Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)

Belgian shepherds worked the farms and small holdings of Belgium for centuries as general-purpose herders and guardians, but there was no single standard until 1891, when veterinarian Professor Adolphe Reul catalogued the various local types found across the country. Nicolas Rose, an innkeeper at Groenendael near Brussels, bred a pair of long-coated black dogs that became the foundation of what is now recognised as a distinct variety, taking its name from his property. It shares its working ancestry with the Malinois and Tervueren, and all three remain classed as a single breed in some countries and separately in others.

Living with a Groenendael means living with a watchful, athletic, deeply bonded dog that wants a job and a close relationship with its handler in roughly equal measure. It is highly trainable and excels at obedience, herding trials and protection sport, but it is not a passive pet: without enough mental and physical work it becomes anxious, vocal or destructive. It is naturally reserved with strangers and benefits from thorough early socialisation. The long, harsh black coat needs brushing two or three times a week, with much heavier shedding during the twice-yearly coat blow.

Today the Groenendael is used in police, military and protection work as well as competitive dog sport and as a companion for active, experienced owners. It is not suited to a quiet household or a first-time dog owner, but for the right home it is an exceptionally capable and loyal working partner.