Belgian Shepherd: Groenendael

....A few words about this brilliand breed!

Groenendael is a dog that is included in the Belgian Shepherd breed. The breed consists of four Belgian Sheep dogs but the most popular is Groenendael. The other three spieces are Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Laekeniois. Its characteristics differ from the other dogs.
Height 56 - 62 cm (female) and 60 - 66 cm (male)
Weight 20 - 25 kg (female) and 25 - 30 kg (male)
Colour black
Life expectancy is until 13-14 years
Body Head high, proudly carried, moderate length, straight outlines, dry. Skull should be appropriately broad width corresponding to the length of the head, almost as long as the muzzle. The forehead should be rather flat. Longitudinal front cutting machine is only slightly pronounced. The occipital protuberance is only slightly noticeable. The frontal slope is distinct, reasonably steep. Muzzle should be formed under the eyes, has not fallen and the overall shape of an elongated wedge. Cheeks are dry, really flat, but well-muscled.The eyes should be of medium size, slightly almond-shaped, slanted, brown colour. Dark-coloured iris is preferred. The rims are black. The look is open, lively, bold, determined.

Head high, proudly carried, moderate length, straight outlines, dry. Skull should be appropriately broad width corresponding to the length of the head, almost as long as the muzzle. The forehead should be rather flat. Longitudinal front cutting machine is only slightly pronounced. The occipital protuberance is only slightly noticeable. The frontal slope is distinct, reasonably steep. Muzzle should be formed under the eyes, has not fallen and the overall shape of an elongated wedge. Cheeks are dry, really flat, but well-muscled.

The mouth is relatively large and broad. Lips may be narrow, tightly fitting to the jaws and teeth on the edges of fully pigmented. The teeth are large, pure white, regularly spaced and deeply fixed in strong jaws. It requires a scissor bite, but tolerates also pincer bite. Full dentition is requested, but may be missing two of the first premolars (P1) and molars 3 (M3) is not mentioned.The eyes should be of medium size, slightly almond-shaped, slanted, brown colour. Dark-coloured iris is preferred. The rims are black. The look is open, lively, bold, determined.

Groenendeal was named after the village of Groenendael in Belgium at 1800. It is a bright and obedient dog, determined and observant with strong protective and territorial instincts. The breed needs extensive socialization preferably from an early age, to prevent it from becoming shy or sensitive. Belgian Shepherds additionally need an experienced master and consistent rules must be set and made clear. They are good for working and competition obedience, make ideal police and guard dogs too. They do however, make excellent pets if they have owners who can challenge their minds constantly. They are watchful, alert and loyal. These breeds are good with children if socialized well with them. Groenendaels need daily exercise along with training, for without it they may become destructive and hard to handle.
Finally, one of these shepherds will do okay in an apartment if it is regularly exersised. It is moderately active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Let's spot some advantages and disadvantages of the breed in case you are interested in adopting such a beautiful dog.

Advantages

1. Protection - Herding Behavior
   Those dogs are extremely useful for protection purposes. They wary of strangers and may display herding behavior such as circling and chasing. The way the owner handles the dog can produce wide differences in temperament and aggressiveness. Also the fact that they are in solid black helps them camouflage into the night, until the suspect is very close. He will suffer the consequences. On the other hand they may literelly become a child's guardian angel. They will keep a constant eye on your children and will inform you if something goes wrong.
2. Health
   Most dogs of this breed don't suffer from significant health disorders, some allergies maybe that are unworthy to mention.

Disadvantages

1. Grooming - Shedding
   
   Despite the fact that they don't need much grooming, they do however loose massive amounts of coats when shedding. This heppens twice a year and then they need daily grooming.
   
   
2. Separation anxiety
   
   As soon as the dog becomes a part of your family, he will demand your daily presence. If your belgian shepherd is left alone for long periods of time, may probably experience separation anxiety. Groenendaels bond deeply to their people. Remember a dog that its size is above the average and in solid black is not always welcomed.Most people consider the black colour as something bad anr try to avoid it, confused by superstitions referring to wiches and black cats. So if you are dreaming of ideal vacation on Greek islands you must better think of it twice as long as dogs are not accepted to travel in several means of transportation.
   
   In my personal opinion a Belgian Shepherd is a black diamond with thick coat. You have to consider yourselves extremely lucky if a groenendael is a member of your family. You will realize it a few months after the adoption when you will have an adult and well behaved dog. A friend for life who you can trust and never be disappointed from.