Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)

Belgian Sheepdogs have a beautiful, dense double coat that requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best.

• Brushing: You’ll need to brush your Belgian Sheepdog at least two or three times per week, but daily brushing is ideal. This breed sheds heavily in the spring and fall, so pay extra attention to their coat during these seasonal shedding periods. Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake to remove loose fur and prevent mats, especially around the neck, chest, and hindquarters.
• Bathing: Generally, bathe your dog every six to eight weeks (unless your dog gets super dirty or muddy). Always use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo to protect their skin and coat oils.
• Ear cleaning: If your vet recommends it, gently clean their ears weekly with a dog-specific ear cleaner to prevent wax buildup and infections.
• Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent tartar buildup and dental disease. You can take other steps to promote good dental hygiene, too, like offering dental chews or water additives like VETRADENT.
• Nail trimming: Trim their nails every three to four weeks to prevent overgrowth, discomfort, or cracking. If you can hear your Groenendael’s nails clicking on the floor as they walk, it’s time to grab the nail clippers.

Training a Belgian Sheepdog can be deeply rewarding—but it’s not without challenges. These dogs are incredibly intelligent, eager to learn, and quick to pick up new cues and tricks. What could go wrong?

Well, their smarts can also make them question why they should follow your cues, and repetitive asks can bore them. For the best results, use positive reinforcement methods and keep training sessions short, varied, and engaging, like a game.

Socialize your Belgian Sheepdog puppy early and often. Regular exposure to new people, places, sounds, and other animals from puppyhood helps build confidence and prevents fear-based behaviors. Without socialization, your pup may become overly cautious or anxious, making outings stressful.

Belgian Sheepdogs thrive on high-quality dog food made for active, medium-to-large breeds. Here’s what to look for:

• The food should have the AAFCO statement printed on the packaging; this shows that it meets the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
• It must be formulated for your dog’s life stage: puppy, adult, or senior.
• Because of their high energy levels, Belgian Sheepdogs need a diet that supports stamina and muscle maintenance. Consider foods labeled “sport” or “performance,” like Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Dog Food.

Your veterinarian can give you the best advice on what to feed your dog.

It’s important that pet parents stay vigilant for signs of bloat in their dog, which can be triggered around mealtimes. This is when a dog’s stomach distends with food and/or gas, and it can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.

To reduce the risk of bloat in your Belgian Sheepdog:

• Feed your Belgian Sheepdog multiple smaller meals throughout the day instead of one big breakfast or dinner. Most do well with twice-daily meals.
• Don’t let your dog exercise for two hours before or after eating. Planning a daily routine makes this easier.
• Help your dog eat slower by using a slow feeder bowl.
• Avoid using elevated food bowls.

Belgian Sheepdogs are incredibly active dogs who need at least 60–90 minutes of exercise every day. And, simply put, a quick walk around the block won’t cut it.

These energetic, athletic dogs thrive on a variety of activities that challenge them both physically and mentally. This helps prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors.

Belgian Sheepdogs love anything that taps into their natural working instincts and drive, like agility courses, obedience training, tracking, games of fetch, and dog sports like flyball or dock diving. Their stamina also makes them ideal jogging, hiking, or cycling companions for active pet parents.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Daily puzzle toys, scent games, or structured training sessions help keep their mind engaged and satisfied.

Daily exercise isn’t just a recommendation—it’s essential to their well-being and your peace of mind. Without enough activity, Belgian Sheepdogs may become restless, anxious, or destructive. But when their needs are met, they’re more relaxed, focused, and well-behaved at home.

Belgian Sheepdogs thrive in homes where they have room to move, making them ideal for households with fenced yards. Apartment living can be challenging due to their high energy levels and need for regular, vigorous exercise. They can adapt to apartment life, but it requires a highly committed, highly active pet parent.

They can make wonderful family pets and often form strong bonds with children, especially when raised together. With proper training and early socialization, Belgian Sheepdogs can be affectionate, watchful companions. That said, their herding instinct may lead them to “herd” kiddos and smaller pets, so supervision is key.

Because of their intelligence, energy, and need for structure, Belgian Sheepdogs tend to do best with experienced pet parents—especially those familiar with working breeds. First-time pet parents may find this breed overwhelming without the right support.

Still, for those who can meet their mental and physical needs, the payoff is huge: a loyal, beautiful, and devoted companion who thrives with purpose and connection.