Vizsla vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Vizsla vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Vizsla is originated from Hungary. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 38 cm / 15 inches higher than Vizsla. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Vizsla are of same weight. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may live 4 years more than Vizsla. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Vizsla. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Vizsla requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
undefined
Belgium
Hungary
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
25 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
21 - 24 cm
8 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Pointer Magyar Vizsla Yellow Pointers
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
red
Coat:
Rough, medium length
single
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
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.

vizslaThe Hungarian Vizsla or Magyar Vizsla is a hunting dog developed in Hungry. It is the smallest of the pointer-retriever type breeds. They are loyal family dogs and hunt fowl and upland game. It was rare for a hunting dog to also be a companion and family dog, but the Vizsla is. The first time the Vizsla came to the attention of anyone outside its area was 1357 in a publication written for King Louis I of Hungary. They were kept mostly by barons and warlords and preserved without any interbreeding for centuries.

Through all the occupations, revolutions and world wars, the Vizsla survived. Still there were some points in their history where they were almost extinct. In the 1800’s English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers almost replaced them. After World War II they were almost extinct again with only a dozen or so left in the country.

Breeders across Hungry brought them back again. They were also bred in Serbia, Slovakia, Austria and Romania. They came to the states after the war and quickly were embraced. The Vizsla Club of America was formed so that they could be recognized by the American Kennel Club. This happened in 1960 and the Vizsla quickly became a champion in several AKC specialties.

The Weimaraner, the German Shorthaired Pointers, the Wirehaired Vizsla and other pointers were developed from the Vizsla and then used to re-establish the breed following World War II.

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.

vizsla puppy - descriptionThe golden/rust colored Vizsla is easily distinguished from other breed. They are a medium sixed pointer with a lean frame and light on their feet. They have long ears that are silky to the touch and well defined muscular structure. Their nose is a red color blending in with their coat color. Their eyes and nails also blend in with the color of the coat.

For the most part they are some shade of golden-rust, but today there are also some solid rust dogs as well. Officially the coat can be russet gold, copper-brown, or dark sandy gold. It cannot be mahogany red or pale yellow. The coat is dense, smooth, short and without an undercoat. They have docked tails as well.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes with socialization

2.Special talents playful and highly intelligent quintuple AKC champion

3.Adaptability high energy need space

4.Learning ability highly intelligent

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.

vizsla puppies - health problemsThe Vizsla have few health issues but the ones they do have are quite serious. They include:

• Cancer (Mast cell, Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma) – as will most dogs it can be treated but is still likely to kill the dog.

  • Canine epilepsy and seizures. This can be treated.

• Hip dysplasia is rare, but cases have been noted. Can cause lameness and/or arthritis.

• Sebaceous adenitis – rare skin disease found more often in cats or birds than in dogs.

  • Seasonal allergies.
  • Ear Infections

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.

vizsla dogs - caringFeeding the puppy This is a very active dog and he need a high calorie diet as a puppy. Feed 4-5 cups in 3-4 smaller meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed the adult high calorie food if you exercise her enough. Feed 3 cups of food twice a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina, speed and endurance.

4. Exercise They love to run but don’t’ overdo it until they are at least 18 to 24 months old. They stay very playful their entire lives and excel at AKC competitions. They are good at agility, field trials, scent work, obedience, conformation, dock diving, rally, lure coursing, track and barn hunt.

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. Vizsla vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Vizsla vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Vizsla vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Vizsla vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Vizsla vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Vizsla vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Vizsla vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Vizsla vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Vizsla vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Vizsla vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Vizsla vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Vizsla vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Vizsla vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Vizsla vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Vizsla vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Vizsla vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Vizsla vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Vizsla vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Vizsla vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Vizsla vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Vizsla vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Vizsla vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Vizsla vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Vizsla vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison