Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Ariegeois - Breed ComparisonAriegeois is originated from France but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium. Ariegeois may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both Ariegeois and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) are having almost same weight. Both Ariegeois and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has same life span. Ariegeois may have less litter size than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both Ariegeois and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
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France
Belgium
Height Male:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 11
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Ariege Hound
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
White and Black
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Coat:
Short-haired
Rough, medium length
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
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

ariegeoisThe Ariegeois is a fairly new breed, believed to have originated in France in 1912. As a scent hound, it is a blend of 3 French scent hounds - Grand Gascon-Saintongeois, Grand bleu de Gascon and the Briquet.

Just to show you how ancient these breeds are, the Grand bleu were thought to have been brought to France by an ancient civilization, the Phoenicians, who traded wares and dogs. The Briquet is native to southern France but they have been used as hunting dogs as far back as pre-Roman times.

As the breeds mixed, the Ariegeois came about. A popular pack dog emerged with an excellent sense of smell that would stand the dog in good stead for hunting. Today, while still fairly uncommon beyond French borders, the dog is highly regarded for its extraordinary hunting abilities and his loyal, affectionate nature towards his human companions.

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.

Description

ariegeois puppy - descriptionThe amicable-looking medium-sized Ariegeois dog, also known as the Ariege Hound, has a lean, muscled body. This dog breed isn’t just suitable as as working breed, but his kind face tells you he has a good temperament and he makes for an affectionate family pet and friend as well.

The Kind Child’s Friend

The Ariegeois gets along well with children in the family. Gentle and patient, you want to teach your children to also be gentle, patient and kind around this affectionate canine. Early socialization and training, as with any dog breed, will be important for this energetic dog, and training will make him a wonderful family pet.

With their trim, athletic build, deep chest and slightly forward lean similar to that of a Pointer dog, the scenthound’s white coat with black markings is short and smooth.

One of the more noticeable features of the dog is his long ears which are lovely and soft to touch. With his dark brown, soulful eyes, his black nose and slightly curved tail, the Ariegeois has a deep, throaty bark.

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.

Characteristics

ariegeois dog - characteristicsYour wonderful Ariegeois wants to be your lifelong companion, and you can expect all the wonderful characteristics to be evident in this canine if you buy him from a reputable breeder. When you bring him home, make sure he has a warm, dry, comfortable sleeping area, and in exchange for this provision he will be your loyal, devoted friend.

Spayed or Neutered saves you from Unwanted Puppies

If you don’t intend your Ariegeois becoming a parent have your dog spayed or neutered by 6 months of age.

Intelligent and Trainable

Your Ariegeois is intelligent and easy to train and can be guaranteed to be your best friend and will be your loyal companion through thick and thin. In exchange for this priceless friendship, you need to be a responsible dog owner to ensure his health and happiness.

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.

Health Problems

ariegeois puppies - health problemsThere are a number of illnesses that are common to all dog breeds. Some of the more common dog illnesses are -

  • ear infection, arthritis, kennel cough and diarrhea, obesity, cancer and dental problems
  • fleas, ticks and parasites
  • canine distemper
  • canine parvovirus
  • lyme disease
  • rabies

No Standard Health Problems – Get Puppy Vaccinations

There are no specific health problems linked to the Ariegeois Dog but he will still need to get his regular puppy vaccinations -

  • 6 – 8 weeks Distemper, para-influenza and measles
  • 10 – 12 weeks DHPP – distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus
  • 12 – 24 weeks Rabies
  • 14 – 16 weeks DHPP
  • 12 – 16 months Rabies, DHPP
  • every 1 – 2 years DHPP
  • every 1 – 3 years Rabies

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.

Caring The Pet

ariegeois dogs - caringThe Ariegeois is a relatively low maintenance dog and his short coat will require a good brush at least once a week. You don’t have to bath him often as this strips natural oils away that make his coat shiny and glossy. Check those long ears and make sure that no leaves, grass and dirt are lodged deep within the ears.

Feeding

There are thousands of options for dog foods and the first step is to chat to your veterinarian about the best food for your to meet his nutritional needs during each stage of his life. It is difficult to determine diet quality for you dog from the label.

Wet or dry dog food, it is important to have high quality ingredients from a dog food manufacturing company that has the expertise to produce dog food that meets your pet’s nutritional needs. Protein is highly important for your pet and many dog owners make their own dog food. Raw meat is imperative for the health of your dog, but before switching to a raw diet, chat to your veterinarian. Do research on different brands - there are good and bad brands and your pet needs to be protected from false claims. Always make sure your pet has access to fresh, cool, clean drinking water.

Exercise

Your Ariegeois will need some exercise if you want him to maintain his lean, muscular shape. In order for him to stay in shape and to avoid boredom, take him on walks, throw a ball for him, and your reward will be his bright eyes and wagging tail.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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