Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Groenendael is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned breed of dog in the sheepdog family. The Groenendael is recognized by its distinctive black coat.
These dogs have great "work ethic" and need a job to do, such as obedience, flyball, dog agility, or livestock work in order to be happy.
They have an athletic, strong, rustic, imposing and balanced appearance. Its coat should be profuse, but never look as though it would inhibit the dog's working ability in any way. When being shown, its handler should never have to force it into position, ideally the handler should not have to touch the dog at all.