Mind. Nature did not deprive him of a high level of intelligence. She immediately understands what’s what in the house and lives by the rules that the owner dictates to her. But it will not allow you to completely dominate yourself.
• Activity. This is a plus for lovers of sports and an active lifestyle. Groenendael will happily run or go hiking with you.
• Good health. However, the dog is susceptible to diseases such as hip or elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and cancer.

The rarity of this breed can be attributed to both pros and cons. On the one hand, it is very prestigious to have such a rare breed, but on the other hand, it is not easy to find.

Minuses:

• A special lifestyle, regular training and mental exercise. Not everyone likes to spend a lot of time with their dog.
• Makings of a leader. May not listen to the owner if he does not consider it necessary.
• Quite a price. Many buyers are scared by the number on the price tag, and they give up the idea of ​​purchasing a puppy. Read more about her.

Character

The description of the Groenendael breed excludes aggression or fearfulness. These are dogs with a calm and strong character.

Groenendaels are adored by all family members, although one person is chosen as the owner. They treat strangers with caution, but without aggression. However, as soon as the owner shows that the stranger is a friend, the dogs will happily wave their tails to the guest and allow themselves to be petted.

There is no timidity in dogs. Even Groenendael puppies are not afraid of strangers, loud noises, and quickly adapt to new places and family members - be they people or pets.

Groenendael learns commands on the fly and executes them with pleasure. He understands even subtle gestures and always knows what the owner wants at a particular moment. But he is brought up with rewards - no shouting, spanking or harsh punishments.

Combing

Representatives of the Groenendael breed have thick and silky wool of a noble black color. It is these distinctive appearance features that allow the dog to feel quite comfortable even in adverse weather conditions.

Such a positive distinctive feature, however, obliges the owner of the animal to carry out regular coat care procedures, which include both washing and combing.

According to officially accepted standards, the coat of the Belgian Shepherd Dog should not be too silky or shiny. In this regard, an adult dog should be washed no more than once every five to six months.

Groenendael puppies need bathing no more than once a month. When carrying out water procedures, it is recommended to use a minimum amount of shampoo or other hygiene products, otherwise the hair will lose its natural fatty lubrication.

As for combing, it should be done as needed. In the summer, that is, during the molting season, this should be done almost daily using a furminator to avoid the wool from rolling into tangles.

In winter, the animal should be combed at least once a week. Due to the fact that your pet's fur is very thick and dense, it is best to use a comb or comb with wide teeth.

Shepherd dogs are very smart and quick-witted

Socialization

Equanimity is genetically embedded in dogs. However, even a naturally balanced Belgian Shepherd Groenendael without socialization will grow up to be neurasthenic.

After vaccination, Groenendael puppies should be exposed to unfamiliar places and people. From the age of 4 months, they are taken for walks along noisy streets and taken on private and public transport. It is extremely important to communicate with friendly adults, children and animals.

Belgian Groenendael Shepherds get along well with kids. They forgive pranks of little ones, and willingly play with older children. Dogs get along well with other pets - they perceive them as a herd and take care of them.

In a family, the Groenendael chooses the weakest (usually a child) and begins to “shepherd” him. He follows the ward everywhere, predicts and prevents potentially dangerous situations.

Description

Weight:

• females: from 25 to 30 kg,
• males: from 30 to 37 kg.

Height:

• females: from 56 to 61 cm,
• males: from 61 to 66 cm.

The dog's head is elongated and pointed towards the nose. The length of the skull vault is equal to the length of the muzzle. The erect ears are set high on the head. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown in color.

The dog has an athletic build , which indicates its sporting spirit. The chest is not wide, but deep, straight, horizontal back, wide and sloping croup. The legs are long and muscular, ready to cover long distances.

The tail is profusely furred. When the dog is calm, it dangles with the tip slightly raised. When alarmed by something, raised and slightly curled, but should not lie on the back in a ring!

Wool, the main decoration of the Belgian Shepherd. Long, thick, black in color. It is easy to comb, does not get into clumps, and there is practically no smell after washing. Shedding occurs seasonally.

Maintenance and care

The Belgian Groenendael Shepherd is suitable for a country house. She needs her own enclosure, where in the heat she will hide from the sun, and in winter she will be protected from bad weather. A walking area is desirable - a large enclosure or a fenced back yard where the dog can walk on its own.

It is not advisable to keep a Belgian Groenendael Shepherd in an apartment. She needs a lot of space, constantly moving and running. Otherwise, out of boredom, she will gnaw on everything she can get her teeth into, become restless and wither away.

