The Belgian Shepherd Dog - Groenendael

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Some of this article has been kindly submitted by Michelle Hopkins of Belgalee Belgian Shepherds and other parts by Lynda Trotter of Belgenbeau Belgians

Appearance

When you first take your Belgian puppy home, he will be a wonderful, warm and fuzzy bundle of energy. It will not be long before your rotund puppy gains co-ordination and starts to 'strut' about your yard like a regal prince. At this time you will start to admire his aristocratic appearance and elegance.
There is little else in the canine world that matches the silhouette of a Belgian Shepherd when standing alert. He is a square dog, which means his height is approximately the same in measurement as his length from chest to rump. His movement is quick, light and agile, appearing effortless. He has a deep chest, nice length of neck, slightly arched and is moderately boned.
In the case of the Groenendael, they have an abundant stand-offish coat, usually with feathering on the front and hind legs and a tail that is heavily plumed. The male will develop a ruff or mane framing his expressive face. A Belgian Shepherd’s head should be fine and well chiselled. When looking side on, the skull should run parallel with his muzzle, as if a line were to be drawn along both planes, and with skull and muzzle measuring equal length. The eyes should be dark almond shaped and the ears should be high set and triangular, held erect. The feet should be small and catlike. In all varieties the male should stand 24 to 26 inches and the female 22 to 24 inches.

History

Developed in Belgium for guarding and herding of sheep. Belgian Shepherds were formally recognized in 1891. Present in the gene pool of these dogs were dogs with long coats, short coats, rough or wired coats and a variance of colours. Making the Belgian Shepherd Dog with four varieties. The Groenendael, with a solid long black coat; the Laekenois, with a rough or wire-coat in fawn, red or brown; the Malinois, with a short coat in fawn, red or brown and the Tervueren, a long coated fawn or dark red dog. In Australia we regard the Belgian Shepherd as a single breed with four varieties. Because of this, the dogs are always registered on their coat type and colour, not of their parents.

Temperament

Belgian Shepherds are often used around the world, and now in Australia, by the Police and Defence Forces. Due to their intelligence, alertness and ability to learn rapidly, they are an easy dog to train as long as you treat them with kindness and firmness. If you are cruel to a Belgian, he/she will forgive but never forget!
A Belgian Shepherd will bond very closely to his/her master, and become very sensitive to your moods. You need to live with a Belgian Shepherd before you can understand the deep loyalty and affection that they have for their family. With your friends they will be curious and a little aloof. With strangers they will be vigilant and alert until they are given the chance to assess the newcomers. The Belgian is conragious by nature. You cannot be glum for long if you are with your Belgian. They are happy dogs, have curious and inquisitive minds and will take any opportunity to show off their well-developed sense of humour.

Care / Grooming

Although the Groenendael has an abundant coat, grooming them is simplicity itself. Just one thorough comb and/or brush each week will keep them free of mats and their coats glistening. This may need to be done daily through their coat drop, but once all of the dead coat is stripped, you can go back to a weekly groom. Even if you decide to show your Belgian, don’t be put off by their coats. A good brush through the night before, or a bath a few days before a show and there you have it!

Health

Epilepsy, excessive shyness, eye problems and hip dysplasia. have all been health issues in Belgian Shepherds; however with breeders doing appropriate tests for these problems they are becoming rare.

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