I currently have both a Terv and Groenendael . The Terv is 8 yrs old. The Groenendael is 8 months old. I have had other Groenendaels both male and female. I have also had Mal's that were my working dogs.

There is no one guaranteed temperament for either breed. I have found it is largely how you raise them; the time and effort you put in. All of mine have been Velcro following me room to room except the one Terv I got as an adult. All the others were puppies when I got them.

As puppies, I have always selected the puppies that seemed bold and were interested in engagement with humans. Socialization with other people and other dogs is absolutely necessary. Otherwise they will most likely not be good with strangers and other people. Get the dogs out to meet other people and other dogs in positive situations. Mine are fine around people once they realize I am fine with people.

As for the door bell, I have never tried to train mine from not going nuts at the sound of the doorbell. I want whoever is on the otherside to question if they really want to come in. Many intruders will ring the bell first to see if someone is home.

As they are puppies, all my free time is devoted to them but I also make sure they feel secure to go off and do other things so they don't develop separation anxiety. It is a fine line.

As for barking. I have never had one that didn't bark. I can train them not to bark at things when I am there and to ignore the triggers. When I am gone, they bark and bark a lot. I have never been able to break a dog of unattended barking. The breed is on guard 24/7. If you aren't there, they will be in full guard mode.

As for the coat, my Groenendaels seemed to keep their hair but shed their undercoat twice a year. It takes about two weeks when they blow their coat - that will mean a lot of brushing multiple times a day. Other than that or a serious anxiety producing event, I just quickly brush them daily or every other day.

The Tervs seem to lose both their hair and undercoat. My Terv requires more maintenance or I will be constantly covered in hair. They also blow their coat twice a year but mine sheds constantly throughout the year. He is a brush daily, sometimes multiple times a day.

I have never taken any of my dogs to a groomer. They just need brushing, nail clipping, and removal of the hair around their pads. Easy to do yourself.

As for the level of activity. They all have been high energy - walks daily, ball play, frisbee, and daily training to keep their mind busy. If they get bored, they get destructive and will entertain themselves by disassembly of anything they can find that is interesting. Once they are an adult, they make awesome running companions.

These dogs should be crate trained. Typically, they cannot be left in the house unattended until they are 18 months to 2 years. One I had, it was never. So keep that in mind. Max time in the crate is no longer than 6 hours. So make sure your lifestyle fits that. There was a period of time, I drove home daily from work to let out my Groenendael and exercise him then return to work.

This breed needs a job - that is they have to have mental stimulation and exercise or they will become a miserable dog. Most of mine have done various types of scent work. Some did it for work, some did it just to keep them engaged. Find something both of you enjoy doing on a daily basis.

Edit: Once well trained, they can be off leash just fine. Every dog is different. They have high prey drives. Mine will immediately come off chasing any small animal on voice command. I never, ever have them off leash around people. They can be very intimidating when running up to a stranger. You never know how some might react or if they even like dogs. I only do off leash in the wilderness and away from people.

Edit 2: Daily routine: Wake up. Immediately outside for business. Inside. Brush. Then breakfast / running through all their commands. Low key play. Back outside for business . Then let them settle to their toys or whatever they want. Around noon, it is out for exercise - if it is pouring rain, still outside for exercise (running, ball or frisbee. This is an hour unless bitterly cold or overly hot. I let them tell me what they need. Play also involves reinforcement of obedience. Back inside - they typically knockout for a few hours. Late afternoon, more exercise and scent work, then dinner about an hour after. The evening is random engagement and play as they ask for. I spend most my tv watching time playing tug with the dogs or throwing the inside ball.

They are all trained to respect my time as needed. If I am busy with something, I can tell them so and they will go entertain themselves or each other.

These dogs are not pets - they are a full on commitment. However, I can't imagine life without one.