Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) – Pastoral
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The Groenendael
Not to be confused with the three other types of Belgian Shepherd’s Dog
Big Bold & Beautiful is one way to describe a Groenendael
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Quick Overview
Name: Groenendael variety of the Belgian Sheepdog/ Belgian Shepherd
Size: Large, up to 26 inches from the shoulder
Weight: Up to 75lbs
Grooming: Daily
Training: Reasonably Easy
Exercise: more than 2 hours a day
Lifespan: Up to 14 years
Origins: Belgium
Breed Type: Pastoral (herding dog)
A Quick Belgian Shepherd Groenendael History
Belgian Shepherd Dogs have been on the go for thousands of years. We never thought to classify them until the 19th century saw the emergence of the Kennel Clubs. It is estimated that there were once more than 8 different types of Belgian Shepherd Dog. Around the 19th century, the remaining few were categorised as Malinois, Tervuren, Laekenois and Groenendael.
They are a shepherd breed, a type of dog most at home in the fields. In their native country, cattle farming drives huge profits and is one of the nationally acceptable methods of earning a living. Belgium is largely arable and sees high numbers of cattle, particularly needed to create the chocolates that make the country famous.
The Groenendael was, therefore, a working dog bred to round up the cattle and take care of them at night, once their masters had gone off to bed. They are a largely independent breed with an intelligent goodness to their nature that makes them ideal show dogs, and exceptionally easy to train. The Groenendael has been separated and categorised as the breed of Belgian Shepherd Dog that comes with a longer coat than the others, typically, this would have made them the ideal sheepdog during the long winter months.
Nowadays, this healthy, hearty, quick-witted pooch has earned its place on ever Kennel Club register in the world – either as a member of the Belgian Shepherd breed types, or as a breed in its own right. You can find it in the American Kennel Club, in the UK Kennel Club, and you can join several other clubs as an owner, including the Belgian Shepherd Dog Association of Great Britain or the Northern Belgian Shepherd Dog Club…but we’re sure there are others out there, too.
Fun Facts About the Groenendael!
Every breed has good bits and bad bits, and we like to list them all as interesting facts! Here are the Five Minutes Spare favourite facts about the Groenendael, just for you:
- An optic chiasm separates this type of Belgian Shepherd dog from the other three kinds. They can’t look at a certain angle, a trait shared by humans with the same defect.
- Further separation of the types comes via coat length. The Groenendael has an exceptionally long coat by comparison to his relatives.
- The name Groenendael apparently comes from an important breeder of this type of dog, who owned a café called the Groenendael. So an entire breed of dog has been named for her café…
- During the World Wars, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were messengers and runners, ambulance dogs, and even worked for the gunners.
So you see, there are more things than meets the eye about this particular breed of dog. The Belgian Shepherd has a long history of being a worker that can outshine even a human pair of hands. Give a little appreciation and let the modern version have a rest in a home with a big garden and all the treats they can get… they deserve to enjoy retirement.
Is it Hard to Train a Belgian Shepherd Groenendael?
No. Actually, the whole line of Belgian Shepherd dogs is well adjusted to the human commands. If you try to train them from an early age, they are sharp enough to get it and happy enough to please. Make sure you socialise them a lot as puppies as they are strong and powerful and a bad-tempered one is not something you want! Since they are a large breed, other owners are going to treat you with trepidation so don't make that worse by having an anti-social one. Excellent recall is a must – so get along to a puppy obedience class and don’t let them run around off the lead.
An anti-social Belgian Shepherd Dog is not a pretty sight!
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What About Grooming?
You will need to clip your dog’s toenails every month or two, particularly if you tend to walk them on grass instead of pavement or stone. You will need to brush them on the daily, although you can get away with skipping a day. They have the same long, thick, dark coat as a German Shepherd Dog, so if you leave it too long, they will matt. Matting hurts the dog and bruises when it is removed professionally, so brush your pup. Remember to get them a toothbrush, too.
How Much Exercise do they Need?
They are medium-large breed bred to run around all night in the fields watching flocks. We would suggest a minimum of two long walks per day, although one long walk and a big play might be enough if you have a big garden. They are best suited to homes with space so they can amble about and herd the family.
Do They Have Health Problems?
All larger breeds have issues with hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. To you and me, this means hip and knee issues. Elbow problems are known to them, as is epilepsy. When you buy from a good breeder, they should be able to give you a rundown of the familial health of your pup. That being said, you might want to get a vet to examine their limbs and joints early on to catch any developmental issues before they become problems.
Where Can I Buy A Groenendael?
They start small but soon grow in size (as well as on you!)
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You should call your nearest shelters and ask for a notification if this type of breed arrives. If you are desperate for a puppy of your own, contact your local kennel club. they keep registered lists of approved breeders who will be able to give you a date on a pup. Be warned: avoid puppy farmers at all costs. If someone sells you a purebred dog at a knockdown price that they don’t have paperwork for, report them to your local animal charity.
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