Groenendael: black Belgian shepherd

The Belgian Shepherd breed with a striking black coat, the Groenendael is prized for its loyalty, intelligence, and graceful appearance. This dog, with its sleek, all-black coat and alert, perceptive eyes, is not only gorgeous, but also very skilled in a range of capacities, from protection to herding.

The Groenendael has a long history of being used as a working dog and was first bred in Belgium. Due to its adaptability and sharp instincts, dog lovers all over the world love it. This breed is renowned for its strong relationship with its owner and its environmental adaptability, making it a great choice for both companion and working dogs.

The Groenendael is a great family pet because, despite its fierce and energetic nature, it is also kind and loving. Both in rural and urban environments, this breed can flourish with the right training and socialization, giving its owners happiness and protection.

Characteristic	Description
Breed Name	Groenendael
Origin	Belgium
Coat Color	Black
Coat Type	Long, thick, and double-layered
Size	Medium to large
Temperament	Loyal, intelligent, protective
Exercise Needs	High
Life Expectancy	12-14 years

History of the breed

Shepherd dogs have been a common sight in Belgium since ancient times. These were a variety of shepherd breeds, and their owners bred them with little regard for appearance; instead, they focused on the parents’ functional traits, which they hoped to instill in their children. The dogs were mostly employed by farmers and peasants, and the nobility had no interest in such menial tasks.

With the vast sky and level stretches in the background, Groenendael appears fantastic.

There were more than good grounds for national pride in the breed. The Belgian Shepherd Club (Club du chien de berger belge) was eventually founded in 1891, marking the beginning of the breed’s development. Adolf Rieulou, a professor at the Kureghem Veterinary Medical Institute and a dog enthusiast, played the most significant part in this admirable endeavor. He patiently and enthusiastically worked to choose Belgian Shepherds.

Strong, healthy, and peaceful individuals above average height who shared a similar build and temperament were chosen to form a breed population. However, the coat quality of the dogs varied greatly, and the professor solved this issue by recognizing multiple distinct varieties within the breed.

The Belgian Shepherd has four varieties, one of which is the Groenendael.

The standard states that the modern breed is separated into four subtypes, the crossing of which is forbidden and may only be done in an emergency with specific authorization from the official and authorized canine council.

The charming titles of the regions where populations of a specific phenotype historically developed are credited with giving rise to the intra-breed variations of the Belgian Shepherd:

• Groenendael;
• Laekenois;
• Malinois;
• Tervuren.

The dogs all adhere to the same breed standard; the only characteristics that vary are the length and color of their hair. The Belgian Shepherd is the common "brand" shared by all four varieties, with the exception of the United States, although only the American Kennel Club recognizes them as distinct breeds.

Take a look at him; isn’t he gorgeous?

"Green valley" is how the romantic name "Groenendael" is translated. The Groenendael’s godfather was Nicholas Rose, an enterprising restaurateur, breeder, and ardent supporter of Belgian Shepherds. The Groenendael’s official birthday is recognized as March 12, 1898. His kennel gave birth to two black puppies, from which all subsequent Groenendaels were descended.

Nicholas Rose registered his pets in the stud book in 1901, and the International Cynological Organization officially recognized the Groenendael in 1909. Because of its exceptional intelligence, beauty, charm, and service abilities, the black Belgian Shepherd has gained worldwide acclaim over the course of a century.

Breed description

Beneath the glitzy exterior of the Groenendael, there lies a courageous heart and a diligent disposition. For many centuries, despite the harsh Belgian climate, the ancestors of these stunning dogs have faithfully served humanity. Belgians are classified as first group (guard and cattle dogs, excluding Swiss shepherd dogs) and first section (shepherds with working trials) in the FCI standard, the most recent revisions to which were made in 2002.

Appearance

This dog embodies "elegant power" on the outside with its graceful and quick movements, harmonious muscular body, and proud head carriage.

Despite its stance, the Groenendael appears agile.

Table: Basic provisions of the Belgian Shepherd breed standard (Groenendael variety)

• in males — 60–66 cm;
• in females — 56–62 cm

• in males — from 25 to 30 kg;
• in females — from 20 to 25 kg

• dry, harmonious build;
• square format;
• strong, prominent muscles;
• chest voluminous, descending to elbow level

• muzzle length approximately equal to half the length of the head or slightly longer;
• occipital protuberance poorly developed;
• superciliary and zygomatic arches not pronounced;
• jaws with strong and white teeth, full formula, scissor bite;
• eyes are almond-shaped, obliquely set, brown;
• ears are small, set high, almost triangular in shape

• rounded shape, "cat";
• toes arched, tightly clenched;
• front legs straight and parallel;
• hind legs powerful, but not heavy

• well set, thick at the base, medium length;
• in a calm state, lowered down, the tip slightly bent to the level of the hocks;
• when excited, the tail rises in the form of a curved curve;
• should not bend like a hook or fall to the side

• guard hair thick, dense, good structure;
• silky undercoat provides protection from adverse weather conditions;
• only black color;
• white spots on the chest and between the toes are allowed

The black Belgian moves with great speed and efficiency. The dog can change its gait abruptly even at very high speeds. It can gallop quickly and transition to a trot when slowing down.

Groenendael gains incredible speed and transitions to a gallop.

Character and behavior

A happy, curious, and attractive man pleases more people than just his owners. This dog’s vast array of benefits stems from its innate potential, which has been slightly enhanced by selection. It is rare to find a similar set of abilities and favorable traits in any other breed. A true Groenendael is a fantastic guard and dependable bodyguard; it will never display shyness or fear toward strangers. It effortlessly adjusts to a person’s rhythm and way of life, even taking on his routines.

They are humble and incredibly diligent; they are prepared to work, walk, and train in any weather condition. As they say, the owner will never forbid the dog from staying inside the house, so a downpour, a snowstorm, or a strong wind will not stop him.

Come out, master, and let’s play.

The black Belgian dog genuinely loves every member of the family, but tends to the person who needs protection the most. He or she is eager to play with kids for as long as they want, as long as they play carefully. But the Groenendael is a person who demands respect, and he just starts ignoring the little aggressors who go too far. Remember that these dogs are sensitive and perceptive; they will not tolerate abuse or harsh treatment.

Groenendael looks after children.

Belgians are good with other animals; in fact, they act as peacekeepers, mediating disputes between them when they arise. They view the people and animals in their home as a herd that has been placed under their care, and they "herd" it with all of their dog enthusiasm.

Disqualifying faults

The Groenendael’s coat typically attracts the expert’s special attention at the exhibition. A dog that is not black and has a short awn or an undercoat that is not thick enough runs the risk of being disqualified. Large white patches or restricted to areas not specified in the standard.

Though lovely, a sizable white blaze that reaches the neck is not purebred.

Other ineligible characteristics consist of the following:

• non-standard size;
• cowardice or aggressiveness;
• kinked tail or bobtail;
• drooping ears;
• cryptorchidism;
• severe depigmentation of the eyelids, lips and nose.

Video: all about Groenendaels

Choosing a puppy

Groenendaels are still a rare breed in our nation, despite their increasing popularity, so a Belgian black puppy will cost you a lot of money. A "pet" costs half as much as a baby with show prospects, which can be purchased for two thousand dollars. Scammers that sell small black Germans or even mongrels instead of exclusive Groenendaels at such a price are easy to spot for an unsuspecting person.

What to look out for to avoid being tricked:

• first of all, the muzzle – it should be sparse, narrow and elongated, the German"s "face" looks completely different;
• on the body format – in two breeds, it varies radically (Grushendal is drilled, and the German shepherd is stretched);
• on the limbs – the Belgian Shepherd has higher, drier, slimmer and less hairy legs than the German Shepherd;
• on the coat – the Groenendael has a more developed undercoat, and the outer coat is less close to the body, the "pants" and "collar" are much more luxurious than those of the German Shepherd.

Comparing the sizes of the puppies is more challenging because a novice buyer is not likely to be able to tell the exact age of the puppy "by eye," but it is important to remember that German Shepherds are typically bigger and heavier than Belgian Shepherds of any age.

Be ready; your dog will select you on its own.

A mutually beneficial agreement on responsibilities should be signed by both parties when purchasing a small Groenendael. This will ensure the puppy’s health and pedigree, and it is a very helpful document. Try not to buy something so significant in absentia; instead, make the decision to get your dog. You’ll get a ton of helpful information right away and be able to make better decisions.

Observe how infants run and play; their actions can reveal a lot about their health and, when it comes to games, their personalities. Pick the person who is the most engaged, curious, and assured.

But your dog will probably pick you on its own. This is a common occurrence, so making this decision is correct.

If you don’t want your house to be a mess, give your puppy toys and engaging activities.

Groenendael care

Even though the Groenendael is a low maintenance breed, there are certain important traits that the prospective owner should be aware of in order to fully and promptly prepare for them.

Feeding

An adult Groenendael’s increased activity and energy demand a steady supply of energy in the form of food high in protein. The best diet for daily consumption can be defined as premium dog food that is suitable for active dogs, like:

• Happy Dog Supreme Sensible;
• Pro Plan All Sizes Adult Performance;
• Nutrican Performance;
• Brit Care Endurance;
• Belcando Adult Aktive.

Selecting only the best food for active dogs

Meat, poultry, and offal should make up the majority of this breed’s natural diet; ensure that at least 70% of the menu is composed of protein-rich foods. Add eggs, cottage cheese, and boiled sea bass to diversify it. You should add fruits, vegetables, and a small amount of well-cooked porridge to the diet to balance it out.

Extra vitamins and minerals are needed when feeding natural food; your veterinarian will advise you on the type and quantity of these supplements.

Among the goods that are forbidden for the Groenendael are the following ones:

• goodies from the owner"s table;
• peppered, fatty, fried and smoked food;
• sweets and fresh pastries;
• legumes and citrus fruits.

Hygiene

As with any shepherd, a private home is preferable to an apartment in the city for a Groenendael. The dog requires space to roam around in as well as a steady stream of information for thought and analysis. Because the pet sheds a lot and has a strong scent, especially when wet, keeping it in the yard will make taking care of its fur much easier for the owner.

At least once a week, thick fur should be carefully combed in the direction that it grows; a metal comb with even, sparse teeth is more than adequate for this task. During shedding periods, you should increase the intensity and frequency of this procedure; here, slicker and hard brushes will be helpful. Additionally helpful in efficiently eliminating dead hairs from the undercoat is a good furminator. For this purpose, special silicone mittens won’t hurt; dogs enjoy having their fur massaged on their chest, back, and sides.

Photo gallery: devices for combing a Groenendael

You will need a hard brush during times of seasonal shedding; this brush is frequently used in conjunction with a slicker brush. The issue of actively shedding undercoat is flawlessly resolved by the Furminator. Such mittens remove a lot of falling hair with simple stroking. Select a slicker brush that is broad, sturdy, and cozy; it will last longer. To properly groom the coat, one must use the most popular metal comb.

However, using a stripper or mat cutter to comb out the Belgian is not necessary as sharp knives can harm the outer coat’s structure. For the same reason, it’s advised against giving the Groenendael too many baths; two "washes" a year should be plenty.

If there is no inflammation or other illness, you should brush your teeth and ears once a month in addition to wiping your eyes. Because Groenendaels move around so much and are such active dogs, their claws wear down naturally, so it’s unlikely that they will require a claw cutter.

Walking

You will find that you have absolutely no time for anything other than walks with your cherished dog if you are fortunate enough to own a Groenendael. This breed of dog requires a great deal of physical activity and mobility. A fifteen-minute walk "to pee" in the morning and evening is insufficient in this situation.

The Groenendael needs to spend a few hours each day running and walking.

Two hours or more should be spent walking overall. Active games or training exercises should be alternated with leisurely walks. Allow the dog to swim if there is a suitable reservoir along the route; Belgians adore it.

Make sure you engage him in active games.

Training

You will meet Grundyundal in our time, which, like its ancestors, grazes sheep. However, these dogs not only continued to serve, but they also developed a number of new skills that are useful in a variety of settings:

• in the army;
• in the police;
• at customs;
• in rescue services.

Grushendal works in any weather, anywhere, at any time.

