Character & Temperament

The Groenendael is an extremely intelligent and alert dog. He is loyal and affectionate to his family and is often reserved towards strangers. As a herding dog, he has a strong protective instinct and is naturally alert. The Groenendael is active and requires both physical and mental activity. He loves completing tasks and is well suited to dog sports such as agility or obedience. The Groenendael is a very people-oriented breed and loves spending time with his family. He is playful and often shows a strong need for attention. The Groenendael can stay alone well if it is used to it from an early age. However, he should not be left alone for too long as he prefers the company of his family. The Groenendael can show strong hunting and prey-catching behavior, which should be channeled through consistent training and good socialization. He is naturally alert and is happy to report suspicious noises or movements. This makes him a good guard dog that defends his territory.

What Awaits You

Groenendaels are very active and easily excitable working dogs. They can be used in a variety of ways. These dogs can be prone to aggression. They are not beginner or family dogs.

Housing & Care

The Groenendael is better suited to a rural environment due to its strong herding instincts and active nature. He needs enough space to run around and let off steam. As a city dog, he may not be able to get enough exercise and then exhibit undesirable behavior. Small children are usually not a problem as long as they treat the dog with respect and learn appropriate handling. However, it is important to always supervise interactions between children and dogs. With early socialization and gentle introduction, Groenendael dogs can get along well with cats and other pets.

Training & Education

The Groenendael is an intelligent and eager-to-learn dog that likes to be challenged. It is well suited to various dog sports such as agility, obedience and tracking. Consistent but loving training is important to encourage his natural abilities and avoid unwanted behavior. It is important to keep him mentally and physically busy, as an underemployed Groenendael may develop destructive behavior. Excessive ball playing should be avoided as the breed can tend to become ball-obsessed. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important aspects that the dog should learn to ensure a pleasant coexistence. By involving him in different activities and offering him alternatives to express his hunting or prey-catching instincts, the Groenendael can be a happy and well-adjusted dog.

Nutrition & Care

The Groenendael has a long, dense top coat with a soft undercoat. He needs regular brushing to prevent mats and keep his coat clean and healthy. The breed sheds heavily, especially during shedding. Regular grooming helps remove loose hair and reduce pollution in the area. In terms of nutrition, the Groenendael requires high quality dog ​​food that meets the specific needs of the breed. The amount of food should be adjusted to the dog's age, activity level and health status. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive weight gain.