Dogs
The Groenendael
The Groenendael is one of the varieties of the Belgian Shepherd. It is a dog full of energy that needs a lot of exercise.
He is very focussed on his owner and has a great will to please. The Groenendael is suitable for all sorts of dog sports, like
Obedience, Agility, flyball, IPO, etc. Although it is a dog with a soft character, they have a lot of willpower and demand a clear leader. If you are
not taking the lead enough, he will not obey and can become a nervous dog that bites very easily. With a good leader and enough work to do,
they are very easy going.
Although it does not apply to all Belgians, especially the males may not altways be very tolerant towards eachother and may fight. Another bad habit is barking towards everything that is
strange, including people and other dogs. It therefore is important to socialize them thouroughly with many people. Also chasing bicycles, cars, cats, horses etc. should be prevented and
not allowed from early on. If the dog has discovered that this is fun to do, it is very hard to get rid of this behaviour.
A Belgian Shepherd will not appreciate it if you lie your hand on his head to great him. He wants to smell on you first to know who you are.
Also he will be frightened if all of a sudden someone comes from behind. These character traits make him less suitable for busy families with small children. He certainly
likes children, provided he can oversee what happens. A bunch of small kids with their friends running at him to pet him all together, is asking for problems.
Children who know how to approach a dog and who do not bother the dog when he is asleep, will really be friends with him.
Also with other pets the Belgian Shepherd can easily live together (cts, rabbits), provided he has been socialised with them in his youth ánd provided he
is prevented to develop chasing behaviour.
The amount of time needed for grooming the long coat depends on the season and the type of coat. Dogs with rich, thick hair needs more grooming.
Dogs with a shorter, less rich coat can do with much less. If they change coat a lot of hair is coming off and you have to brush them regularly.
The Groenendael is a healthy dog. Not much hip problems occur. Epilepsy is a problem, that still occurs in the breed. It is a multiactorial problem that is almost impossible to get rid of by selective breeding.
Even the best breeders will have epileptic offspring ocasionally. Another problem is stomach cancer, that occurs at about 7-9 years of age. This problem also has full attention.
Research is trying to find the genetic basis. As this research has started quite recently, results can not be expected in short time.
With regards to the character, frightened and shy dogs are still a problem. A good socialisation can prevent a lot of problems, but can not take away what comes genetically from the parents.
My dogs are typical Belgians. First they need to smell who you are and after that it is OK and you can pet them. They do have they have their favourites. Some people they really like and others they don't like and then they refuse to cennect with them. Jelle andAce are the exceptions, they like everybody.
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