Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
Country: Belgique Life expectancy: 10 --12 years old Height: 56 to 62 cm females / 60 to 66 cm males Weight: from 20 to 25 kg females / 28 to 30 kg males
History, origin & features
The Groenendael Belgian Shepherd originated in the Belgian village of the same name. The breed was created by Nicolas Rose in 1879 from a black longhaired bitch and a herding dog resembling her. The puppies from this cross were then used as the basis for the development of this variety of Belgian Shepherd Dog. Along with the Malinois, Tervueren and Laekenois, the Groenendael Belgian Shepherd was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale on January 1, 1956. The official FCI breed standard was published on March 13, 2001, specifying the characteristics of each variety. Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dogs are medium-sized, robust and elegant. They are harmoniously built, with lean, well-developed muscles. Their gait and look give an impression of intelligence and gentleness. Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dogs are distinguished from other Belgian Shepherd Dogs (Tervueren, Laekenois and Malinois) by their long, exclusively black coat. Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dogs are working dogs, guard dogs and companion dogs. He excels in the latter. Intelligent, reliable, protective and playful, they are also calm and athletic. Coat: long and smooth over the whole body, except for the head, the outside of the ears and the lower limbs. Dense and close, it is combined with a woolly undercoat, giving the dog excellent protection.
Color: exclusively zain black.
Head: long, straight, well defined and carried high. The skull is moderately broad, the forehead more round than flat, the median furrow not very pronounced. Moderate stop, black nose and medium-length muzzle.
Ears: Set high, small, triangular, pointed and erect when active.
Eyes: Almond-shaped, medium-sized, brownish to dark. Their expression is intelligent, gentle and lively.
Body: square-shaped. Straight back and loins, accentuated withers, firm, muscular back, solid loins, muscular croup, slightly tucked-up belly.
Tail: moderately long, thick at the base, hanging at rest, carried higher when the dog is alert.