Whippet vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Whippet vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Whippet is originated from United Kingdom. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Whippet. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Whippet. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Whippet has same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Whippet has almost same litter size. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Whippet requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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Belgium
United Kingdom
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
45 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
45 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
1 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Snap dog, English Whippet
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Tan, black white,brindle an bi- or tri-colored., silver
Coat:
Rough, medium length
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low 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.

whippetYou can just see that Whippets are designed for speed with those super lean, slender bodies. They were developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terriers.

In open areas, they can pick up a high speed. In the 19th century in certain parts of England, they were used in races. They actually originated in England.

The Whippet is an ancient dog breed if you can go according to artwork which dates back to ancient Egyptian times.

They were also known as Snap dogs or small Greyhounds. You can say that the modern Whippet emerged in 1891. This was when the Kennel Club gave the breed official recognition. It was in 1888 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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.

whippet puppy - descriptionThe Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound breed standing at between 45–56cm in height and weighing anything between 6 and 13kg.

They descended from Greyhounds, resembling them in looks, just smaller. They are part of the Hound group, It’s a deep-chested dog with a long, lean head with fairy large eyes, a long neck, floppy ears and slim legs. The tail is long and slender. The coat is short and smooth and comes in many colors – tan, silver, black white, brindle and bi- or tri-colored.

Temperament:

The Whippet loves to run but when they’re not prancing around, they love spending time with their human family and that includes other pets as well as children.

They’re demonstrative and love showing their love for their family. They’re able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside but they will need exercising.

This is also a dog that rarely barks. They’re willful dogs so will do well with training and socialization. In fact, without proper socialization, they can become timid in unknown environments. They're intelligent so wont have problems with learning.

If you’re looking for a good watchdog and protector, you won’t find these characteristics in the Whippet.

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.

whippet dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a sweet-natured Whippet into your life and home you’ll discover that apart from reveling in having a good run, their next favorite thing is to be resting quietly wherever their human companions are.

They’re docile dogs, loving to snuggle up to you, and not enjoying the cold. These quiet, gentle dogs are totally non- aggressive, just wanting to be with you, making you a splendid companion and pet.

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.

whippet puppies - health problemsThe lean Whippet doesn’t have any particular health problems but it is always a good idea to be clued up on some of the more common dog diseases there are.

Buying a Whippet puppy from a responsible breeder will help with ensuring a healthier dog as dogs like these have had a good start and will have been vaccinated and dewormed.

One of the diseases that you may want to be aware of is arrhythmia.

Arrhythmia:

This is when the heart of the dog beats too fast or too slow or it may even skip a beat. It is fairly common in dogs and it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

An irregular heartbeat can bring about physical weakness and even loss of consciousness. Your veterinarian will want to examine your dog and listen to the history of symptoms and events that could have led to the condition. Your vet will then discuss treatment.

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.

Exercise:

whippet dogs - caringWhippets love running so if you’re lucky to live on a farm or at the beach, he will love those short bursts of speed in open places, chasing a ball. You can take him for a walk every day too.

Grooming:

Whippets are looked upon as low maintenance dogs that don't shed much. A good brush twice a week will be adequate for this slender dog. The skin is vulnerable to cuts so check him over when you’re brushing him and make sure he hasn’t any sores or scrapes on the skin.

Trim the nails and check inside his ears and mouth for signs of infection.

Diet:

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size and his activity levels. Dogs are individuals and not all Whippets will eat the same amount of food. Puppies require 4 bowls of food a day while the adult Whippet will want 2 bowls of food.

There are excellent dry kibble dog foods on the market but your Whippet will also like some home-made food like chicken and vegetables. The quality of dog food you provide for your Whippet will make a huge difference to his health.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  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