Groenendael

Quick Take

• The Groenendael looks like a loving family pet, yet its instincts around children can trigger a behavior most owners never see coming. See the herding instinct →
• Most countries classify this dog as something completely different from what Americans call it, and that distinction matters more than you might expect. Explore the breed classification →
• Skip one early step with a Groenendael puppy and you could end up with an aggressive dog instead of a confident companion. See why socialization matters →
• The Groenendael and the Belgian Malinois share nearly everything except the one trait that makes one of them far harder to own than the other. Compare the two breeds →

The Groenendael is one of four breeds that originated in Belgium. Instantly recognized by its pricked ears and luxurious black coat, the breed is well-suited for many activities and makes an excellent companion animal for the active family. Although developed as a herding dog, this breed makes an excellent guard and working dog and is used by police forces and the military.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Groenendael

Types of Groenendaels

In most of the world, the Groenendael is grouped with the Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Laekenois into one breed, known as the Belgian Shepherd Dog.

In the U.S., these dogs are split into four distinct breeds:

• Groenendael, which is long-haired and black
• Tervueren, long-haired and fawn, red or grey
• Malinois, short-coated and red, fawn or grey
• Laekenois, rough-coated and reddish fawn.

The American Kennel Club recognizes each of these dogs as a separate breed. The Laekenois is the most recent of the breeds to win AKC recognition, which it did in 2020, joining the other Belgian Sheepdogs in the Herding group.

Evolution and Origins

Like the other varieties of Belgian Shepherd dogs, the Groenendael was first introduced in Belgium in the late 1800s. Breeder Nicolas Rose is most often credited with the development of the Groenendael, which is named after his property, Chateau Groenendael.

The dogs’ versatility won them fans, and by the early 1900s, they were being used as police dogs in Paris and New York and assisting customs officers in their homeland. They served as war dogs during World Wars I and II, carrying communications and pulling medical and machine gun carts.

A boost in popularity followed World War II, and in modern times, apart from being family pets, they are used for police, defense, search and rescue, therapy, and service work, as well as competing regularly in dog sports such as agility trials.

Size and Weight

The Groenendael’s height classifies it as a medium to large breed. It is neither stocky nor fine-boned, and the ideal dog is slightly longer in body than it is tall. Males can reach up to 26 inches, while females may mature at 24 inches.

Common Health Issues

The Groenendael is a generally healthy breed. Like other dogs of its size, some may develop hip or elbow dysplasia. These conditions aren’t as widespread as in many breeds, such as the German Shepherd.

Some individuals of the breed may also develop skin allergies, epilepsy, or progressive retinal atrophy. With an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, regular veterinary care is important to diagnose age-related concerns early.

Temperament

The Groenendael is an observant, obedient dog. When socialized from a young age, they make great companions. However, dogs that aren’t exposed to strange people and places may become overly shy or aggressive.

The breed is generally easy to train and responds best to a handler who is consistent and positive. Harsh, negative corrections can make the dog apprehensive and timid.

How to Take Care of the Groenendael

The Groenendael belongs in the house with his family. This is not a breed that does well left alone in a yard or kennel. They are highly trainable and can learn excellent manners, making them easy to get along with for all family members, including children and other pets.

The Best Dog Food

It is important to feed your Groenendael high-quality dog food. Feeding at least twice a day ensures he takes his time eating and is beneficial for digestion. The breed does have a tendency toward obesity, so it is important to keep a close eye on its weight. If your Groenendael deals with allergies, a limited-ingredient or allergy-friendly diet could help.

Maintenance and Grooming

With its soft undercoat and coarse outer coat, the Groenendael needs frequent brushing to look its best and minimize the hair it leaves around the house. Spending a few minutes each day brushing is better than a marathon session over the weekend.

Regardless of how well you keep up with its grooming, expect a major shed twice a year. Anyone who has an issue with dog hair on their clothes and furniture may want to select a different breed.

Training

The Groenendael’s willing temperament and intelligence make training a rewarding endeavor. Expect these dogs to pick up lessons quickly, whether it is obedience, agility, or simply good manners. Patient and consistent behavior from the handler yields the best results.

One area not to ignore when raising a Groenendael is socialization. Proper socialization is the most important step you can take to ensure you raise a confident, willing dog. Groenendaels that are kept at home without the opportunity to meet strangers and other animals can become very timid. This timidity can manifest as either shyness or aggression.

Exercise

This breed is active and needs plenty of exercise. If you aren’t prepared for daily walks as well as time to romp and play, this isn’t the dog for you. A fenced yard does not provide the stimulation this breed needs; they are people-oriented and need training and playtime, as well as exercise, every day. Without enough activity, the breed tends toward destructive behaviors, such as chewing, barking, and digging.

Puppies

The average litter of Groenendaels has between 6 and 10 puppies. Initially, a Groenendael puppy should be fed four times a day. When the puppy reaches 3 months, feedings can be reduced to three times a day.

The most important duty of a new Groenendael owner is proper socialization. Talk with your veterinarian to learn when you can take the pup in public. Regular socialization from a young age is important if you want a happy, confident adult dog.

Groenendaels and Children

The Groenendael, of all the Belgian Shepherds, makes a fine companion for a family with children. Some training may be necessary. The breed’s strong herding tendency can result in him running circles around the child and even gently nipping in an effort to herd them. With patience and gentle correction, they will learn this is unacceptable behavior.

The breed’s high energy level and obedient nature make it a fun choice for endless games of fetch and as a companion on hikes and other adventures.

Dogs Similar to the Groenendael

If you are interested in this breed and want to compare it with some similar breeds, look at any of the other Belgian Shepherds. They all have similarities as well as some things that make them unique.

• Belgian Malinois: (pronounced “ma-luhn-WAA”). Its short, smooth coat requires less grooming than the Groenendael. Colors can range from lighter fawn to deep mahogany, and it has a black mask. These dogs are generally more aggressive than Groenendaels.
• Belgian Laekenois: (pronounced “lak-in-WAA”). This is a rough-coated dog and a newly recognized breed by the AKC.
• Belgian Tervuren: (pronounced “tr-VYUR-uhn”). It has a long coat similar to the Groenendael, aside from color. The Tervuren is fawn to mahogany in color, with each hair tipped in black. This breed also has a black mask.

In addition, the German Shepherd, while not related to the Belgian Shepherd, shares many characteristics, including intelligence, eagerness to please, and a high activity level.

Groenendael Versus Malinois

The Malinois and Groenendael are both Belgian Shepherds, and roughly the same size and weight. They are both herding breeds as well. They do have several key differences. The Malinois is the more aggressive of the two. They are not a good choice for the less experienced dog owner..

Both the Groenendael and the Malinois have a high prey drive, but the Groenendael is generally easier to train to leave household pets alone. Finally, the Groenendael is the more affectionate choice. While the Malinois will bond with his family and is eager to please, the Groenendael is more inclined to enjoy cuddles and love.