The Belgian Sheepdog, aka the Groenendael, distinguished themselves in the battlefields, serving as message carriers, ambulance dogs and even pulling machine guns. He is very affectionate and friendly - but not a very good apartment dweller. He needs exercise and a safe, fenced in area to play in. The Belgian Sheepdog can be very possessive of his family and desires their attention.

The Groenendael must be black in color, with limited white markings. The white markings may be a small to moderate patch or strip on forechest, between pads of feet, on tips of hind toes, on chin and muzzle (frost may be white or gray) and on tips of front toes--allowable, but a fault.

The coat must be regularly groomed a few times a week to keep it in healthy condition. The Belgian Sheepdog does not shed regularly, but when shedding season comes you will need to brush often to keep the coat in good condition. The guard hairs of the coat must be long, well fitting, straight and abundant, and the undercoat should be extremely dense. The hair is especially long and abundant around the neck, down the back of the forearm, the hindquarters and on the tail.

The Belgian Sheepdog shows a strong tendency to move in a circle rather than a straight line, with a smooth, free and easy motion. Observing his gait, one would sense the Belgian Sheepdog is never tiring in his fast, single tracking gait.

The typical expression for a Belgian Sheepdog is one of alertness and ready for action. His eyes are almond shaped, preferably dark brown. His head is clean-cut and strong, with the top flattened and not rounded.

The Belgian Sheepdog temperament should show high devotion and protectiveness towards his master and family property. He should be watchful, attentive and always in motion, when not under command from his owner. With those he knows well, he is most affectionate and friendly, zealous of their attention, and very possessive.

His entire conformation gives the impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness, with the male dog somewhat more impressive and grand than the female. Elegant in appearance, the Belgian Sheepdog should reflect the qualities of intelligence, courage, alertness and devotion to master.

To learn even more about this intelligent devoted dog, please contact the
Belgian Sheepdog Club of America.