Shiloh Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Shiloh Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Shiloh Shepherd is originated from United States. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 36 cm / 15 inches higher than Shiloh Shepherd. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 35 kg / 77 pounds lesser than Shiloh Shepherd. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Shiloh Shepherd has same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Shiloh Shepherd has almost same litter size. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low Maintenance. But Shiloh Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Companion dog
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Belgium
United States
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
28 - 30 cm
11 - 12 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
26 - 28 cm
10 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
54 - 65 kg
119 - 144 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
45 - 54 kg
99 - 120 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
9 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
none
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
silver, red, reddish tan, dark brown, colors bi or dual colored in black with tan, or sable. They can also be solid golden, golden tan, dark grey, or black sable, silver
Coat:
Rough, medium length
smooth or double coat and the plush coat
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High 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.

shiloh shepherdThe Shiloh Shepherd is currently a hybrid that breeders are attempting to develop into a new breed. New York breeder, Tina Barber, out of Shiloh Shepherds kennel developed dogs when in 1974, she attempted to develop a German Shepherd line. She wanted a GSD that was more like the ones she remembered from her childhood.

Tina took her foundation stock out of the AKC and got the FIC (Federation of International Canines) to recognize the Shiloh Shepherd as a separate breed. The FIC is not the same as the FCI or Federation Cynoloquque Internationale. In 1991 the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed, and the shepherd was recognized by the American Rare Breed Association.

Official recordkeeping on the breed began in 1993. The computer system TCCP maintains breed records and the Shiloh Shepherd has at least 9 generations in the system. Tina Barber was president of the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America and oversaw the international club as well. She was responsible for the breed. After her death in 2011, her daughter took her place in working with the breed.

The Shiloh and the German Shepherd were then crossed to develop the King Shepherd.

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.

shiloh shepherd puppy - descriptionShiloh Shepherds are giant dogs, much larger than the usual German Shepherd Dog. The Shiloh had been bred to be a companion animal and not a guardian or herder. The Shiloh looks more like a wolf than either the German or the King Shepherd Dog. Their back is straighter than the GSD and they are larger, more stable and more intelligent. They were bred to show a complimentary balance between strength and elegance.

They have slightly domed, broad heads with a muzzle that gradually tapers, strong cheekbones and black lips. Their ears are triangles, well cupped and firm. The Shiloh Shepherds eyes are either brown or very dark. They have a straight back which is muscular and broad. Their chests deep and their tails plush, long and curved.

They have a very “heavy” appearance compared with other shepherds. They are well muscled in both the lower and upper thighs. Their coat is plush, and they have a dense undercoat. Their hair is harsh to the touch. There is both a smooth coat and a plush coat with the plush coat being more prevalent.

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.

shiloh shepherd dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness – yes, they are good with children. They are large however and have to be monitored with small children

2.Special talents - Speed and balance.

3.Adaptability good – they are large dogs and need space.

4.Learning ability good – intelligent and loves learning.

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.

shiloh shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Shiloh Shepherd has some health issues to deal with. These include: They seem to have very sensitive stomachs and intestinal issues.

  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – supplement with digestive enzymes.

• Bloat – gastric dilatca ation volvulus – twisted stomach or intestines. Needs immediate veterinary care.

• Small intestine bacterial overgrowth – diarrhea, difficulty absorbing nutrients, abdominal pain.

  • Hip dysplasia – causes arthritis or lameness.
  • Tumors – intestinal.

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.

shiloh shepherd dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy -Due to the breed’s sensitive stomach and intestinal issues, it is important to feed the puppy a high quality large or extra-large breed of dog food. Feed at least 3 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult- You will still want to feed a high quality large or extra-large breed dog food two times a day. However, if you feed the pup well and keep the intestinal issues under control, the adult should have an easier time.

3.Points for Good Health - Good eyesight and hearing.

4. Games and Exercises Be careful of the puppies’ exercise levels. Their bones grow slower than most so avoid a lot of jumping or strenuous exercise until they are adults. This means that even though they will be very good at agility or flyball and they will love playing them, do not start them when they are puppies. Wait until they are mature. The do well in herding trials, agility and search and rescue. Many make great therapy dogs.

Comparison with other breeds

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