Norfolk Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Norfolk Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Norfolk Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 40 cm / 16 inches higher than Norfolk Terrier. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Norfolk Terrier. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Norfolk Terrier has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Norfolk Terrier. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low Maintenance. But Norfolk Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
undefined
Belgium
United Kingdom
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
1 - 5
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Norfolk
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
black and grey or grizzle, Wheaten, red
Coat:
Rough, medium length
Wire-haired coat, straight 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, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
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.

norfolk terrierIt was in the 1880s that a working terrier was developed in eastern England. The Norfolk Terrier was developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs with the Irish Terrier breed as well as small red terriers.

Known first as the Cantab Terrier and then later as the Trumpington Terrier, the name changed further but in 1932, the Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created.

The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It has gained recognition as an independent breed but is a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from it by having floppy ears and not erect ears. Both the Norfolk- and Norwich are the smallest of the working terriers.

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.

norfolk terrier puppy - descriptionThe Norfolk Terrier is a small purebred dog, standing at 23 to 25cm in height and weighing roughly between 4.5kg and 6kg. The dog has a wire-haired coat which can be in different colors such as wheaten, red, black and grey or grizzle.

The hair on his head and ears is shorter and smoother and he has longer whiskers and eyebrows. The chest is deep, the front legs are short and straight and the tail has always been docked to half its length but left long these days. The tail is set high and carried erect.

Temperament:

Norfolks are feisty, fearless dogs with an independent streak. They’re gentle though, and when it comes to being a companion dog, they get on well with children and other pets. They thrive on their human family’s companionship and wouldn’t do well at all if they were constantly left outside.

They’re not yappy dogs but will bark occasionally so he can sound the alarm if strangers approach.

This little dog is able to live in the city or the countryside, but just because he is little, you can’t neglect his exercise needs. He will most certainly need to be exercised every day and taken for walks as he is an energetic, lively dog. He is intelligent too and easy to train and socialize, turning him into such an obedient, pleasurable pet.

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.

norfolk terrier dog - characteristicsFearless and brave, the Norfolk Terrier promises to be a wonderful companion.

They're social, loving dogs and want to be part of the household. He is lively and active too and wants to be included in your walks and your games. He loves nothing more than to be running across a field after a ball.

They’re such amicable pets that they make great dogs for first-time dog owners. Let him into your heart and your home – he makes such a splendid pet – that once you’ve had one, you’ll realize you can never be without such a wonderful pet and companion again.

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.

norfolk terrier puppies - health problemsThe life expectancy of your Norfolk Terrier is 8 to 14 years, but there are some who have received excellent care and who have reached 17 years of age.

Just as with any other dog, they are prone to common dog illnesses, and these can include dental issues and mitral valve disease. They also are prone to hip dysplasia, and according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) they are known for problematic hips.

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:

norfolk terrier dogs - caringThe Norfolk Terrier’s hard, wiry, straight coat requires being hand stripped about twice a year by hand or with a stripping knife. The paws will also need to be trimmed.

It is recommended to keep the hair short around the anus for hygienic purposes and the tail itself will need to be stripped.

The Norfolk doesn’t shed his coat naturally, and the hair keeps growing, making the dog uncomfortable and ungroomed looking. The dog will certainly need to have his hair kept away from around the eyes.

If you don’t want to strip your dog, there are people who take their dogs to professional groomers, but then this professional grooming makes it that the texture of the dog’s coat changes from wiry to soft.

Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so check your dog’s teeth regularly. A bad tooth can play havoc with your dogs general health.

Diet:

As with any other dog, the Norfolk Terrier will do well on high-quality kibble, specially formulated for small dog breeds. For a tasty treat, boil some chicken and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach in a pot, chop them up and add to his kibble with some brown rice and pasta. A tiny bit of raw meat added in occasionally is all this little dog needs to stay healthy and content.

Don’t ‘treat’ him by giving him chocolates, chips and peanuts. You will upset his stomach. Dogs do best on simply, healthy, tasty diets such as mentioned above. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water. 

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. Norfolk Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Norfolk Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Norfolk Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Norfolk Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Norfolk Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Norfolk Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Norfolk Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Norfolk Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Norfolk Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Norfolk Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Norfolk Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Norfolk Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Norfolk Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Norfolk Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Norfolk Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Norfolk Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Norfolk Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Norfolk Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Norfolk Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Norfolk Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Norfolk Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Norfolk Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Norfolk Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison