Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Dog breed

Belgian Shepherd Dog (also know as Groenendael or Belgian Shepherd Dog or Chien de Berger Belge) can refer to any of four breeds of dog: the Groenendael, the Laekenois, the Tervuren, or the Malinois. In some regions, these are considered four different varieties of a single breed; in other regions, they are considered a single breed.

Appearance

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) should be athletic, strong, imposing, rustic, and balanced in appearance. It should look natural, never as though it has been prepared just for the show ring. Its coat should be profuse, but never look as though it would inhibit the dogs working ability in any way. The colour is always black, with small white markings being allowed on the chest. When being shown its handler should never have to force it into position, ideally the handler should not have to touch the dog at all.

Temperament

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) are bred to be highly intelligent, alert and sensitive to everything going on around them, and to develop extremely strong relationship bonds. This means that they need significant socializing as puppies, lifelong activity outlets, and will seek to be with "their human" all the time, preferably doing something rather than waiting around. They can find it very difficult to be left alone. During their juvenile years, they can go through irrational fears (similar to the child who believes there is a monster in the closet), and can suddenly develop anxiety over some object or place which has never been a problem before, although these fade over time with a good positive lead. They tend strongly to be a "one person dog."
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) can over-react badly to "negative" (punishment or deterrence based) training, so as a rule their training should be based on reward. However, overly permissive training can also cause problems, so it is important for the owner to know how to train dogs or to enroll in training classes. Professional training is highly recommended by trainers/academies specific to this type of dog, as well as continued training or development beyond the basics, such as obedience, agility and herding and other sports. This is because Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) as a rule require mental stimulation as much or more so then physical. Most Belgian owners know that rote or pattern-based training is not the ideal for Belgians. Nor is drilling a particular activity going to prove successful. If a Belgian does something right 3 times in a row, he, or she, does not see the sense in doing it the fourth time!