Groenendael vs Dutch Shepherd
Compare the Groenendael to the Dutch Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Groenendaels and Dutch Shepherds.
Quick Summary
- Owner Experience - Both the Groenendael and Dutch Shepherd are good choices for new or inexperienced owners.
- Children - Both the Groenendael and Dutch Shepherd are great with children.
- Grooming - The Groenendael is easier to groom than the Dutch Shepherd.
- Barking - The Dutch Shepherd has an average tendency to bark. The Groenendael will bark less frequently than most dogs.
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| Breed Name | Groenendael | Dutch Shepherd |
| General Details | ||
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Is Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Lifespan | 11-13 yrs. | 12-15 yrs. |
| Height | 22-26 in. | 21-24 in. |
| Weight | 60-75 lb | 50-70 lb |
| Intelligence | High | High |
| History | ||
| Origin Country | Belgium | Belgium |
| Origin Year | 1890 AD | 1898 AD |
| Temperament | ||
| Overall Friendliness | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Kid Friendly | ||
| Pet Friendly | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Personality | ||
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| Living Environment | ||
| Apartment | No | Yes |
| Indoor | No | No |
| Small Yard | Yes | No |
| Medium Yard | Yes | No |
| Large Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Tolerance ¹ | 20°F to 80°F | 20°F to 80°F |
| Barks/Howls | ||
| Exercise Needs | ||
| Energy Level | High | Medium-High |
| Exercise Required | High | Medium-High |
| Top Running Speed | 30 mph | 28 mph |
| Strength | High | Medium-High |
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Coat Maintenance | Medium-High | Medium |
| Shedding | High | Medium |
| Dander | High | Low |
| Drool Amount | Low | None |
¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
| Breed Name | Groenendael | Dutch Shepherd |
| Breed Mentality | ||
| Dominant/Alpha | Yes | No |
| Family/Pack | No | Yes |
| Independent | No | No |
| Breed Focus | ||
| Distracted Easily | No | No |
| Average | No | Yes |
| Focused & Patient | Yes | Yes |
| Breed Instincts | ||
| Aggression | Average | Average |
| Burrow/Digging | Below Average | Average |
| Chasing | Average | Average |
| Follow Commands | High | Average |
| Fighting | Average | Below Average |
| Guarding | Average | High |
| Herding | High | High |
| Hunting | Below Average | Average |
| Protection | High | High |
| Remove Vermin | Below Average | Average |
| Sledding | Below Average | Average |
| Watch | High | High |
| Breed Name | Groenendael | Dutch Shepherd |
| Lifespan | ||
| Lifespan | 11-13 yrs. | 12-15 yrs. |
| Common Health Issues | ||
| Epilepsy | Yes | No |
| Hip Dysplasia | Yes | No |
| Hyperthyroidism | Yes | No |
| Breed Name | Groenendael | Dutch Shepherd |
| Coat | ||
| Fur | Yes | No |
| Hair | No | Yes |
| Coat Type | ||
| Double Coat | Yes | No |
| Wire Coat | No | Yes |
| Smooth Coat | No | Yes |
| Coat Texture | ||
| Straight | Yes | No |
| Rough | No | Yes |
| Wooly | No | Yes |
| Coat Length(s) | ||
| Medium | Yes | Yes |
| Short | No | Yes |
| Long | No | Yes |
| Coat Color(s) | ||
| Black | Yes | No |
| Gold Brindle | No | Yes |
| Silver Brindle | No | Yes |