Furthermore, when given the choice between German and Belgian dogs, the security services increasingly lean toward the latter due to their greater effectiveness and tenacity. Additionally, grönendaels make excellent guide dogs, canine psychotherapists, and delightful companions for travelers, athletes, and tourists. At the genetic level, they already know a lot and are highly capable, but this does not imply that you can achieve success without training. A purebred dog is not permitted to breed without passing working tests; training is therefore required.

In contrast to many other large breeds, Belgians mature quickly, and at two or three months of age, the fidgety little Groenendael is already actively eager to learn new things and acquire new skills. The puppy’s upbringing, which at first cannot be referred to as training, starts at this young age. Establishing a solid, mutually beneficial relationship between the owner and the dog at this early stage is crucial as it will serve as a solid foundation for training in the future.

You must begin raising a puppy in a playful manner.

Groenendael is devoted to its human family, and it is happiest when its owner is willing to spend a lot of time playing games and training. Like a flying ball, he will literally grab any command from the owner with enthusiasm and execute it as effectively as possible. These shepherds are meticulous; in order to win the admiration of their owner, they are prepared to practice their skills nonstop on the training field and are not inclined to settle for anything less than perfection.

Photo gallery: how the Gruenendal is trained

As early as six to seven months old, a dog can learn their first protective skills. Groenendaels are highly erratic; one of their most popular commands is "Barrier"!" It’s well practiced to focus when retrieving Serious service training will require an experienced assistant. Once the dog completes the obstacle course, it can solve mental and physical puzzles.

A black Belgian Shepherd, the Groenendael is a smart and devoted working dog that is well-known for its adaptability and close relationship with its family. This breed is excellent at obedience, protection, and herding because of its sleek black coat and lively, alert personality. For active owners who can offer lots of mental and physical stimulation, it’s a perfect fit. Groenendaels are protective and loving dogs, but they also need the right socialization and training to be good working dogs.

Groenendael diseases

Overall, Belgian shepherds can live up to 13 or 14 years on average; they are resilient and generally very healthy dogs. Regretfully, though, the Groenendael breed is more susceptible to certain hereditary illnesses. Maybe this is because the purebred variety’s gene pool was relatively small when it was first being bred.

I hope they lead long, healthy lives.

Disease	Description	Treatment
Hip Dysplasia	A hereditary condition in which the thigh bone does not fit tightly into the hip joint. Some dogs will lame and feel pain in one or both back legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. This condition can develop with age.	Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. If you are buying a puppy, ask the breeder to confirm that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and have no problems. The condition is hereditary, but it can also be caused by environmental factors such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries caused by jumping or falling on a hard surface.
Elbow dysplasia	This is an inherited condition common in large breed dogs. It is thought to be caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up a dog"s elbow, causing joint weakness. This condition can result in painful lameness.	Your veterinarian may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain.
Epilepsy	Groenendael may suffer from epilepsy, a disorder that causes mild to severe seizures. Epilepsy can be inherited. It can be caused by metabolic disorders, infectious diseases that affect the brain, tumors, exposure to poisons, or severe head trauma; or it may have no known cause (idiopathic epilepsy).	The long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Epilepsy can be controlled with medication, but it cannot be cured. The dog can live a full and healthy life with the proper management of this disorder. If your Groenendael is having seizures, take him to the vet immediately for diagnostic and treatment recommendations.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy	A degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors in the back of the eye. This is not a common condition in Belgian Shepherds.	Progressive Retinal Atrophy is detected several years before the dog shows signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life, just don"t move furniture or walk in familiar places. Reputable breeders have their dogs" eyes checked annually, and dogs with this condition are not allowed to breed.

Renowned for its striking black coat, intelligence, and loyalty, the Groenendael is an impressive breed. This versatile black Belgian shepherd’s strong protective instincts enable it to be an excellent working dog and family companion.

A Groenendael can be a loyal companion or a guard dog and prosper in a variety of settings with the right training and socialization. For them to remain content and in good health, they need regular mental and physical stimulation.

All things considered, the Groenendael is a great breed for people who are active and dedicated to giving this bright and active breed the care and attention it requires.

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