Groenendael

A striking and refined breed of dog, the Groenendael is distinguished by its sleek black coat and strong, perceptive nature. Often identified as a breed of Belgian Shepherd, these canines are prized for their versatility and loyalty, which make them great working and companion dogs.

The Groenendael is an active and mentally stimulated breed with an innate instinct for guarding and herding. They adapt quickly to new situations and are good training candidates, so they can be used as police or search and rescue dogs or as family pets.

In spite of their aptitude for work, Groenendaels are also loving and develop strong relationships with their families. They provide unending loyalty and protection in exchange for regular exercise and care, which they require to stay happy and healthy.

Breed characteristics

* Features of the breed Groenendael based on owner reviews and the evaluation of Usatik.ru experts. Since the data is average, it might not accurately reflect an individual’s behavior. Regretfully, it is impossible to account for every unique quality that makes each pet unique.

Brief description

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A proud exemplar of the Belgian Shepherd breed is the Groenendael. This dog is stunning, with long, black hair. This breed is renowned for its insight and keen mind in addition to its beauty. Breeders observe that Groenendael possess the ability to reason, assess their surroundings, and ultimately make choices. In addition to their traditional roles as guards and shepherds, Groenendaels make wonderful companions in modern times.

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Groenendael

• History of the origin of the Groenendael
• Groenendael – description of the breed
• Popular colors of the Groenendael
• Character and habits of the Groenendael
• Interesting facts about the Groenendael
• Pros and cons of the Groenendael
• Breeding of the Groenendael
• Caring for the Groenendael
• Diet of the Groenendael
• Diseases and health problems
• Groenendael – price and how to buy correctly

The striking Belgian Shepherd, or Groenendael, is renowned for its loyalty, intelligence, and stunning black coat. It is an enthusiastic and adaptable working dog that is excellent at many different jobs like protection, herding, and search and rescue in addition to being a loving family member. This breed is an excellent worker as well as a devoted companion due to its unique blend of strength, agility, and keen instincts.

History of the origin of the Groenendael

A sizable veterinary college hosted the inaugural Belgian shepherd exhibition in 1891. There were Belgian suburban village dogs that served as guard dogs and shepards. After evaluating the dogs at the show, professor and veterinarian Adolf Riul made the decision to create a breed of universal shepherd dogs that might one day represent Belgium.

He picked out medium-sized dogs with as much of a similar appearance as he could. These dogs had erect ears, but they varied in length and coat type—they were short, long, or medium-haired. In breeding, coat type was not prioritized over color.

The first standard was created in 1907 and applied to all Belgian Shepherd subspecies. Among them already was the Groenendael, a breed distinguished by its distinct exterior, black color, and erect ears. The breeder Nicholas Rose, who resided in the city of the same name Groenendael, later took up the breeding of Groenendaels. Breeds such as Malinois and Laekenois were bred alongside the Groenendael.

The Groenendael’s ancestor, the dog Picard, is credited with giving the breed its glossy black coat as well as its white fingers, chest, and muzzle stripes. A few of this dog’s offspring were fawn or reddish in color, but breeders turned these dogs down.

Since its establishment in 1899, the standard dictating the coat’s color has remained unchanged. A 1909 booklet issued by the "National Society for the Improvement of the Belgian Shepherd" established the breed’s ultimate standard and made public a breeding club for Belgian Shepherds.

The breed is well-liked worldwide these days. Like other Belgian Shepherds, Groenendael has come to represent Belgium.

Groenendael – breed description

The Groenendael breed’s size varies according to its sex. Hence, males can grow to a height of 62 cm and females to 58 cm. They weigh 25 kg and 30 kg, in that order. This dog’s head is elongated, proportionate, and has a shallow, smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The forehead is square and proportionate, with a medium length skull. Although it is not very noticeable, the occipital protuberance is felt. Dogs’ superciliary arches are not emphasized, giving them an open appearance.

