Belgian Sheepdog
The long black coated Belgian shepherd, known at home as the Groenendael. Herding, guarding and search work all sit inside what it was bred for.
Photo by E911a, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Belgian Sheepdog, known outside the United States as the Groenendael, is the long coated black variety of the Belgian shepherd. It was standardised in the 1890s along with the other three varieties, and it is the one most people picture when they hear the name.
All four Belgians share the same build and the same working temperament. The differences are coat and colour, and this one is always solid black with a long outer coat and a dense undercoat.
Temperament
Alert, sensitive and closely bonded. Belgian Sheepdogs attach hard to their people and are watchful with strangers, and they are more emotionally reactive than a German Shepherd of the same job description.
They are highly trainable and they take correction badly. A Belgian that is handled roughly shuts down rather than toughens up. The herding drive shows as circling and nipping at moving things, including children and cyclists.
Care and grooming
A long double coat that needs brushing two or three times a week and daily during the two heavy moults, when the undercoat comes out in quantity.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy occur across the Belgian varieties. Ten to fourteen years is the expectation.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day plus mental work. They excel at obedience, herding, tracking, agility and protection sport.
They do badly left alone for long stretches and they are vocal. This is a working dog that suits an owner who wants to train, and it is a poor fit for a household that wants a decorative companion.
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