Belgian Shepherd Groenendael dog

The Groenendael (pronounced Grunendaal) is a variety of the Belgian shepherd, which is a Belgian breed of dog recognized by the FCI (FCI-Group 1, Section 1, Standard No. 15).

As with all the “Belgians”, this black dog finds its use mainly as a protective and family dog. Except for the fur and its color, there is little difference between the Groenendael and the other varieties of the Belgian. They are uniform in all other characteristics such as body type, typical behavior and character.

Although they all form a common race, the varieties must not be crossed. In special cases, national breeding associations may authorize exceptions.