Groenendael

Also known as the Groenenda, originally from Belgium and originating in the 13th century, the Groenenda Shepherd first gives the impression of being sturdy, agile, muscular, well-proportioned and overall very well coordinated, with a body that is neither long nor thin. It is the most widely recognized of the three Belgian shepherd dogs. The Belgian Gros Anders Shepherd Dog, referred to as the Gros Anders, gives the audience the impression of being sturdy, flexible and muscular, with a long and dense black coat, a body that is neither fat nor thin, and an overall very well-proportioned body. The length of the body from the sternum to the hips is basically equal to the height of the shoulders. It makes people feel that there is depth and reliability. The head is relatively long, always held high and proud, and always alert. The top of the head is slightly flat, not domed, and roughly equal in width to length. The eyes are brown or dark brown, medium-sized, slightly almond-shaped, and not prominent. The eyes show intelligence, questioning, alertness, and concern. The ears are triangular in shape, erect, and appropriately proportioned in size to the head. The muzzle is slightly pointed and roughly equal to the length of the head. The jaws are strong and powerful. The noseglasses are black, without stains or fading. Lips are tight, black, with no pink visible from the outside. Teeth are complete, white and strong.

The neck is rounded and arched and extends outward, tapering from the point of union with the body upward, with well-developed muscles and taut skin. The dorsal line is straight and firm. The chest is not wide, but rather deep, reaching to the elbow. The lower abdominal line is smooth and graceful. The abdomen is moderately developed, neither overly lifted nor with a large belly. The waist, when viewed from above, appears short, wide and firm, smoothly united with the back. The rump is medium in length and gradually slopes. The tail root is firm at the base. When at rest, the tail drops down and when in motion, it curls slightly upward with a strong, firm end. The length and texture of the hind legs are well proportioned to the overall size, and the bones are oval rather than round. The two hind legs are parallel to each other. The thighs are wide and very well muscled. The hind legs have slightly longer claws, rounded and very tightly arched toes, and thick pads. The toenails are strong and black.

The outer coat is long, straight and abundant. The texture is medium coarse and hard, and the undercoat is very thick and can adapt to various climatic conditions. The Belgian Glorianda Shepherd is uniquely adapted to extremes of climate and temperature. The hair on the head, outside of the ears, and lower half of the legs is slightly shorter, and the open ears are protected by tufts of hair. Some parts of the coat have longer, thicker trim such as the collar around the neck; trim on the back of the forearms; long trim on the thighs and "pants"; and a long, heavy, rich coat on the tail. The color of the fur is black, pure black or black with white markings. White markings are limited to the following: small to moderate number of white fragments and stripes on the forehead. The pads of the feet and toes have white between them, the hind paws have white on the toes, and the muzzle and chin have white (which may be white or gray). Because of its strong obedience and loyalty to its owner, many families are now keeping it as a pet dog.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog shows the qualities of intelligence, bravery, alertness, and love for its owner. He likes to protect the flock as well as the owner and his property. On command, he is alert, focused and quick to act. Always alert and attentive to strangers, but does not panic. He is friendly and kind to people he knows well or who are accepted by his owner. Enthusiastic about the things he cares about. More possessive. Because of the relatively high breeding cost of the Belgian Grosvenor, the market price is quite high.