breed of herding dog known for its keen intelligence and strong abilities as a shepherd, police and military dog, guide dog, and search-and-rescue dog; the moderately long, straight, and dense coat is always solid black; ears are large, erect, and pointed; tail is long, slightly bushy, and carried low-slung and in a natural curve; eyes are large, almond-shaped, and dark brown; adult stands 22–26 in. (56–66 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 50–60 lbs (23–27 kg); very dutiful and hard-working nature; requires much exercise; alternate name is Belgian Groenendael sheepdog; originated in Belgium in late 1800s, mainly through the efforts of restaurateur Nicolas Rose, owner of Chateau Groenendael near Brussels, from which the breed got its alternate name; closely related to Belgian Malinois and Belgian Tervuren,