Brushing and bathing

The Belgian Groenendael dog breed boasts a long, thick coat. She is the main decoration and the main problem when leaving.

You will have to comb your pet 2-3 times a week, simultaneously untangling or removing tangles. And during molting in spring and autumn - every day. You can't cut your dog's hair.

Long hair is another reason why you should not have a Groenendael in an apartment. Hairs will be everywhere: from a bowl of soup to wallpaper. If you get a dog in a multi-story building, you will have to stock up on an arsenal of combs, slicker brushes and tangle cutters, as well as a more powerful vacuum cleaner.

Groenendaels are bathed rarely, once every 1-3 months. But after each walk, they carefully wash their belly and paws - the long hair collects all the dirt in the area.

Walk

Walk, walk and walk again. This is the motto of the Belgian owners. They walk their pets often, a lot and in any weather. Tireless Groenendaels enjoy both sunny spring days and hurricanes.

Moreover, you don’t just need to take the dog outside, but work with him. An adult Belgian Groenendael should run at least 1.5 km per day. And this is not counting sports, training, games.

Feeding

The Groenendael dog is unpretentious in its diet. Naturally, you cannot feed your pet soup. They prepare it separately or buy holistic or super-premium food for large breeds.

The following brands are suitable for Groenendael:

• Orijen Original Grain Free;
• GO! Fit+Free Dog Chicken, Turkey, Trout Grain Free
• Grandorf Adult Maxi Lamb & Rice.

On a natural diet, 70% of a Groenendael's diet should be made from animal proteins - lean meat, offal, eggs. The rest of the menu consists of cereals, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, berries, vitamin and mineral supplements.

Education and training

Mobile and active, this dog needs constant movement, so it should spend at least two hours a day outside, and not constantly sit in the apartment. Preferred activities are running, playing with a ball, swimming in ponds. Any outdoor games with the owner are suitable, the main thing is a sufficient splash of energy on the street.

You should immediately accustom your pet to the command “Near!” and watch him carefully if he walks without a leash, as he is very curious and can go far. If you purchase it for an exhibition, you should immediately select a suitable show ring and accustom it to it from childhood.

From two to four months, the puppy should receive the necessary physical and mental stress, for example, at this time you can teach the baby the “Fetch” command. From the age of four months, he must walk at least one and a half kilometers every day and learn commands for at least forty minutes. At this age, the pet should be taught the commands “Sit”, “Place”, “Voice”. After a year, the dog must travel more than two kilometers every day.

Intelligent by nature, the Groenendael very quickly understands what its owner requires of it. In this case, it is important to show him that the owner is confident and is in charge. There is no need to intimidate or use physical force - the dog is sensitive and vulnerable, aggression leads to retaliatory anger.

Health

The Belgian Groenendael Shepherd is a genetically strong and healthy dog. She lives for at least 10 years. On average, representatives reach 12-15 years. Maximum life expectancy is 18 years.

Diseases

The Belgian Groenendael is susceptible to a number of hereditary and acquired diseases:

• epilepsy;
• dysplasia;
• gastric volvulus;
• oncology;
• hormonal imbalances;
• cataracts and eye atrophy;
• cardiovascular pathologies.

The list is not extensive and is typical for large dogs. In general, the Groenendael is a strong and problem-free breed.

Vaccinations

The Groenendael dog breed is genetically stable. But even a strong dog will not be healthy without vaccination.

Vaccinations are given according to an individual schedule developed by a veterinarian. Groenendaels are routinely vaccinated against rabies, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, canine distemper, and herpesvirus. Puppies up to one year old are given 3 injections at 8 and 12 weeks and at six months, adult dogs from 12 months - 1 injection annually.

Another important care item is treatment against parasites. Groenendaal is given anthelmintic tablets and drops against ticks and fleas at least once every 3 months.

Historical background and homeland of origin

From the name it follows that the country in which Groenendael appeared and was registered is Belgium. Initially, large dogs helped shepherds in their work - collecting and guarding herds of animals. The first representatives were outbred and had only similar external qualities.

What does a representative of the breed look like?

For your information! By the beginning of the 18th century. dogs with the most outstanding herding qualities and similar external characteristics began to be crossed and eventually got puppies, the common breed of which is the Belgian Shepherd (BO). The Groenendael is a variety of this breed.

Interesting Facts

It is noteworthy that the BO is one of the few breeds that has subspecies that differ only in the type and color of their coat. For example, the following stand out:

• short-haired Malinois with red or brown color;
• Wirehaired Laekenois;
• the long-haired Groenendael is always black, therefore, if they offer a red Groenendael or a red Groenendael, these are mestizos;
• Long-haired Tervuren.

Note! Groenendaal is an intellectual, in addition to herding, he is suitable for working as a guide.

Mating

Belgian Groenendael Shepherds reach sexual maturity at 1-1.5 years. But full physical formation ends in the 3rd year of life.

Estrus in female dogs occurs every 9-12 months and lasts 20-22 days. Dogs are bred on days 11-15 of estrus, when ovulation is most likely.

Pregnancy in the Groenendael is standard and lasts 56-72 days. There are an average of 4-5 puppies in a litter.

The number of puppies in the litter depends on the age of the bitches. Young dogs and dogs over 6 years old bring the least amount of babies. Dogs are most productive at 3-4 years of age.

Puppies

You can buy a pet for your home when the puppy is 1.5 – 2 months old. In the Russian Federation, mainly in large cities, there are good nurseries and clubs; it is worth choosing in advance.

• Groenendael is not a sofa representative; he needs an active and fairly youthful owner with a strong character. The cost of babies depends on the parents and individual indicators, starting from 40 thousand rubles. Representatives from Belgium from 1000 euros + delivery costs.

Prepare for the puppy's arrival: place, collar and leash, bowls, food, toys.

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How to choose a puppy

The main requirements for a future pet are calmness and non-aggression. Therefore, Groenendael puppies must:

• calm, but wary of strangers;
• are not afraid of loud sounds and sharp gestures;
• be playful;
• treats its owner affectionately, but does not fall into the hands of strangers.

An overly affectionate puppy is devoid of breed qualities - watchdog and security. And the aggressive Belgian Groenendael is disqualified and is not allowed for breeding.

Before purchasing, they check the pedigrees and veterinary passports of the puppies and parents, metrics, and look at photos of other dogs from previous litters. It is worth asking whether the “children” from the nursery had any health or character problems.

Features of care

Groenendael is distinguished not only by his strong build, but also by his excellent health. There are, of course, several main diseases to which these animals are susceptible, but, subject to proper care, it is quite possible to avoid their occurrence. Also, these aspects must be taken into account when choosing a puppy.

First of all, the Belgian Groenendael is a herding and herding shepherd dog; accordingly, the dog needs regular physical activity, active games and spending a lot of time in the fresh air.

It is also acceptable to keep it outdoors. However, it is necessary to exclude a chain leash, and also provide the animal with a warm kennel that will reliably protect the pet from bad weather.

Isolating a dog from its owner can lead to depression in the animal.

How much do puppies cost?

One of the most expensive breeds in Russia is the Groenendael: a pet or breed class puppy costs from 40,000 rubles, and a show class kitten costs 120 thousand rubles and more.

True, the situation on message boards is different. The price for Groenendael varies from 6 to 30 thousand rubles. However, such offers are put forward by ordinary owners or unscrupulous breeders who breed dogs without taking into account genetic and breed characteristics.

Nurseries

Most diseases in Groenendaels are congenital, genetic, inherited or caused by improper care. Therefore, a puppy can only be purchased from trusted nurseries. These include:

• https://solnik.ru/new/ – OTsolnikA kennel in Moscow, breeds all types of Belgian Shepherds, provides training services;
• https://sobakaevro.com/gryunendal-4 – united nursery and canine center in Moscow;
• https://www.nevalain.ru – the breeder has been breeding Belgians since 2003, working in St. Petersburg.

The Groenendael Shepherd is a pet about whose merits you could write a three-volume book. However, they fade or evaporate in the hands of an inept owner. This is not a couch dog. You will have to work with him every day for 3-4 hours and become an expert in dog psychology. This is the only way to raise a reliable and healthy friend.

Choosing a puppy

Despite the growing popularity, the Groenendael remains a rare breed in our country, and accordingly, the cost of a Black Belgian puppy is also high. A baby with show potential can be bought for two thousand dollars, and a “pet” is half that price. An inexperienced person can easily contact scammers who, at this price, will sell not an exclusive Groenendael, but a small black German, or even a mongrel.

