French Spaniel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

French Spaniel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonFrench Spaniel is originated from France but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium. Both French Spaniel and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) are having almost same height. French Spaniel may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both French Spaniel and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same life span. Both French Spaniel and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same litter size. French Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low maintenance

History

french spaniel - historyDeveloped in France and then in Canada, the French Spaniel is a descendent of 14th century hunting dogs. Originally the breed was very popular with the French royalty and nobility at the Court of Versailles, in the Middle Ages. A French Spaniel named Babe was owned by Catherine I of Russia.

Spaniels were mentioned in Gaston III of Foix-Beams’ The Master of the Game, or Livre de Chasse, in 14th Century France. Most believed that Spaniels had been developed during the 11th century Crusades. By 1650 the French Spaniel was differentiated from the King Charles Spaniel and determined to be its own type of spaniel.

In 1805, they were featured in the Sporting Magazine, hunting mallards. The French Spaniel was crossed with English Setters in the !850’s to develop the French Brittany (Spaniel). But by the end of the 19th century, hunting dogs from other countries were outpacing the French Spaniel so much that it was driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a priest named Father Fournier saved the breed by taking all remaining Spaniels to his kennels at St. Hillarie and developing the lines we see in the breed today. This was followed by the founding of the French Spaniel Club in 1921. The various lines of the Spaniels included the French Spaniel of today, the Brittany of today, the Blue Picardy and the Picardy.

The French Spaniel however has been rare outside of its native country and Canada, where it was imported in the 1970’s to French speaking Quebec. Quebec Canadians fell in love with the breed for hunting grouse and woodcock. In order to ensure that the breed would be continued in line with its French standards, the Club de l’Epagneul Francais du Canada began in 1978. By 1985 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel. Soon after they were recognized by the United Kennel Club, the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale, the UK Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, but not the AKC (American Kennel Club). They are also registered with organizations such as the American Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the America’s Pet Registry. They have been included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the first step toward AKC recognition.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
Belgium
Height Male:
56 - 63 cm
22 - 25 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 22 kg
22 - 49 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 20 kg
17 - 45 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
5 - 11
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Epagneul Français French Setter Canadian Setter
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
White with brown markings
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Coat:
Straight, or slightly wavy and of medium length.
Rough, medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

french spaniel puppy - descriptionThe French Spaniel is a very tall dog and as such is one of the spaniel breeds two tallest. They are taller than the English Springer Spaniel, have a deep chest and a muscular build. Their legs are very strong, and they have a thick tail that is never docked. It is long, slightly curved and hangs low. He is an elegant dog with dark amber eyes, long feathery ears, and a nose the color of the coat. If the coat is brown the nose is brown. If the coat is black and white the nose is black. Most French Spaniels are white with brown or dark liver or white with black.

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

french spaniel dog - characteristicsYes, they are very good with children.

Special talents

They are great in filed trials as they can flush, point and retrieve.

Adaptability

The breed is very adaptable and can live in the city or in the country.

Learning ability

The breed is very intelligent and trainable.

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.

Health Problems

french spaniel puppies - health problemsThe French Spaniel is a healthy breed that adapts well to all types of conditions, especially wet ones. There are some potentially serious health issues that the breed may be susceptible to:

Acral Mutilation and Analgesia

This is a very serious inherited disorder. It is one of many Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies (HSN) disorders. This is an agonizing infliction that causes the dogs to have no pain in certain extremities and therefore the ability to self-mutilate their feet, pads, claws and digits. They lick and bite their feet often amputating footpads, claws, and digits without feeling any pain. This leads to infection and most dogs end up being euthanized. The disorder shows up by 3-4 months of age.

Ear Infections

Make sure the dog’s ears are cleaned regularly to remove wax and prevent infections.

Epilepsy

This disease causes seizures but can be treated with medication.

Hip dysplasia

Can cause lameness and arthritis.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feed the puppy

french spaniel dogs - caringA high quality dry food made for puppies and if possible for Spaniels. Feed two to three times a day about one fourth of a cup each time

Feed the adult

A high quality adult dry food made for Spaniels if possible. Feed twice a day about one half to three fourths of a cup at each meal.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision, stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

These dog love to run and play. They are smart and learn easily. They like to chase balls, swim, play hide and seek, Find It, and go hiking. They can excel at learning tricks, agility, rally and obedience trials.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. French Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. French Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  5. French Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  6. French Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  7. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. French Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. French Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. French Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  11. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  12. French Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  14. French Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  15. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  27. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  28. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  30. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  31. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  32. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  33. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  35. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  36. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  37. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  38. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  39. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  40. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  41. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  42. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  44. Blue Lacy vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  45. New Zealand Huntaway vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Buhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  47. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds