Schweizer Laufhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Laufhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Schweizer Laufhund is originated from Switzerland. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Schweizer Laufhund. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Schweizer Laufhund. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Schweizer Laufhund has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Schweizer Laufhund. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Schweizer Laufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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Belgium
Switzerland
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
47 - 59 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
3 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Bruno Laufhund, Bruno Jura Laufhund, the Jura Type Saint Hubert Hound French Type, Bruno Hound, Lucerne Hound, the Jura Type French Saint Hubert Hound, and the Schwyz Laufhund., Lucerner Laufhund, Chien Courant Suisse Berner Laufhund, the French Jura Type Saint Hubert Hound, The Saint Hubert Hound Jura Type, Jura Hound, Jura Laufhund, Bern Hound
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
different for each line black with tan markings; tan with black mantle or saddle; white with black or tan or orange.
Coat:
Rough, medium length
coat type short, smooth, and somewhat harsh
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
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, Gentle, Independent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
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.

schweizer laufhundThe Schweizer Laufhund is a breed born in Switzerland and sought after by the French and the Italians for their skill at hunting small mammals, especially hare. Mercenaries brought scent hounds from France to Switzerland and cross bred them with the Schweizer Laufhund, thereby influencing and changing the native breed.

In 1882 it was established that within the breed of “Swiss Hound” (Schweizer Laufhund) there were five different varieties. At this time a standard was written for each of these five different types. By 1909 the standards were revisited and revised, eliminating the hound of Thurgovie. Then in 1933 it was decided that one standard would cover all the varieties of the Schweizer Laufhund.

The Schweizer Laufhund was a line used to develop many different scent hounds. They are used almost exclusively as hunting dogs and not as family companion dogs. St. Hubert Jura Hound, the rare ancient variety, is still in the hunting parties of Canada and France. The breed existed before any dog breeding written records were kept. In Switzerland from the middle ages on, the Schweizer Laufhund was the only hunting dog in the country until recent times.

Even though they didn’t have any popularity until the European nobility became enamored of them in the middle ages, it is thought by some that they date back to the Roman Empire. In actuality most of their pre- Swiss history has been lost. We do know that through the years the breed has been influenced by cross breeding with Austrian, German and French scent hounds.

He is not recognized by the larger kennel clubs such as AKC or UKC, but by some rare breed associations. The dogs that remain today in the United States, Canada and Europe are still mainly owned by either active or retired hunters. Despite their great personalities, they are still not numerous among family pets.

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.

schweizer laufhund puppy - descriptionA medium sized dog with good endurance and strength. Its head is lean, and its muzzle is long making this a very noble looking breed. Each of the 5 varieties has some of its own characteristics. They all have short, fine hairs on their ears and heads and longer hairs on their legs and back.

Each variety can be identified by its colors as they are unique.

• Bernese – White with a black saddle or black patches and tan on the ears and face.

  • Schwyz – A white dog with marking of orange.
  • Bruno Jura – Black with tan markings and Tan with black saddle marks.

• Lucernese – Because they have white and black hair mixed across their bodies, they appear to be “blue”.

  • St. Hubert Jura – Tan with a black saddle.

The Schweizer Laufhund come in miniature and standard sizes fitting into the same standard. Weight has a lot to do with the gender and height of the individual dog, they are longer than they are tall. As a scent hound, the breed is muscular and sturdy. They carry their long tails in a slight curve with a taper at the end.

Despite the different colors in the different varieties all of the breed have black noses, long droopy ears, and oval, brown eyes. They have a soft, calm and gentle facial expression.

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.

schweizer laufhund dog - characteristics1Children friendliness - they can be very gentle and loving with children. Toddlers might remind them of prey, however.

2.Special talents – they have great stamina.

3.Adaptability – adapts well if he gets enough exercise.

4.Learning ability -their learning ability is high, but they can be very stubborn.

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.

schweizer laufhund puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues that the Schweizer Laufhund is prone to. As an ancient breed there is not a lot of genetic evidence of breed health issues but there is more recent reporting.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can result in lameness, arthritis and inability to hunt.
  • Cataracts – can result in blindness.
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can result in lameness, arthritis and inability to hunt.

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – hereditary – can result in blindness.

  • Ear Infections – due to long droopy ears. Keep them clean.

• Ectropion and Entropion – eyelid misalignments either inward or outward. Can be corrected with surgery.

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.

schweizer laufhund dogs - caring. Feeding the puppy – as an active working breed they should be fed a high quality active or working breed kibble formula.

2.Feeding the adult - the adult should be fed the same active or working breed formula, only in an adult formulation.

3.Points for Good Health – stamina

4. Games and Exercises – this active breed does require a lot of daily exercise. Take them on at least one good, quick walk per day and give them a fenced yard to play in. They love hunting training and field trials along with activities like barn hunt. They love to run alongside as you bike or jog.

Comparison with other breeds

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  31. Schweizer Laufhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  36. Schweizer Laufhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Schweizer Laufhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Schweizer Laufhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Schweizer Laufhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Schweizer Laufhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Schweizer Laufhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Schweizer Laufhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Schweizer Laufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Schweizer Laufhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Laufhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Laufhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Schweizer Laufhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Schweizer Laufhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Schweizer Laufhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
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