Petzlover
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Plummer Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than Plummer Terrier. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 22 kg / 49 pounds more than Plummer Terrier. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Plummer Terrier has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Plummer Terrier. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Plummer Terrier requires Low Maintenance.
The 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.
This purebred dog was developed by Dr David Brian Plummer in the UK. The whole idea for developing the dog was for it to be an all-purpose dog that could also hunt down vermin.
Developed in the 1960s, the Plummer Terrier combines Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, and red Fell Terrier blood. Later on, a Bull Terrier was brought in too. This created some problems and certain characteristics were selectively bred out of the Plummer.
Today, as a working terrier, the dog is versatile and has many uses. He may not be recognized by any major organizations, but there is at least a well-established Plummer Terrier club in the UK.
The 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.
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.
The Plummer Terrier is a small, working terrier standing at between 28 and 36cm both male and female and weighing between 5 and 8kg.
The ears of the dog are high set and are fairly short, being floppy. The Plummer Terrier has a white and red/orangey coat which is short. He is an average shedder.
The tail would traditionally be docked, giving him an attractive, compact look, but these days the tail tends to be left long. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown and alert.
Your Plummer Terrier is active, hardy and adaptable, making it that he can settle down into life in the city or in the countryside. They will however, require regular exercise.
They’re the kind of dogs which are at home inside or outside. They’re very intelligent and can easily be trained and socialized. They’re also loving and loyal towards their human family. He is good with kids too and is playful and energetic around them, giving as good as he gets. His alert, intelligent nature makes him a good watchdog.
The 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.
Your Plummer Terrier promises to be a great companion and family pet, getting on well with children.
They’re intelligent too, so they’re easy to train. Being low maintenance and being a healthy breed too, the Plummer Terrier has got everything that people want from a canine friend - love, devotion, action, low maintenance, health and a wonderfully companionable nature.
The 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.
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.
The most common eye disease is cataracts.
This is an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly. He may even have difficulty getting up from lying down.
These feisty little dogs are known to be a robust, healthy breed and with good care can reach between 12 and 15 years of age, and maybe older.
Some common dog diseases that your Plummer Terrier might succumb too, but which is highly unlikely.
Distemper and parvovirus are two example of these infectious diseases. Parvovirus is deadly and can be picked up through contact with the feces of an infected dog. Your dog will be vomiting, won’t want to eat and will no doubt also have bloody diarrhea.
Distemper is transmitted through contact with an infected dog’s urine or blood. Symptoms include difficulty with breathing, fever and diarrhea. There are vaccines available for the prevention of these life-threatening diseases.
This disease can be debilitating for your pet and can include incontinence and bacterial infections. You’ll find your pet trying to urinate frequently but producing small drops of urine. Don’t hesitate – get your pet to the vet immediately.
You have to be careful with dental disease because many people think it affects just the teeth but it is linked to problems with the heart, kidneys and to diabetes. To prevent dental problems, look inside your dog’s mouth regularly and get him to a vet or professional dog groomer to attend to the tooth.
The 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.
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.
He is an active, energetic little dog and loves nothing more than to be darting after a ball, going for long walks with you or jumping into a pool. He’s happiest when active and busy with his beloved family members.
With his short coat and being a moderate shedder, you’ll just have to give your Plummer a good brush twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs and dust.
Always aim to give your dogs the best food there is. Dogs are just like people when it comes to food – nutritious, quality food helps towards good health and longevity. Apart from a good quality commercially manufactured food, give him some homemade food as a treat too. Simple, tasty food is best appreciated by dogs. They don’t want spicy, exotic foods that can upset their stomachs.
They love boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and healthy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. You can add this into the dry kibble occasionally as a treat, and also some raw meat from time to time. Your pet will be healthy and happy with such a diet. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water within reach.