Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Africanis - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Africanis is originated from South Africa. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Africanis. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Africanis. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Africanis has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Africanis. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Africanis requires Low maintenance.

History

belgian shepherd dog laekenois - historyThe 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.

africanis - historyAfricanis is one of the original African breeds. This breed was not shaped by humans, but they went through the process of natural selection. Humans did not affect this breed by standard breeding practices. Through the history, this breed became stronger and stronger because only the strongest of the breed survived. Africanis descent is the early dog that is originally from ancient Egypt. Approximately 4500 BC was the period of first data about this breed.

As time passes through, Africanis became more and more popular through the whole continent. This breed migrated with people for thousands of years, and now, a modern Africanis is similar to Greyhound dog. The original Africanis can be found in tribes and more traditional people. One of the oldest breeds in the world is one of the lasts that has been recognized by Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Belgium
South Africa
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Bantu Dog, African Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Khoikhoi Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Tan, White, Black, Brown and Black & Tan
Coat:
Rough, medium length
Short, Hard and Thick
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Friendly, Independent, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

africanis puppy - descriptionAfricanis origins from South Africa. The average Africanis weights 25-45 kg, with a height of 50-60cm, while females are slightly smaller. They are medium sized dogs who are friendly, but also independent and territorial. They can are good pets for training, but it requires persistent work.

The lifespan of Africans is 10-12 years, but lifespan always depends on health, genetics, and care of the dog. Therefore, if they are healthy and well cared they can live longer than average.

Litter Size variates a lot, so female can have 2-8 puppies.

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.

africanis dog - characteristicsAfricanis is a very good and healthy breed. They are very intelligent and friendly breed. They are not an aggressive breed, but they tend to protect the master. Africanis is a natural guard dog. This breed is used to being alone because for the centuries they migrated close to humans, but they also have been independent.

Training Africanis is not very hard. They tend to learn very quickly. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Africanis. The old-fashioned way of training dogs with punishment is not recommendable for Africanis. They are intelligent breed who requires patience and constancy.

They are very good with other animals too, but they need proper socialization. Africanis requires daily exercise so if you keep your dog in the apartment it should have few daily walks. Africanis can live in the apartments though.

Overall, they are very healthy breed, so with regular vet checks and proper care, they are perfect pets for the whole family since they are great and gentle with small children and kids.

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.

africanis puppies - health problemsThe great thing about Africanis is that this breed is very healthy. Thousands of years of evolution made this breed one of the toughest breeds in the world. They can survive very tough conditions. Africanis has a very healthy immune system too. It evolves so strong that there are no internal or external parasites that can harm the dog.

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.

Feeding the Africanis

africanis dogs - caringAfricanis has used to eat everything, so this breed does not require any special treatments. 2-2.5 cups of dry high-quality food would be more than enough to have healthy and well feed the dog. But have in mind that feeding the dog depends on daily activity and size. If the dog is more active, an extra cup wouldn’t be a problem for a dog to eat.

Feeding Africanis puppy

Africanis puppy should eat more times per day than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day of quality dry food are good measure to feed your puppy Africanis.

Grooming Africanis

Since Africanis has short hair they are very easy to groom and care. Few brushes on a weekly basis with occasional bathing would be more than enough to have a clean and healthy dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  2. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  3. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  5. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  6. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  7. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  8. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  10. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  11. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  13. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  14. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  15. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  16. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  17. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Blue Lacy vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  20. New Zealand Huntaway vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  21. Norwegian Buhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  22. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  28. Bullmastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  29. Great Pyrenees vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  30. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  31. Presa Canario vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  32. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  33. Labrador Husky vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  34. Argentine Dogo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  35. Giant Schnauzer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  36. Africanis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Africanis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  38. Africanis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  39. Africanis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  40. Africanis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  42. Goldador vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  43. Bandog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  45. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  46. Dogo Sardesco vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  47. Beauceron vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  48. Central Asian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Mackenzie River Husky vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  50. Black Russian Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds