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Belgian sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog, known in Europe as the Groenendael, is the long-coated black variety of the Belgian shepherd, named for the village where it was standardised in the 1890s.

It served as a messenger and ambulance dog in both world wars.

It stands 56 to 66 centimetres, weighs 20 to 30 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years, with a long, straight black double coat and a full ruff. It is elegant, extremely intelligent and highly sensitive, and it shares the drive of all the Belgian varieties. It is more emotionally reactive than a German Shepherd and needs handling that accounts for that.

Origin
Groenendael, Belgium, 1890s
Size
56–66 cm; 20–30 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Long straight black double coat with a ruff; heavy moult
Temperament
Intelligent, sensitive, driven, watchful
Health
Epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA

Related: German shepherd · Belgian Laekenois · Belgian Malinois · Belgian Tervuren · Bergamasco sheepdog

2 belgian sheepdog photos, newest first

  • Toffee II, a belgian sheepdog

    Toffee II

    Toffee II was promoted to detective examining one suspicious biscuit; unfortunately, a pile of cushions slowly topples.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Toffee II, a belgian sheepdog

    Toffee II

    Nothing about Toffee II's expression is an accident.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a belgian sheepdog

They are sensitive, and that is the practical fact about training them. Harsh corrections produce shutdown or avoidance rather than compliance, and a Groenendael that has lost trust in a handler is very hard to get back.

Epilepsy occurs in the Belgian shepherd varieties. Ask about it directly in the breeder's lines.

Ask for hip and elbow scores and PRA testing.

They need substantial exercise and, more importantly, mental work — this is a breed that thrives on training and deteriorates without it.

The long coat needs brushing several times a week and daily during the twice-yearly moult, which is heavy. Never shave the double coat.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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