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German Groenendael Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about German Groenendael so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginGermany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a German Groenendael? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed German Shepherd and Belgian Sheepdog mix

German Groenendael Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a German Groenendael? Learn how big the German Groenendael breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a German Groenendael weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the German Groenendael breed.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a German Groenendael?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the German Groenendael? German Groenendael height:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a German Groenendael?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

German Groenendael Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a German Groenendael puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting German Groenendael costs.
$800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the German Groenendael, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a German Groenendael for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the German Groenendael gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a German Groenendael? How many German Groenendael are there in the world?
Very frequent: The German Groenendael is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

German Groenendael Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a German Groenendael? Discover the German Groenendael's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Outstanding: German Groenendael is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The German Groenendael is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a German Groenendael? Learn about the German Groenendael's trainability and response to training methods.
German Groenendael dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a German Groenendael as a watchdog? Learn about the German Groenendael's alertness and guarding instincts.
German Groenendael dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the German Groenendael dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a German Groenendael protective of its territory? Learn about the German Groenendael's guarding instincts and behavior.
German Groenendael dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the German Groenendael can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the German Groenendael will take care of unwanted people or animals.

German Groenendael Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a German Groenendael have? Learn about characteristic German Groenendael temperament and behavior traits.
ActiveCuriousStubbornProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyObedientLoyalHardWorkingWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? German Groenendael sensitivity:
Sensitive: German Groenendael dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a German Groenendael a good family dog?
High: German Groenendael dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the German Groenendael need? German Groenendael social needs:
German Groenendael dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the German Groenendael to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does German Groenendael roam?
German Groenendael dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does German Groenendael have high prey drive?
German Groenendael dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

German Groenendael Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a German Groenendael bark a lot? Learn about typical German Groenendael vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The German Groenendael is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a German Groenendael? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the German Groenendael breed.
The German Groenendael is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a German Groenendael live in an apartment? Learn about the German Groenendael's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Groenendael indoors.

German Groenendael Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a German Groenendael to lifestyle changes? Learn about the German Groenendael's flexibility to new situations.
German Groenendael dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a German Groenendael be left alone? Learn about the German Groenendael's tolerance to solitude.
German Groenendael dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Groenendael Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a German Groenendael biting potential? Learn about the German Groenendael's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The German Groenendael has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a German Groenendael mouthy? Learn about the German Groenendael's tendency to use mouth during play.
German Groenendael dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but German Groenendael dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a German Groenendael bite? Learn about the German Groenendael's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Groenendael bite force: Ordinary. Bite force German Groenendael measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a German Groenendael is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This German Groenendael bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. German Groenendael bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a German Groenendael puppy not to bite from an early age.

The German Groenendael, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the German Groenendael bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a German Groenendael can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

German Groenendael Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a German Groenendael live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the German Groenendael breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Groenendael: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a German Groenendael handle different weather? Learn about the German Groenendael's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a German Groenendael? Discover typical conditions affecting the German Groenendael breed.
German Groenendaels are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a German Groenendael need vet visits? Learn about the German Groenendael's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The German Groenendael should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the German Groenendael breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the German Groenendael breed? Most common health risks of German Groenendael:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessHyperthyroidismCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

German Groenendael Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a German Groenendael? Understand daily activity needs of the German Groenendael breed.
German Groenendael dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a German Groenendael need? How much exercise do German Groenendael dogs require per day?

Do German Groenendael dogs need a lot of exercises?

German Groenendael dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the German Groenendael breed need?
German Groenendael dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

German Groenendael Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a German Groenendael prone to weight gain? Learn about the German Groenendael's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Groenendael has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the German Groenendael weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a German Groenendael need daily? Learn about the German Groenendael's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Groenendael Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a German Groenendael hypoallergenic? Learn about the German Groenendael's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
German Groenendael dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a German Groenendael come in? Discover all possible German Groenendael color variations.
BlackTan Red Cream SilverFawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a German Groenendael need? Learn about German Groenendael coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The German Groenendael requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your German Groenendael, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a German Groenendael drool a lot? Learn about the German Groenendael's drooling habits.
The German Groenendael is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the German Groenendael could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the German Groenendael.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a German Groenendael smell bad? Learn about the German Groenendael's natural odor levels.

Medium

The German Groenendael has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a German Groenendael have? Learn about the German Groenendael's fur characteristics.
SoftFuzzyThick
Bathing Needs
How often does a German Groenendael need baths? Learn about the German Groenendael's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do German Groenendael dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the German Groenendael? Do German Groenendael dogs shed a lot?
German Groenendael dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the German Groenendael breed.

German Groenendael Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a German Groenendael good with children? Learn about the German Groenendael's behavior around kids of different ages.
German Groenendael dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a German Groenendael get along with other pets? Discover the German Groenendael's compatibility with other animals.
German Groenendael dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? German Groenendael temperament with other people:
German Groenendael dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do German Groenendael dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the German Groenendael breed live with a cat?
German Groenendael dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is German Groenendael good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do German Groenendael dogs get along with other dogs?
German Groenendael dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is German Groenendael breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is German Groenendael breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
German Groenendael dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are German Groenendael dogs good office canines? Do German Groenendael dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
German Groenendael is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do German Groenendael dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the German Groenendael temperament with senior people? Are German Groenendael dogs good for elderly owners?
German Groenendaels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Groenendael As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a German Groenendael be a service dog? Learn about the German Groenendael's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

German Groenendael breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a German Groenendael good as a therapy dog? Learn about the German Groenendael's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

German Groenendael breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a German Groenendael good at detection work? Learn about the German Groenendael's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

German Groenendael breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a German Groenendael do search and rescue? Learn about the German Groenendael's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The German Groenendael breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a German Groenendael good on boats? Learn about the German Groenendael's maritime capabilities.

Not really

German Groenendael breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a German Groenendael pull carts? Learn about the German Groenendael's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

German Groenendael is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a German Groenendael used in military service? Learn about the German Groenendael's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Groenendael Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a German Groenendael usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a German Groenendael pregnant? Learn about the German Groenendael's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female German Groenendael: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a German Groenendael have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

German Groenendael Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a German Groenendael in? Learn about the German Groenendael's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a German Groenendael in? Learn about the German Groenendael's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

German Groenendael Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: German Groenendael is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: German Groenendael dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: German Groenendaels are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Drooling Tendency: The German Groenendael is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The German Groenendael has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Rating: German Groenendael dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: German Groenendael dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: German Groenendael dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: German Groenendael dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: German Groenendael dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: German Groenendaels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: German Groenendael dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: German Groenendael dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: German Groenendael dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthing Tendency: German Groenendael dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: German Groenendael dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: German Groenendael is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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