Bullenbeisser vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Bullenbeisser is originated from Germany. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Bullenbeisser are having almost same height. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Bullenbeisser are having almost same weight. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Bullenbeisser has almost same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Bullenbeisser has same litter size. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Bullenbeisser requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Molosser dogs
undefined
Belgium
Germany
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
51 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
8 - 11
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
German Bulldog
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Fawn or Brownish
Coat:
Rough, medium length
short and dense
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, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, 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.

Known also as the German Bulldog, the Bullenbeisser was a strong dog which is now unfortunately extinct. There were two regional types – the Brabanter- and the Danziger Bullenbeisser.This Molosser-type dog was native to Germany and was bred for different hunting purposes.

Nobody is quite sure what dogs are included in Molossers, but they are essentially large dogs bred to hunting and rescue, tending to have a shorter muzzle. The Bullenbeisser is famous for the role the dog has played in the development of the wonderful dog we have today, the Boxer. In fact, some Bullenbeissers were crossed by the Boxer Kennel Club of Germany with Bulldogs from the UK.

Not much is known about the history of the Bullenbeisser, but the breed also has a history in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire. The dog was at first a type of Mastiff, large and with the typical brachycephalic head, and used for hunting because of their power.

To improve their dogs, many Bullenbeisser breeders began crossing their dogs with English Bulldogs, introducing a white coat to the Bullenbeisser. Other breeds were also crossed with the dog such as the Bull Terrier, but by the end of the 19th century, the traditional Bullenbeisser was slowly dying out. It was in the late 1870s that German breeders, Hopner, Konig and Roberth used the dog to bring about a new breed, which today is known as the Boxer.

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.

The Boxers lineage comes from the Bullenbeisser. The Bullenbeisser was a fierce, courageous dog, noted for its hunting abilities. The dog was developed into the Boxer so that its body become more defined and more streamlined.

Described as a medium to large muscular dog, standing roughly 63cm in height, he would have weighed in the region of 32kg. He had a short coat, brown eyes and short to medium ears which were half erect, half floppy.

Brown to fawn in color, he had a long tail which was later docked to give the dog a more distinctive, attractive look. The dog also got its attractive fawn color from the English Bulldog. Loyal, active and loving, the Bullenbeisser was a true family dog with a close affinity to children.

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.

Information on the extinct Bullenbeisser is limited, but because he was used to bring about the Boxer you can be sure that he would have been fearless, courageous and territorial of his property and of his human family.

The Bullenbeisser would have been a good watch-dog and with the right kind of loving care, a most awesome and loving family companion.

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.

In general, medium to large breeds like the Bullenbeisser have a lifespan of 10, 11 or 12 years. The life expectancy of these dogs relied much on the lifestyle they led and their diets.

The Bullenbeisser had a deep chest and this made dogs like this prone to gastric dilatation and bloat which can be life-threatening and which requires immediate veterinary intervention. The dog with this disease has distension of the abdomen and extreme discomfort, wanting to vomit but being unable to do so.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a disease which is more common in larger dogs and is an abnormal formation of the hip socket, resulting in lameness accompanied by painful arthritis.

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.

Grooming:

The Bullenbeisser was a mastiff like breed with a short, easy-to-care for coat. He would have required a good brushing down at least twice a week to remove the coat from loose hairs. As an active, outdoor-type dog, he would have had to have his ears checked for dirt and the possibility of infection.

Exercise:

Although the Bullenbeisser was a hunting dog, he no doubt led an active outdoor lifestyle. Dogs such as the Boxer and the Mastiff, which are descendants of this dog are the kind of dogs which will need to be exercised regularly, taken on walks and given lots of running games with a ball.

Diet:

As a medium to larger breed with lots of energy, the Bullenbeisser would have no doubt had home-made food from his master’s table. This food would have included meat and vegetables. As a hunting dog he would have had the chance to get in some raw meat which is imperative for the health of any domesticated dog today.

Comparison with other breeds

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