The Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized breed of dog, originally from Belgium. This working dog is very similar in appearance to a German Shepherd but with a slimmer build.
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10 Unbelievable Things About The Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog
This breed is not as well known as many others, so there are many things about it that people do not know. Here are ten interesting facts about the Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael .
1. It is sometimes classified as a Belgian Shepherd Dog
Although most breed records recognize the Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog as an independent breed, it is often included in the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The Groenendael is one of the four breeds that are classified in this group. The other three breeds that are considered Belgian Shepherd Dogs are the Tervuren , the Malinois, and the Laekenois . Each of them has a distinctive coat that sets them apart.
2. It is named after the area from which it originates.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael is named for the area of Belgium where it comes from. The Tervuren and Malinois are also named after the places in Belgium where they originated from. The Laekenois is named for the Chateau de Laeken, which was the favorite royal residence of Queen Marie Henriette.
3. They were primarily bred as herding dogs
When the Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael was initially conceived as a herding dog. This meant that this working dog was kept mostly by farmers who had the cattle they needed to herd.
4. They have served the forces
In addition to herding, the Belgian Shepherd Groenendael has had many different job roles. Since the late 19th century, they have been used by both the armed forces and the police in a variety of roles to support the work of these services.
5. There are some health conditions this breed is prone to.
Like most dog breeds, there are some health conditions that the Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog is prone to. Some of them include inherited cataracts, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.
6. They are always black
One of the most notable characteristics of the Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog is the color of its coat. Unlike many other breeds that come in a wide range of different colors, this breed is always black . Occasionally, there are examples of this breed that have a few very small white markings. They have a thick, double coat that is hard and dense.
7. They are highly intelligent
The Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog is a highly intelligent breed of dog. This means that they are one of the best dogs to train and it is also the reason that the breed has been used in a working capacity in so many different environments.
As they are a smart breed, they are also a popular choice with those who participate in dog sports, activities, and events. Some of these include agility competitions, endurance events, Schutzhund, and tracking.
8. They need socialization
In many ways, Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael is excellent to train as he learns very quickly. However, it may require expert handling for the training to be adequate. An important element of training for this breed is socialization.
It is important to accustom this breed to different environments and situations to prevent them from becoming difficult to handle in the future. Examples of scenarios include crowded areas and gatherings with other dogs. Once this dog is trained, it is very loyal to its owner and can behave excellently in public.
9. Lop ears are considered a fault.
The breed standard of the Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog is that they have pointed, upright ears. Occasionally, a dog of this breed will have floppy ears. If the dog participates in events and competitions, the possession of lop ears is considered a serious offense. This means that most breeders and showers avoid having a dog that clearly has floppy ears.
10. They bathe heavily twice a year.
For most of the year, the Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael does not need much grooming. However, this dog loses large amounts of its coat once or twice a year. During these periods of shedding, dogs are advised to groom themselves regularly to help them shed their hair quickly and monitor the amount of shedding.
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