What to pay attention to so as not to be deceived:

• first of all, on the muzzle - it should be not overgrown, narrow and elongated; a German’s “face” looks completely different;
• on the body format - it differs radically in the two breeds (the Groenendael is squared, and the German Shepherd is stretched);
• on the limbs - the Belgian Shepherd's legs are higher, drier, slimmer and less hairy than those of the German;
• on the coat - the undercoat of the Groenendael is more developed, and the awn is less adjacent to the body, the “pants” and “collar” are much more luxurious than those of the German.

It is more difficult to compare the size of puppies, since an inexperienced buyer is unlikely to be able to determine the exact age of the baby by eye, but it must be taken into account that German shepherds should be larger and heavier than Belgian ones at any age.

Get ready, your dog will choose you

Buy a small Groenendael only from a reputable nursery and enter into an agreement with the breeder on mutual obligations - this is a very useful document for both parties, which will also guarantee the breed of the puppy and its health. Try not to make such an important purchase in absentia; it is important to personally pick up your dog. On the spot you will receive a lot of useful information and make a better choice.

Watch how kids run and play: movements can tell a lot about health, and behavior in games can tell about character. Choose the most active, inquisitive and self-confident person.

However, most likely, your dog will choose you. This happens very often, and this is the right choice.

If you don’t want destruction in your home, provide your puppy with toys and interesting activities.

Groenendael character

The Groenendael dog has remained a herding dog, despite the fact that it has not been used for its intended purpose for a long time. The pet will always closely observe the territory entrusted to it and notice any changes, even insignificant at first glance.

The description of the breed says that Groenendals react with lightning speed to danger.

This is true. Dogs immediately become restless and may even begin to show aggression. Their entire appearance suggests that they are ready to confront any opponent. If Belgian Shepherd puppies behave this way, it can only bring a smile. But an aggressive adult is at least a cause for concern.

The Belgian Groenendael will not wait for the owner's command in the event of an emergency.

The dog itself will make a decision and act if it is necessary to protect the owner or defend the entrusted property.

Groenendael is a big worker. The whole meaning of his life lies in movement. You should not expect sedateness and leisurely behavior from a dog that has reached an honorable age. The animal will remain active and mobile for the rest of its life.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/puppy-belgian-shepherd-dog-476800/

In relation to other living creatures living side by side with it, the Groenendael will behave like a shepherd: protecting, guiding and leading.

Attitude towards the owner

The Belgian Black Shepherd treats all people who live next to it very well, but it has a warmer relationship with only one person - its owner.

An independent Groenendael recognizes the authority of the owner.

The animal is so sensitive that it immediately senses the slightest change in a person’s mood and understands any disapproval.

Representatives of the breed try to fulfill all the owner’s commands. At least those that earn the animal's approval. If a dog, which has a certain independence of character, decides that its owner is doing something wrong, it will make every effort to stop him.

She will block the path of her beloved owner, bark loudly and even try to stop the person, grabbing his clothes with her teeth. And the most interesting thing is that these dogs saved their owner’s life more than once in this way.

Attitude towards children

Families with small children can safely get a black Belgian Shepherd. Groenendael gets along well with children, even toddlers, being patient, caring and friendly. He will be able to tolerate even children's pranks, such as pulling his ears or tail.

Children should not be left alone with a dog.

From a young age, your beloved child needs to be explained the rules of behavior with a four-legged pet living with him under the same roof.

The Belgian Shepherd will “train” little people.

Each of their disobedience will cause a wave of indignation on the part of the animal, expressed in barking.

Attitude towards strangers

A properly brought up “Belgian” treats strangers rather coldly and warily. But if a stranger shows aggression or encroaches on personal property, the Groenendael will demonstrate itself in all its glory.

If proper attention is not given to raising a dog, it can become overly aggressive or, conversely, cowardly.

Breed standard and description

Height at withers: males 61-66 cm, females – 55-60 cm;

Weight: males 30-37 kg, females – 25-30 kg.

Color: long thick black fur.

Additional characteristics: energy, mobility, devotion, high intelligence. They were bred for constant physical activity, which means they vitally need physical activity. Due to its nature, the dog must constantly feel its importance, and therefore needs frequent praise and responsible tasks.

History of the Belgian Shepherd

At the end of the 19th century, in the Belgian town of Groenendael, dog breeder Nichols Rose bred a breed that was named after its deposit and became the ancestor of all Belgian shepherd dogs. Initially, the shepherd was used as a guard and shepherd .

Character and temperament

The Groenendael is the most loyal breed , distinguished by incredible speed, strength, endurance and excellent health.

Another character trait is excessive energy , due to the instincts of herding dogs.

Therefore, this breed is not suitable for people who are away from home for a long time, leaving the pet inactive.

Bored, the pet may start to have fun on its own, which will certainly end in damage to property. By the way, boredom is the main reason why it is not recommended to keep a shepherd in an apartment.

Groenendael has the ideal temperament. This depends on a number of factors such as heredity, training and socialization.

The Shepherd is endlessly friendly , which makes it a wonderful friend for children and other family members. But such friendliness does not extend to the threat that has arisen for the owner or his loved ones, which forces the pet to defend itself without hesitation.

In addition, the Belgian is the “owner” of the territory, which often becomes the cause of conflict with those who have even slightly “encroached” on his property. In order to avoid such conflicts , dog breeders recommend starting training as early as possible.

Training and education of the Groenendael

Every day your dog needs at least two hours of vigorous physical activity. If you enjoy hiking or jogging, your shepherd will be happy to be around.

A puppy of this breed must be taught from early childhood to foreign sounds, smells, and different terrain. He is very shy, although he is curious.

The Groenendael is highly trainable and accurately follows the commands given by its owner.

From 9 weeks to 4 months, your puppy needs exercise and 15-20 minutes of mental exercise in the morning and evening. You need to start with simple tasks, for example, throw a ball to your baby and ask him to bring it back to you.

At the age of 4-6 months , the dog needs at least a half-kilometer walk and 20-30 minutes of mental exercise twice a day. Starting from of six months , training should take at least 40 minutes in the morning and evening every day.

After a year, the dog should run at least one and a half kilometers every day. However, hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete should be avoided.

Groenendael is incredibly smart and highly trainable . In order to succeed in training, the owner must earn his trust and respect. Anger, intimidation or physical force should not be used against this breed.

For all his strength and confidence, the Groenendael is unusually sensitive , which means that the owner’s harsh behavior can harm his temperament. The best way for an owner to communicate with a dog is through a combination of consistent commands and rewards for correct behavior.

Maintenance and care

The Groenendael is a breed that should live in a spacious house with free access to the street, where in turn a fenced enclosure . This will prevent cyclists, joggers and cars from escaping and being chased.

Groenendael needs a complete, balanced diet. You should feed him 2 times a day , at a certain time. The best choice is high-quality dry food.

The average serving is 1-1.5 cups per serving. But, it should be noted that the serving size depends on the age, size, build, level of activity and metabolism of the dog.

Therefore, feeding each individual animal must be approached individually.

If you feed your dog natural products, you should add additional vitamins and minerals to its diet, as well as follow the basic rules: the presence of protein (meat, eggs, milk), carbohydrates (porridge) and vegetable and animal fats.

Groenendael does not require any special care. It is recommended to bathe this breed not too often, using a special shampoo. The dog's fur must be combed with a special brush with wide teeth to prevent the formation of matted clumps. It is necessary to comb strictly according to the growth of the coat: adults once a week, puppies 2 times a week.

strictly forbidden to cut - this can ruin the appearance of the dog's coat. Only the hair on the paws between the toe pads is trimmed.

Treatment of ears and eyes should be carried out with a cotton swab dipped in boiled warm water.

Health and life expectancy

Groenendael enjoys good health, but is susceptible to hip or elbow . When purchasing a puppy of this breed, you need to make sure that the parents do not have problems with the joints.

Another serious hereditary disease is epilepsy . If convulsions or tremors are noticed in the body, it is necessary to urgently show the animal to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

Groenendael is susceptible to a disease called progressive retinal atrophy , which can lead to complete blindness of the animal.

A fairly rare, but very dangerous disease is hypothyroidism - an abnormally low level of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Characterized by infertility, obesity, mental inhibition. The dog's fur begins to fall out and the skin becomes tough. There is no cure for this, but with proper daily therapy, the animal can live a full life.

Like humans, this shepherd has a predisposition to cancer . Groenendael is also susceptible to various allergic reactions (both to food and to some medications). Due to improper nutrition, dogs of this breed may develop bloating or volvulus.

The lifespan of a Groenendael is 10-12 years .

How much does it cost and where can I buy it?

The cost of Groenendael is quite high. In our country there are good nurseries where you can buy first-class puppies.

Puppy price: from $1000 .

Breed photo

A few more photos of Groenendaels so you can appreciate how cute these dogs are.

Video

Pros and cons of the breed

For convenience, the positive and negative qualities of representatives of this breed are collected in a table:

Groenendael will be an excellent companion and herding assistant for a person who has experience with dogs.

The benefits of a dog are obvious

Before purchasing a puppy, the future owner must sensibly assess his own strengths and capabilities.

Dog health

The immunity of Belgian Shepherds was formed and strengthened over many years in very harsh conditions, so representatives of the breed have excellent health. They acquired a predisposition to diseases in the process of breeding work.

The most common diseases are:

• epilepsy;
• eye diseases;
• joint dysplasia;
• obesity;
• allergy;
• hypothyroidism;
• depression.

With proper care and attention, Groenendals live an average of 13 years. Although there are known cases of longevity among representatives of this breed.

Timely vaccination and quarterly worming are mandatory procedures that will help maintain the health of your four-legged family member.

During the warm season, your pet’s thick coat should be carefully examined in order to promptly notice the appearance of external parasites. You can also protect yourself from fleas and ticks using special drops, collars or tablets.

Belgian Shepherd Groenendael: description of the breed, character and care

The Belgian Shepherd or Groenendael is a representative of 4 shepherd dogs from Belgium, and is a national treasure and the pride of the country.

• Excellent character traits, high working qualities, a clear mind, an aesthetically attractive dog, a reliable protector and a loyal comrade.

Groenendael is the most attractive of all Belgians, with a black, glossy coat that attracts attention. The shepherd dog won the hearts of the Belgians, and then the rest of the world; today it is an ideal companion dog, capable of living both in a city apartment and on private property.

Story

The Belgian Groenendael dog is a real breed of shepherd dog, the very first mention of it begins in the middle of the 17th century. The dog differs significantly from its brothers in fearlessness, independence and increased endurance.

In the 19th century, for the first time, Belgians were presented in large numbers to participate in the exhibition, of which about 35 individuals were selected - with ideal exteriors. All shepherd dogs were divided into 4 types.

• Nicholas Rose, the “father” of the Groenendael breed, named the shepherd dog after one of his restaurants; the entrepreneur adored these animals with all his heart.

He owned a wonderful dog, which was later used in breeding and rightfully bears the name - the first representative of the Groenendael Shepherd Dog.

His offspring did an excellent job as a service dog; during the war they showed their best side, which earned them recognition and love. Many years of people's efforts to improve the exterior and working qualities have not been in vain; in the modern world, the dog is valued and has a certain circle of lovers around the world.

Appearance

The Groenendael or Belgian dog is a medium-sized shepherd dog, a good servant, proportionally built, strong, square in type.

• The gaze is direct, attentive, without interruption. Active, smart, beautifully built.
• Head: clear lines, proportional, slightly elongated, the transition from the frontal part to the muzzle is quite smooth. The frontal part is of a square type. The occipital protuberance is practically invisible. The nose is of medium size, obligatory black color.
• Muzzle and Skull: Tight lips with full coloring required. Strong jaw, good strength, scissor bite without distortion, strong teeth.
• Eyes: medium size, almond-shaped, with obligatory eyelid coloring, no dampness. Color – dark brown.

• Ears: high set, triangles. The cartilage is hard, the auricle is more rounded, and stands up.
• Neck: medium size, without dewlap. Nice, lean muscles.
• Body: the body has a square format, powerful, good bones. The back is not elongated, the loin is strong with excellent, well-developed muscles. Croup with a slight slope. Withers of an excellently defined type.
• Chest: well developed, deep.
• Limbs, paws: straight, without weighting, the muscles are dry. Proportional, stand parallel. The shoulder is not a shortened type. The paws are collected in a dense ball, oval. Nails are hard and black.
• The thigh is wide, strong with powerful muscles.
• Tail: at the level of the hock, in a free twitch. When moving, it rises to the level of the back, does not curl into a steering wheel. Saber-shaped, medium length. Thick at the base, then tapers towards the tip.
• The leather fits tightly to the body, elastic, without folding.

Characteristics of the breed description for the Groenendael – active, movements – active, free, fast, easy movements. An energetic and friendly dog, capable of making independent decisions, without a person. Watchman, shepherd and conscientious guard, without increased aggression, wary of strangers - without obvious manifestation.

The Groenendael Shepherd and its breed standard categorically do not tolerate discrepancies in size or other deviations from the established type. Animals with obvious defects are not allowed for breeding or participation in exhibitions.

Dimensions according to the FCI standard dated June 22, 2001, country: Belgium, group 1 Guard and racing dogs.

• Height for a male dog at the withers: 60 – 66 cm, weight 25 – 30 kg;
• Girls are 52 – 60 cm, weight from 20 to 26 kg.