The nose must be black. The muzzle tapers toward the end, giving it a wedge-shaped appearance. A straight or scissor bite is acceptable; an underbite is not. The mouth is well-proportioned, deep, and narrow, revealing the entire dental system. The teeth are well-developed, strong, and white.

The Groenendael has medium-sized, almond-shaped, brown eyes that do not protrude. Experts describe the look as "questioning" because it is direct, open, and the eyelids are clearly pigmented. The ears are distinctly triangular in shape, small, and high set. The dog has a long, slightly curved neck.

The body is square-shaped and powerful without being hefty. The loin has good muscles and is broad and short. The back is short and muscular, and the shoulders are clearly visible. The rib cage is wide in relation to the loin, and the abdomen is dense and tucked up. Reaching the hock, the tail is medium in length and fits proportionately. Usually hangs down, but occasionally it rises to the horizontal line and nothing more.

The Groenendael’s legs are not thick, powerful, or dry. The front legs are positioned exactly parallel to one another and vertically. The paws have round tips, thick toenails, and dark claws. Though not as heavy as the front legs, the back legs are stronger. The dog’s gait is light and agile because of this paw structure.

Popular colors of Groenendaels

Groenendaels have no wrinkles at all because their skin is elastic and tightly stretched over their whole body, including their lips and eyelids. The dog’s coat acts as total protection against temperature fluctuations and thermoregulation.

The Groenendael’s hair is short on the head and progressively longer outside the ears. In addition, short hair grows on the front of the legs, with the exception of the forearm’s back. The hair is long and smooth throughout the body, with a thick, plentiful rim surrounding the neck.

Long hair that grows downward forms pants on the back of the thighs. The hair grows vertically at the base of the ears, creating the proper oval shape for the head. The tail’s hair is thick and long as well, giving it the appearance of a feather.

Groenendael only have black people. A tiny white bib that resembles a jackdaw worn on the chest is occasionally permitted. A young, healthy dog’s coat has a matte finish or a silvery tint. The brown color of an older dog’s coat may fade and turn reddish-brown in the sun.

In order to prevent the Groenendael from losing its natural color, breeders advise taking good care of its coat. One characteristic that sets this shepherd apart and is highly prized by Belgian breeders is its black coat.

Character and habits of Groenendaels

Dogs that are active and energetic are not like gruenendaels, who are quiet and submissive. This is because the dogs require constant physical activity because they are bred as shepherds. A loyal breed, groenendaels make excellent companions. They follow their owner everywhere they go because they prefer to be near them.

Some people believe that because Groenendael can sense a person’s mood, they can determine the status of the family. These dogs quickly adjust to changes in their environment because they are highly sensitive to them.

Grunendal people are naturally amiable and quiet; they don’t act irrationally hostile, not even toward possible adversaries. These dogs are only prepared to rush to defend their family and territory in an actual emergency. When a dangerous situation arises, they can respond quickly and take the appropriate defensive action.

Because of their herding instincts, these dogs are good with kids. They can be used as child care providers because in addition to playing with the child, they will watch out for his safety. Grunendal will not put up with continuous mistreatment, but they will coolly accept small jokes from kids. If not, Groenendal will make an effort to stay away from kids.

Given the strong leadership traits of the Groenendael, the owner will need to assert his dominance over the dog on a regular basis. Groenendaels need authority in order to be trained, thus this dog can only have one owner. Groenendaels will not allow anyone to intrude on their territory because they possess strong guard qualities as well.

Groenendaels are intelligent, easily trained dogs with decision-making skills.

Interesting facts about Groenendaels

In the process of breeding this breed of dogs, intelligence and endurance were valued traits. These dogs were initially capable of herding sheep on their own without a shepherd’s assistance, but eventually they started to be employed for security duties. These dogs have a ton of incredible qualities.

• Groenendaels get along well with children and pets. They do not show aggression towards those who are smaller than them, even if a small dog behaves aggressively. Groenendaels easily find a common language even with cats;
• Groenendael are very energetic, so when purchasing the breed, this fact should be taken into account. It needs to be walked often and given strong physical exercise. Otherwise, all the dog"s energy will be directed at the furniture in the apartment and at the household;
• The training of this breed begins at an early age. For example, the puppy knows the "fetch" command at one and a half months. Grunendal perfectly understand what a person wants from them, but which commands they may refuse to perform, because they consider them boring and useless;
• These dogs are very independent. In a critical situation, the Groenendael itself reacts to danger without a command from a person;
• These freedom-loving dogs are prone to escape, so it is better to keep the dog in an enclosure and walk only on a leash;
• Grunendaels are touchy and emotional. If the dog does not obey, then you can demonstratively ignore it, and the dog will quickly understand its mistake.

The Groenendael are ultimately the owners. They do not want to share their owner with other animals or people because they are so devoted to him.

Pros and cons of Groenendaels

Groenendaels make devoted friends and superb guards. Apart from these favorable attributes, Groenendaels possess numerous additional benefits:

1. Natural beauty. The breed does not require much care, but always looks impressive. They have an amazing flowing gait, mountain posture and a unique rich black coat color;
2. Groenendaels are amazingly smart. They are easy to train and, most importantly, they do not mindlessly follow commands. These are thinking dogs that understand the rules of behavior in the house and are aware of their place in the family hierarchy;
3. Activity. A big plus for people who want to get an energetic and cheerful dog. Groenendaels are ready to follow their owner everywhere and spend active time with him;
4. In addition, Groenendaels have good health. They rarely catch colds and have almost no hereditary diseases.

One of the breed’s advantages and disadvantages is its rarity. Although they are rare, the dog will be absolutely one-of-a-kind. Furthermore, the following drawbacks exist:

1. The need for regular professional training, mental stress. A dog without regular training will lose shape and will seek adventures on its own. Because of this, Groenendaels often run away;
2. These are leader dogs. It is strictly forbidden for beginners to raise Groenendaels, since an insufficiently authoritative owner will not become a leader for the dog;
3. High cost. The price tag for a puppy is really high.

Breeding Groenendaels

Numerous subspecies of Belgian Shepherds share a common exterior. However, it is strictly prohibited to cross Belgian Shepherds with one another due to the risk of genetic illnesses. Crossing is limited to a single variety. Furthermore, this principle enables you to preserve a rare breed’s purity. The one exception is in situations where genetic diversity is needed and the breed is in danger of going extinct. Organizations with a cynological bent handle such matters.

Around the age of a year is when a female Groenendael has her first heat. The dog’s body is still developing during this time, so it is not yet ready for mating. The dog cannot mate until at least two more heats have passed. For both men and women, two years old is the ideal age. The animals’ bodies get stronger, ensuring that their progeny will live.

Groenendael pregnancies typically last 72 days, although it’s normal for births to happen earlier. While walks and gentle exercise are still important, it’s crucial to lessen the dog’s emotional and physical stress during pregnancy. Groenendael ought to spend as much time as possible outside, walking slowly and for extended periods of time. Vitamin complexes are an absolute must for large pregnant dogs.

Most of the time, childbirth goes smoothly. Grundyndali are able to give birth without any problems because of their healthy physiology. But, if you are a first-time dog breeder, it is best to ensure that a veterinarian is present during childbirth. A young bitch typically produces three or four puppies, and the number only goes up after three births.

Grushendals care

Grundyndali doesn’t need a lot of attention, but you still need to follow the guidelines. First and foremost, consideration needs to be given to these dogs’ mobility, which needs to be directed appropriately. The dog will be able to stay in good shape and not damage the apartment with regular walks and physical and mental stress during training.

Grushendal requires you to go for walks for at least an hour, and you must do so at least twice. Grushendal should run and carry out commands during this time.

Maintaining Grundyundal in an outfitted aviary on the street is ideal; only bring it inside during freezing temperatures. For this breed, a large apartment and regular walks can also be appropriate.

The Groenendael is known for their long, black hair, which needs extra attention. It’s not as hard as it sounds at first: all you have to do is comb the coat every day using a comb with unusual teeth, which will only untangle the hairs rather than remove them. Using a comb like this also helps you get rid of the undercoat, which can tangle and form a thick layer.

You must use brushes with rare and frequent teeth several times a day to comb the Groenendael during shedding. Cutting a groenendael is not allowed; it damages the coat and goes against the breed standard in general. Additionally, washing is not required unless the dog gets extremely dirty while out for a walk.

Just like with other dogs, it’s critical to keep an eye on how clean the ears and eyes are. A cotton swab dampened with warm water can be used to clean them.

Groenendael diet

The breed that benefits most from ready-made industrial feeds is the groenendaels. This is particularly true for breeders who are unfamiliar with creating menu items and have never bred Groenendaels before. Although the food at Groenendaels is simple, a balanced menu is essential for a child’s proper physical and mental development. In addition to meeting the body’s needs for vitamins, food should keep the proper ratios of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Selecting premium, ultra-premium, and holistic products is preferable. Large, energetic dogs should be fed food designed for them because it will help them refuel for walks.

Natural food can be fed to Groenendaels, but the menu needs to be well-planned and balanced. This is not, under any circumstances, table food.

When creating a menu, remember these guidelines:

• Variety. A dog is a predatory animal, which means that most of the diet should be lean meat (chicken, veal, rabbit). The menu should be supplemented with a variety of cereals (pearl barley, buckwheat, rice) and vegetables that are rich in fiber. Also, be sure to give your dog vegetable oil. Once a week you can treat them with sea fish, boiled eggs and low-fat dairy products;
• Vitamins. Provide your dog with additional high-quality food supplements;
• Moderation. Control portion sizes, give food only at set times a fixed number of times. The measure should depend on the sex, age, size and activity of the dog;
• Avoid harmful products. These are smoked, salty, sweet and fatty. Also tubular bones that can get stuck in the dog"s throat.

Never forget that the dog needs clean water. Every day, it ought to be changed!

Diseases and health problems

Groenendaels are robust canines that will remain active into old age if given the right upbringing and diet. Overfeeding is the main issue that illiterate breeders deal with, as it causes the dog to gain weight. Additionally, allergies to subpar products can occasionally manifest, although veterinarians can quickly diagnose this.

A multitude of illnesses can be attributed to defective genetics. A common condition in large dogs is hip dysplasia. The dog develops chromium because the cartilage is erased at a point in its growth where cartilage fabric stops developing. Ultimately, the dog may lose its ability to walk entirely if timely treatment and surgical intervention are not received.

A chance of hypothyroidism exists. Thyroid gland dysfunction is the disease’s hallmark, which explains why dogs with it become obese and develop skin and wool issues. To identify this illness early on and begin treatment, it’s critical to have the dog examined by a veterinarian on a regular basis. Dogs with hypothyroidism require hormone medications for the rest of their lives.

Ocular conditions like cataracts and glaucoma can also strike Groenendaels. They typically appear in old age and are managed with little to no intervention.

Characteristic	Description
Breed	Groenendael
Origin	Belgium
Size	Medium to large
Coat	Long, thick, black
Temperament	Loyal, intelligent, protective
Exercise needs	High
Lifespan	12-14 years
Good with children	Yes, if properly trained
Training	Requires consistent and firm training

The Groenendael is a devoted, perceptive, and diligent dog that makes a great companion for households and individuals who can give it the care and training it requires. Active settings that allow it to use its boundless energy and keen intellect are ideal for this breed.

The Groenendael is an excellent guardian in addition to being a wonderful pet due to its innate herding instincts and protective nature. To bring out the best in this dog, consistent training and early socialization are essential.

The Groenendael might be the ideal dog for you if you’re searching for one that is loyal and active, especially if you enjoy being outside and have the time to provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation.

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