Belgian Shepherd Groenendael vs Hovawart
Compare Belgian Shepherd Groenendael and Hovawart side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
Hovawart
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
57 – 62 cm
58 – 70 cm
Weight
20 – 30 kg
25 – 50 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
5/5
4/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
2/5
Shedding
4/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
4/5
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Characteristics
Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Large
Hovawart
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Protective
Easy to train
Giant
Summary
About Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
Medium‑large, square‑built Belgian herding dog with a long, dense, solid black coat. Intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable, it excels in sports and working roles. Deeply loyal, watchful, and people‑oriented, it needs daily exercise, mental work, and regular grooming.
About Hovawart
Large, powerful German farm guardian with medium‑long weatherproof coat in black, black and tan or blond. Deeply loyal, calm and family‑focused, but reserved with strangers and strongly territorial. Intelligent, independent and late‑maturing, needing consistent training, mental work and ample exercise.
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