Belgian Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd is originated from Belgium but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Belgian Shepherd may grow 26 cm / 11 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Belgian Shepherd may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Belgian Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd may have more litter size than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Belgian Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate 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.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Belgium
United States
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
1 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Belgian Sheepdog Chien de Berger Belge
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
depends on variety - black with white, brown
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
short- and long-haired varieties
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate 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.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

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.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

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.

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

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.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

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. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds