Belgian Sheepdog

Among four breeds of Belgian shepherd dogs named in the 1890s for the parts of the country (the Malines, Tervuren, Laeken and us, the Groenendael) we're the lucky ones to be considered the Belgian Sheepdogs. Shepherd dogs from Belgium -- where we've been refining ourselves since the Middle Ages -- are pretty much alike, under our fur of various lengths and color schemes. We Groenendael (our breeder had a castle by that name) are the ones with the longish fur that's solid black in color -- although some of us may have white markings. Chien de Berger Belge is another name for the Belgian Sheepdog. During times of war we distinguished ourselves as battlefield messengers, ambulance dogs, and haulers of artillery. The Belgian Sheepdog was recognized by the AKC in 1912 and placed in the Herding Group.

• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Busy is better than bored
• Confident and self-assured
• Courageous canine
• Energizer doggie

• Herding instinct
• High strung
• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Lives to work
• Novice owners might be challenged with this breed
• Outdoors enthusiast
• Perfect protector
• Socialization and training must start early
• Spirited
• Steadfast and strong
• Stubborn streak
• Training can be difficult
• Training must be firm, patient, consistent
• Possibly aggressive toward strangers
• Willing watchdog

Please start my training and socialization early. During obedience classes, ask the instructor to watch for signs that I'm being too protective of my handler -- experienced instructors know what to watch for -- and don't let that guarding instinct go too far. Keep my mind off the guarding thing with plenty of canine sport activities -- tracking, herding, obedience -- or volunteer me as a search-and-rescue or therapy dog. You'll be impressed and proud with the results.

Possibility of hip dysplasia, epilepsy, or eye disorders.