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CLEAR ALLAs the name suggests, the Belgian Shepherd dog breed is native to Belgium. They were initially bred as working dogs, with four separate varieties emerging over the years; the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervuren. The Groenendael is considered to be the most popular variety, named after the village of Groenendael where they first originated. Today, they are loved the world over for their impressive intelligence and loyal natures as well as their handsome appearance.
These affectionate dogs form deep ties with their owners, so they make wonderful family pets, as long as they have been trained and socialised from a young age. These dogs have a strong protective instinct thanks to their history as herders.
Belgian Shepherds tend to excel in a range of canine activities including flyball and agility. They are also highly prized as search and rescue and assistance dogs. Groenendaels make great companions for more active couples and families that have the time to devote to their unique needs.
As the name suggests, the Belgian Shepherd dog breed is native to Belgium. They were initially bred as working dogs, with four separate varieties emerging over the years; the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois, and Tervuren. The Groenendael is considered to be the most popular variety, named after the village of Groenendael where they first originated. Today, they are loved the world over for their impressive intelligence and loyal natures as well as their handsome appearance.
These affectionate dogs form deep ties with their owners, so they make wonderful family pets, as long as they have been trained and socialised from a young age. These dogs have a strong protective instinct thanks to their history as herders.
Belgian Shepherds tend to excel in a range of canine activities including flyball and agility. They are also highly prized as search and rescue and assistance dogs. Groenendaels make great companions for more active couples and families that have the time to devote to their unique needs.
Like all other Belgian Shepherd breeds, Groenendael dogs are medium-sized. They stand 56 to 66 cm tall and weigh between 25 and 30 kg on average.
Groenendaels look similar to the other Belgian Shepherd breeds, as well as the popular German Shepherd. However, they have a squarer profile than their cousins and a lighter bone structure. They do, however, have the same refined, chiselled head as the Tervueren, Malinois, and Laekenois, which they carry with pride.
Groenendaels have medium-sized dark brown eyes with black rims, giving an alert and curious look. Their triangular-shaped ears are set high on the head and held erect, adding to their alert appearance.
The most distinctive feature of the Belgian Groenendael is its long, black double coat. This comprises a straight outer coat and a thick undercoat for warmth and protection. The length of their fur is not consistent all over their body, though. The neck, back of the front legs, hindquarters and tail all have noticeably longer hair, creating a fringe style. The opening of their ears also has an abundance of hair.
Groenendaels only have one possible coat colour - black, though some may have white or grey markings known as frosting. This is most apparent around the muzzle.
Like all working dogs, Belgian Groenendaels are highly intelligent and active, with a strong work ethic and eager-to-please nature. These qualities make them excel at any job they are given, whether it's herding cattle, protecting property or sending messages between soldiers.
However, in the home, Belgian Groenendaels require frequent daily exercise, including long walks and multiple play sessions, to stay happy and content. Mental stimulation is equally important to work their intelligent brains. These dogs can quickly develop unwanted behavioural issues if they do not get the physical or psychological exercise they need.
Training and socialisation are essential for Belgian Groenendaels, so they are best suited to people with previous experience with dogs. Start training as early as possible and include a mix of obedience training, tricks, and agility.
Without proper training, Belgian Groenendaels can become dominant and try to take the role of leader, becoming unruly. So if you do not have time for consistent training, handling, and socialisation, it is vital to work with a trainer instead.
The good thing is these dogs learn quickly and can pick up commands and tricks in a flash. This is because they are attentive to what is happening around them and always eager to please their humans.
Belgian Groenendaels develop incredibly loyal and loving bonds with their owners. They will be your friend for life and your bodyguard, always ensuring you are safe and free from harm. However, because of their protectiveness, they can be aloof and wary of strangers and take a while to warm up to new people.
As mentioned, Belgian Groenendaels do best with experienced dog owners who have time to train and socialise them properly. They also thrive with active owners, as their favourite way to spend time with their humans is on long walks and hikes.
Belgian Groenendaels often become an integral part of the family and build strong bonds with all household members, including children. However, they are best suited to older children because of their high energy.
Belgian Groenendaels can also become good friends with any dogs or cats they grow up around. However, introducing them to new pets once they are older will likely be a challenge. They can show aggression towards other dogs - you can minimise this through socialisation but not completely eradicate it.
Their stories
We love happy endings. Discover stories of pets who found their beloved family with the help of The Pedigree Paws <3.
Neo
Russian Blue
We had some concerns purchasing a kitten online but our experience with The Pedigree Paws was great. They connected us with Caroline, the Russian Blue breeder and we had many conversations and received multiple pictures and videos. She answered to all our questions.
The Pedigree Paws verified for us all the vaccinations and health checks to make sure our new kitten was 100% healthy.
Thank you for all your help The Pedigree Paws! Highly recommended!
Jack
Miniature Dachshund
One of the reasons I was hesitant to order a puppy from The Pedigree Paws is because I live in Spain. However they connected me with a very good FCI breeder in Barcelona.
He showed me all the health documents of both parents, their pedigree and answer to all my questions. I am so happy they helped me to find a healthy puppy as finding one by myself was very overwhelming. Contacting The Pedigree Paws was the best decision and I highly recommend them to everybody!
Stitch
Chartreux
From the kittens's selection to the arrival of our Chartreux kitten, The Pedigree Paws was there to assist us. We had great experience with them, and they breeder Alexandra from France with whom they connected us and from whom we got our kitten from. They are very prompt in answering our initial and follow-up questions while our kitten was in transit. Very reliable and trustworthy!
Thank you so much for all your help. We are very happy with our new family member. We will definitely recommend it to all our friends.
Athena
Chihuahua
It's been a few months since we decided to find a Chihuahua puppy to join our family, however we had issues finding a good breeder.
We contacted The Pedigree Paws and they connected us with a very unique breeder in Greece. Many videos and pictures were shown, the breeder shared with us the proof of vaccinations, deworming and her 5 generation pedigree. We were fortunate as George, the breeder was able to deliver the puppy to us personally. We are very pleased with our beautiful Athena. Thank you, The Pedigree Paws, for being truthful and transparent.
Thor
Abyssinian
I feel wonderful having help from The Pedigree Paws finding the dream Abyssinian kitten I was looking for. Thor is the absolute dream! The Pedigree Paws team was really patient and responsible in everything. Lovely experience! They replied to every questions, requirements, and information I ask about the kitten.
Fin
Chihuahua
Thank you for finding for me such a beautiful Chihuahua puppy! I love him so much from the minute I saw him. He changed my world.
Kate, from The Pedigree Paws assisted me through the whole process informing me about everything from health checks to arranging a Pet Nanny to transport Fin directly to my door. So thankful that the experience went so well! I love my Fin.
Emi
Ragdoll
I have always wanted a Ragdoll kitten as it was my dream cat breed, but didnt know how to find one as heard a lot about kitten farms and bad breeders. I reached out to The Pedigree Paws and they were very accommodating and transparent from the start. They offered me few kittens from their list of breeders and when I saw Emi I knew she was the one! We went through the kitten's parents DNA testing as for me that was a priority to have a kitten free from genetic disorders. We sealed the deal and now I have the best kitten I could dream of! Thank you very much for all your help
Shima
Russian Blue
I really wanted a Russian Blue kitten, but was very nervous getting one after reading horror stories about scammers on the Internet. I had my first call with Natalia, from The Pedigree Paws and with her help I was able to connect with the breeder, that I knew I could trust. I am very lucky to have now Shima, she is an absolute joy to live with.
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