Origin

Originating in Belgium at the end of the 1800's there were quite a few herding breeds with a variety of coats and types available.  Officially the Belgian Shepherd breed was born between the years of 1891 and 1897 with the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club founded in Brussels also in 1871.  From a gathering of over 100 dogs the best specimens were chosen to eventually form the single breed of Belgian Shepherd.  In 1892 the first detailed breed standard was drawn up by the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club with one single breed but with three different coat varieties.  It was not until 1910 that the type and temperament of the Belgian Shepherd breed had been established.

General Appearance

The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a powerful looking dog but not heavy by any means, it is harmoniously proportioned giving it a great combined look of elegance and power.  It is of medium size and medium length with a rustic look that is use to be being out in the open and being well suited to the Belgian environment.  As a working breed it is lively with a free movement that gives that impression of elegant strength while tirelessly being able to spring to life whenever needed to work.

Each Belgian Shepherd variety usually has a dense hair coat that is close fitting and of a good texture with a woolly undercoat forming an excellent protective covering.

The Groenendael is usually uniformly black with long hair that is quite smooth on most of the body, especially around the neck and chest area.  Shorter hair is present on the head, ears and the lower parts of its legs with fringes of hair between the shorter to longer hair on the rear side of the forearm.  The tail is furnished with long, abundant hair forming a plume.

Temperament

very watchful and active dog with bundles of energy ready for action at any time.  As a working dog it is well adjusted to herding flocks and can also posses great qualities as being a guard dog.  A very loyal dog that is keen to protect its owner the Belgian Shepherd makes for a great shepherd, defence and/or service dog.  Its lively, confident and alert nature is one of its great assets. While calm and fearless it is not usually aggressive dog, however it will by all means come to the defence of its owner.

Care and Grooming

With its longer coat some grooming to keep the coat free from matting should be done at least weekly.  The Belgian Shepherd loves to run and have free movement and needs good exercise daily on and off lead.  Obedience training is recommended to ensure the dog understand the basic owner commands which will result in a very loyal and protective dog.