Grünendal (breed of dogs): photo and description

There are several varieties of the Belgian Shepherd. And one of them is grunendal - a breed of dogs that has become famous not only in Belgium. These animals are very popular in many European countries due to their external charm, cheerful good nature and devotion.

Description of the breed

These dogs are remarkable for their amazing beauty and article. Outwardly reminiscent of a wolf, Grünendal has a black silky and dense coat with a thick undercoat. More dense on the neck, it resembles a posh jabot, and on the hips and tail forms beautiful stripes.

A straight back, a tight belly, a proudly planted head and developed musculature give the image a very harmonious appearance. Height at withers is from 58 to 63 centimeters, weight - about 30 kg. One of the requirements to the exterior is the brown eye color (the darker, the better), as well as the standing, rounded shape of the ears. It is considered permissible in color to have a small white tie on the chest and the same footprints on the paws.

Everyone who sees this sheepdog at least once, certainly desires to learn more in detail, what kind of dog - grunendal. Their photos fascinate and amaze with amazing beauty and strength of animals.

Origin of the breed

In Belgium, sheep dogs have existed since time immemorial. It is believed that they originated from shepherd dogs imported from Central Europe and crossed with mastiffs and dirhounds. All of them had a different coat and color. And only in 1891 the local professor of the faculty of veterinary medicine described several varieties of this breed and proposed to distinguish the standards of the breed, depending on the length of the coat and color.

Thus, a black semi-long-haired Belgian sheepdog was named "Grünendal" by the name of the town near Brussels, where for many years Nicholas Roz worked as a breeder and cultivator of this breed. Later, the breeding of these dogs began to be practiced in many other cities of Belgium, and only by 1910 standards were finally formed, to which the breed of Grunendal dogs still corresponds.

Features of the breed

These dogs differ athletic muscular physique and versatile abilities, which requires certain classes to educate the dog. From an early age, they are striving to protect their territory and protect the owner. Grünendal is a dog-oriented dog. Therefore, they need constant communication, joint walks and daily training. These dogs are willing to fulfill the role of companion and become a member of the family. So putting such a shepherd in a kennel is not entirely sensible. Dogs of Grunendal breed adapt easily to new conditions and are very attached to their master, being an example of dog fidelity.

Character

During the period of the breed's perfection, intelligence was one of the criteria for selection, so these dogs are endowed with excellent mental abilities and excellent memory. They are very intelligent, able to quickly and easily learn any tricks. Being descendants of shepherd dogs, they try to take under their care the weakest member of the family, who is everywhere escorted (grazed) and ready to protect if necessary.

A high degree of activity and vigor is given to the breed of Grunendal dogs. A photo describing the characteristics of the Belgian Shepherds and their behavior during classes and training shows how they are mobile, graceful and impetuous. Such dogs are absolutely not suitable for keeping on a leash. They should receive daily workload, be constantly in work and movement. Finding a long time in inactivity can cause a splash of energy, directed to an undesirable channel.

Grünendal is a breed of dogs that have a special devotion to the owner. They get on well with children and other pets. But they can be aggressive towards other dogs and have a tendency to pursue cats.

Using

Although the breed appeared as a shepherd, today these dogs are hardly used for pasturing cattle. But they show their instinct very well if they fall into such conditions, where a herd can observe. With the breeding of these sheep dogs, much attention was paid to the results of competitions and exhibitions, so many representatives of the Grunendal breed take prizes in such disciplines as shepherd's service, ring, agility and others.

The working qualities of these dogs are very much in demand in many activities. They are used to serve in the army and the police, preferring often German shepherds. To perform the functions of a nanny and keep an eye on the children, to search for and detain criminals, to participate in search and rescue work and to carry out guard duty - a work with which the breed of Grunendal dogs can easily cope.

Dog Care

The maintenance of dogs of this breed does not cause any special trouble. Animals are very unpretentious, a thick long coat makes it easy to carry any weather conditions. Therefore, the dog can live peacefully both in the apartment and on the street. But it is best for her to live in a country house. Long walks, daily exercise are very important for the representatives of this breed.

Wool requires daily combing to prevent the appearance of coils. This is especially true with the onset of the moulting period, which occurs once a year. The departed undercoat is combed very easily, which makes caring for the coat quite easy for the owner. Grünendal is a breed of dogs that should not be bathed, unless there is an urgent need for it. Their wool is quite tough and silky, so the dirt to it if it adheres, then it dries very easily when dried, practically leaving no traces.

Food

For dogs of this breed requires a variety of food. Even meat must necessarily be combined with other ingredients. To fully develop the sheepdog, you need protein (it is found in large quantities in such products as milk, meat, eggs, fish), carbohydrates (cereals, bakery products) and fats in the form of butter and vegetable oil.

When feeding a dog with natural products, one should not forget about vitamins and mineral supplements. It is inadmissible to overfeed an animal, as it threatens with serious diseases of the liver and heart. Also, do not give too many bones and fatty foods, it can cause allergic reactions.

Upbringing and care

Dogs of Grunendal breed are very active, so if you do not deal with their upbringing, you can face more troubles and complaints from neighbors. Therefore, from the first days of the appearance in the house of a puppy, it is necessary to give him enough time and attention, educating and teaching the rules of behavior. This breed, as we have already mentioned, needs maximum communication with the owner, and it can take place in a variety of forms. The most diverse types of activity require a breed of Grunendal dogs. How to train your pet so that the development is comprehensive? There are quite a few tricks in the form of games, searching for various things, etc. The main thing is that the dog does it with pleasure, rudeness and cruelty towards her will cause only mistrust towards the owner. Possessing an excellent memory and a high degree of obedience, these dogs easily grasp commands and quickly understand what is required of them. Congenital sensitivity and alertness make it possible to use them as watchmen. It is easily trained for reliable protection from uninvited guests and for formal protection in the form of a voice giving the breed of Grunendal dogs.

Proper care for the dog, work on her upbringing and training will give you great pleasure and pleasure from the presence of this four-legged friend in your house. Long walks in the open air with such a companion and active games will make life more interesting and diverse.