Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)

• ExerciseVery high

  Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–14 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Epilepsy · Cataracts

The Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) is the striking jet-black, long-haired member of the Belgian shepherd family — an intelligent, graceful, intensely devoted working dog. Like its Tervuren and Malinois relatives it is a high-drive, high-energy breed for experienced, active owners: it needs a great deal of daily exercise plus serious mental work and training, and it excels at herding, obedience, agility and protection sport. Sensitive and profoundly bonded, it can be protective and reserved with strangers, so it needs early, thorough socialisation and consistent, positive training; harsh handling damages its sensitive nature. An under-worked Groenendael becomes anxious, reactive and destructive. The long black double coat sheds heavily and 'blows' seasonally, needing brushing a couple of times a week and more during moults. Health-wise, buy from a breeder who screens hips and eyes, and be aware of hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and other eye disease, and hypothyroidism. Give a Belgian Sheepdog a real job, plenty of exercise, mental challenge, positive training and close involvement, and this elegant, brilliant shepherd will be a profoundly devoted partner for twelve to fourteen years.

• How much exercise does a Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) need?

  Very high. Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• How much grooming does a Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) live?

  12–14 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Cataracts. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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