Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonMiniature Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium. Miniature Australian Shepherd may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Miniature Australian Shepherd may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same life span. Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same litter size. Miniature Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low maintenance

History

miniature australian shepherd - historyUnlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

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:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
Belgium
Height Male:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
5 - 11
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Coat:
Long and thick
Rough, medium length
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
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

miniature australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

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

miniature australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

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

miniature australian shepherd puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

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

Grooming:

miniature australian shepherd dogs - caringThe mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.

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. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  4. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Pomeranian vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Pug vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Papillon vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  14. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  17. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  24. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  27. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  28. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  29. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  31. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  32. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  33. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  34. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  35. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  36. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  37. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  38. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  39. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  40. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  42. Blue Lacy vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  43. New Zealand Huntaway vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Buhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  45. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds