Belgian Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd is originated from Belgium but German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Both Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd are having almost same height. Belgian Shepherd may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than German Shepherd. Both Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd may have less litter size than German Shepherd. Belgian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But German Shepherd requires Low maintenance

History

belgian shepherd - historyThere are different varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog – but these all differ only in color, length and texture of coat. The interesting aspect of the names of the different Belgian Shepherds, is that the names of the different varieties are taken from the individual towns in Belguim from which each variety comes from.

This breed dates back to the middle ages, but it was only in 1891 that Professor A. Reul of the Cureghem Veterinary Medical School established standards for the types and actually separated- and distinguishing them. In the UK they are shown as one breed.

​​

german shepherd - historyIn 1882 german shepherd was introduced in a show at Hanover. They were created by the cross breeding of the rural sheep dogs by a man named Max. In 1906 they were first exported to America. After that the breed became very popular in UK.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Belgium
Germany
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
61 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
55 - 61 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
34 - 44 kg
74 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
34 - 44 kg
74 - 98 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
9 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
1 - 15
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Belgian Sheepdog Chien de Berger Belge
Alsatian, Alsatian wolf dog, Berger Allemand, Deutscher Schaferhund, Schaferhund
Colors Available:
depends on variety - black with white, brown
Black and Tan, Sable, Bicolor, Black and White
Coat:
short- and long-haired varieties
dense and thick, short, medium thick, thick and fluffy, long, furry around their chest, ears, tail or backs of their legs
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Aggressive, Alert, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

Different Varieties

belgian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Belgian Shepherd is a well proportioned, muscular medium-to-large dog breed. There are the different varieties but they generally stands at 56 – 66cm in height and weighs anything from 25 to 30kg. You get the short haired Malinois and then you also get the Belgian Tervuren and the Groenendal which are fairly long-haired varieties. Their colour shades vary so you can find black with white markings on the chest and feet, you can find light to dark brown and some are even inclined to be brown.

Not Aggressive but a Great Guardian

All the varieties have long tails, pointed, fully erect ears and black noses. While the Belgian Shepherd isn’t an aggressive dog, he makes an excellent guard dog, being alert, highly energetic and intelligent and easy to train. As with most other dogs, you’ll want to see to it that he is trained and socialized because then he makes a super pet suited to life with a family where there are children and other pets. He has an independent nature and is loyal and protective with his human family.

german shepherd puppy - descriptionThe GSD is very good for being a watchdog and hence it do not welcome guests to home. But when trained from a puppy it will suit itself for making new friends. GSD like to be always with somebody and they can be its master or his family members or else its partner. The GSD is very intelligent and active hence they should be always kept busy, exercised and playing. Nowadays many of them are trained well and made as four legged stars.

When we see all around the world many of them are involved in helping the physically challenged people. Also they are very important personnels in working with police and military for finding the criminals. Their excellent sniffing power works very good when given proper training for finding illegal smuggling. But basically the breed was set in to herd the sheep and protect them from predators.

Based on the popularity they are ranked 2nd in US and 4th in UK.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog - characteristicsEnergy is a big factor with this beautiful dog, so before you consider one as a pet, be sure that you can take care of his exercise needs. He belongs to the working group of dogs so he won’t enjoy just lazing around day after day. He is wired to be herding livestock and that natural instinct doesn’t disappear once he becomes a pet in your home. With so much energy, he wants a nice sized garden and wouldn’t do well cooped up indoors at all.

He is a strong, loving dog, and in exchange for your care of him, he will be a loyal, loving, protective friend who will love you to the end.

Children friendliness

german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe GSD is a very good child friendly dog, they love to play with kids.

Adaptability

They adopts both hot and cold climates, but they like cold weather very much and also their body is suitable for cold than hot.

Learning ability

The GSD has high ability to learn tricks and also they are interested in learning. As they have very high intelligence they learn very easily and quickly.

Health Problems

belgian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Belgian Shepherd is a hardy dog so if you do your part to provide him with good quality nutrition from the food he eats and you exercise him, he’ll reach the 10-14 years allotted to him. Just like with any dog, there will be some minor concerns that you need to watch out for -

epilepsy, eye problems, cancer, skin allergies and hip dysplasia.

remember to check his teeth and for ticks and parasites as both, if just left, can jeopardise his health seriously.

see that he get his first puppy vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

german shepherd puppies - health problemsThe GSD has the chances for getting orthopaedic diseases such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Other common orthopaedic problems which affects GSD are Panosteitis, Osteochondritis and cruciate ligament rupture.They also get some skin problems such as allergies and pyoderma. Digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea and colitis are also seen in GSD.

Hair fall

GSD is a continuous shedder. They are having a two layer coat. They should be brushed daily as it will remove the dead fur and thus prevents shedding.

Caring The Pet

Exercise

belgian shepherd dogs - caringYour Belgian Shepherd is an energetic dog breed who is social and who wants to be included in your family activities. You can’t just keep him cooped up in your back yard and expect him to do well. He’ll need daily exercise – walks, swims if there is water close by, chasing the ball as well as your companionship.

Grooming and shedding

These dogs are shedders so you’ll certainly be needing to watch your clothes for hairs. You will need to give them a good brush at least twice a week to get rid of all that loose hair and to keep his coat shiny and in tip top condition. Also, he likes the closeness the brushing provides between him and his human caretaker.

Feeding your Belgian Shepherd

The Belgian Shepherd is a robust, healthy breed of dog, but many ill dogs are brought to veterinary clinics because they are suffering with itchy skin problems, they have digestive problems and they’re generally run down. This is because they aren’t provided with a varied and balanced diet plan. Apart from eating a quality dry- or wet dog food as recommended by your vet, he’ll most certainly need some raw meat in his diet too.

german shepherd dogs - caringThe GSD should be given an cool environment which they will enjoy a lot.

Feeding the puppy

The GSD puppy should be fed small quantities of food but several times per day as it needs to gain 2 gms weight per day. The preferred food for them is dry food along with raw liver pieces which would provide them excellent energy. The protein food given to puppy should contain 25 to 30% calories. Puppies consume more food when compared with adults.

Feeding the adult

The GSD needs a food which has a considerable amount of protein. They are carnivores in the nature. The protein can be given from cooked meat. The artificial food products will not be suitable for them. When are provided with protein food they will gain fat from itself. The recommended fat content for GSD is 5% to 8%.

Points for Good Health

The GSD should be provided with a nutritional food for their good health.

Games and Exercises

Physical exercises are very much needed for GSD since they are very energetic and power packed. It is highly recommended to make them play and run daily as they don't need to get bored. They can be made to climb in hilly areas as they want to explore their surroundings. They can be made to swim or play hide and seek and find the missing objects. Regular morning walk will be very good for them.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Labrador Husky vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Argentine Dogo vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Giant Schnauzer vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Belgian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  11. Belgian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  12. Belgian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  13. Belgian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  14. Belgian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Belgian Shepherd vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Belgian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  17. Belgian Shepherd vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  19. Belgian Shepherd vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  20. Belgian Shepherd vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Goldador vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Akbash Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Abruzzenhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Briard vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Rough Collie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Bouvier des Flandres vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Saarlooswolfhond vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Siberian Husky vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Rottweiler vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. American Bully vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Boxer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Akita vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Samoyed vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Labradoodle vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Cane Corso vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds