Catahoula Leopard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Catahoula Leopard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Catahoula Leopard is originated from United States. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Catahoula Leopard are having almost same height. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Catahoula Leopard. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Catahoula Leopard has same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Catahoula Leopard has almost same litter size. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Catahoula Leopard requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
undefined
Belgium
United States
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
53 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
20 - 48 kg
44 - 106 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
18 - 48 kg
39 - 106 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
8 - 12
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Louisiana Catahoula, Catahoula Hound, Leopard Dog
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Brindle, blend of several colors - blue merle, red merle, black and tan
Coat:
Rough, medium length
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

belgian shepherd dog laekenoisThe Laekenois, from a variety of 4 Belgian Shepherds, and one of the rarest, is a working- or herding breed of dog which originated in Belgium. It is believed to have been around since the Middle Ages. The intelligent dog was also used for sending messages during the 1st World War. In most countries, all 4 of the dogs are considered the same breed with different varieties in coat types, but there are some instances where they are recognized as separate breeds.

An interesting aspect of these dogs is that until the advent of dog shows in the 1900s, the 4 varieties were intermixed, and today purebred Laekenois can sometimes give birth to smooth-coated puppies which can be registered as Malinois.

catahoula leopardThis working dog breed originates from America’s Deep South. In fact it was originally named after a small village in the state of Louisiana and was made the state’s official dog in 1979. The dog is believed to have come from the Mastiff and Greyhound.

Known as war dogs they were left with local tribes who crossed them with wolves, and French Beauceron blood was also included.

A number of Catahoula dog Associations were started and the Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association was formed in 1976, followed by others. These Associations work to promote the breed. In 1995 the United Kennel Club was the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula.

Description

Temperament

belgian shepherd dog laekenois puppy - descriptionThe Laekenois is a highly talented dog, highly energetic and extremely intelligent. He will make a superb family pet with owners who are firm and fair with him. The dog is bright, obedient, protective and somewhat territorial. He’ll guard what he believes is his as he is instinctively protective.

He will get on well with children in the home, and he can also be socialized to get on well with other pets in the home. Of course, the way an owner treats the dog, and any other dog for that matter, brings out different temperaments in a dog. To get the best from him he should be trained and socialized from an early age. He will need plenty of exercise if you don’t want him becoming destructive from sheer boredom.

Looks

The body is well proportioned, muscular and sturdy. He has an alert, intelligent face with erect ears, bright brown eyes and the nose black. The hair is dense on the long tail, but with no feathering like with the other breeds. The most common color is fawn with a reddish undertone. The chest is deep and the legs strong and straight. The Laekenois's medium length rough, wire coat can include colors from fawn to brownish and black in between.

catahoula leopard puppy - descriptionKnown as the Leopard dog because of the distinctive spotted patches on his short to medium length coat, this interesting looking spotted dog can have a coat of many colors such as solid colors, brindle and a blend of several colors including blue merle and red merle, black and tan.

He is a muscular and athletic dog of medium to large size with sturdy legs and deep chest. He stands at 56 – 68cm and weighs 20 – 50kg. Many of these dogs have webbing between the toes which gives them an advantage when running through marshy areas or when swimming.

With his floppy ears, the tail is long or bobtailed. An unusual aspect with the dog is his eyes – having what is known as marbled glass eyes which are blue or blueish-white in color.

Temperament:

The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be stubborn and he is also energetic, fearless and highly intelligent. You’ll want to have him trained and socialized early as then he becomes a more relaxed, obedient dog. He is an assertive dog but not aggressive by nature.

Catahoulas in general are even tempered and they are willing to share their space with children in the home as well as other pets. They are protective of children and of their entire human family, making good watchdogs.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog laekenois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Laekenois is an energetic herding breed dog, and even though he will do well in an apartment if he is sufficiently exercised, big gardens and farms would be first choice for him. Wherever you offer him a home, make sure to exercise him regularly and give him plenty of attention, as he loves his human family.

He’ll make an exceptional watchdog and because he is so intelligent, he learns easily, responding readily to his owner’s instruction. He’ll protect his human family with his life. Social, lively, attractive and bright, anybody who has owned a Laekenois will vouch for his loyalty and devotion, making him a splendid pet.

catahoula leopard dog - characteristicsThe Catahoula makes a fine family pet but he is a dog which shouldn’t be left outside day after day. He is a companion dog and won’t thrive without the companionship of his human family.

He is highly intelligent and also energetic, and if you want him to be relaxed and amicable around other humans and pets in the home he will require training and socialization. For training and ownership, the Catahoula Leopard will require a strong, firm, confident personality and he’ll be an obedient, loving and loyal companion.

Health Problems

belgian shepherd dog laekenois puppies - health problemsThe lifespan of the Belgian Laekenois is between 10 and 14 years of age, and he is a pretty robust breed, not prone to getting sick easily. However, as with most other dog breeds, he is predisposed to some concerning health conditions.

Epilepsy

A frightening health issue in Belgian Shepherds is inherited epilepsy. It occurs in all four varieties. Your dog will have uncontrollable shaking that can last a few minutes. There are many causes of seizures but it is mostly an inherited disorder.

Eye disorders

The most common eye disease is cataracts.

Hip Dysplasia

This is an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly. He may even have difficulty getting up from lying down.

catahoula leopard puppies - health problemsYour Catahoula Leopard is a healthy dog breed and with good care he can live to be 10 to 14 years of age. However, there are a number of reasons why some of the healthiest dogs can become ill.

Knowing about these illnesses means you can take action and minimize the pain and suffering your pet might have to otherwise endure.

Ear Infections:

You’ll notice your pet shaking his head and maybe even scratching his ears. Ear infections are more evident in dogs with floppy ears and there can be an ear discharge. When left untreated, the ears can become painful and then it is time to get him to the vet.

Urinary Tract Infection:

This is a common illness in dogs and can be terribly uncomfortable and debilitating for your pet as he tries to urinate all the time with no success. Signs of UTI can include this excessive urination with little urine coming out, lethargy and discomfort. Take your pet immediately to the vet to be checked over.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

belgian shepherd dog laekenois dogs - caringThe long, double coat of your Laekenois will need to be trimmed about twice a year otherwise he could look dirty and unkempt. Certainly with the coat he has, you will need to brush him at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Feeding

He is a well muscled, athletic, energetic dog and his food, whether home-made or commercially manufactured, needs to be a high-quality food high in protein and packed full of minerals and vitamins. If you’re not sure about food type, speak to your vet, because as a dog expert, they will advise you on food appropriate to this dog breed and his energy needs. Whether you own a male or female Laekenois, feeding should be such that weight for an adult is maintained around 25–30kg.

catahoula leopard dogs - caringA dog makes such a splendid pet, willing to give loyal and loving friendship to humans, even those who don’t treat him properly. When you think of the unconditional love your Catahoula Leopard dog will give you, surely you want to provide him with good food and shelter.

Love and treasure this 4-legged friend of yours as he is a friend like no other.

Provide identification for Him:

It can be devastating if your dog goes missing, and if he has no identification, to find him might only mean telling people what he looks like. Rather put a collar on him and an ID tag so that your chances of getting him back are just that much better.

You can also have him micro-chipped by your veterinarian and these chips have a unique code which can provide useful information on your pet.

Vaccinations:

Make sure that your pet is vaccinated as a puppy against diseases which could be deadly such as rabies.

Spay or Neuter your Catahoula Leopard:

If you have no intention of allowing your Catahoula Leopard to have puppies, rather have him neutered or spayed if its a female. It is better for them and they can live longer and be free of some ailments that at un-spayed or un-neutered dog may get.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Catahoula Leopard vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Catahoula Leopard vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Catahoula Leopard vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Catahoula Leopard vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Leopard vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Leopard vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Catahoula Leopard vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Catahoula Leopard vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Catahoula Leopard vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Catahoula Leopard vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Catahoula Leopard vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Leopard vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Catahoula Leopard vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Catahoula Leopard vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Catahoula Leopard vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Catahoula Leopard vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Catahoula Leopard vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Catahoula Leopard vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Catahoula Leopard vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Catahoula Leopard vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Catahoula Leopard vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Catahoula Leopard vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Catahoula Leopard vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Catahoula Leopard vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison