Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonCao de Gado Transmontano is originated from Portugal but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium. Cao de Gado Transmontano may grow 17 cm / 7 inches higher than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Cao de Gado Transmontano may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same life span. Cao de Gado Transmontano may have less litter size than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low maintenance.

History

cao de gado transmontano - historyThe Cão de Gado Transmontano which is also known as the Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog is a large dog – in fact a giant dog breed. This is a rare molosser working dog, hailing from the region of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province in Portugal.

The large dog has always been used to herd livestock and to also ward off wolves. It is believed that the dog’s roots come from the Tibetan Mastiff as well as a Portuguese cattle dog known as the Rafeiro do Alentejo. The dog also shares some similarities with the short-haired Estrela Mountain Dog.

In 1995 the breed was still exclusive to Portugal, but now the breed has been imported to Oregon, USA to be part of an experiment to document bigger breeds and their role in protecting livestock from wolves. They were re-introduced to north-east Oregon from 2008.

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.

Description

cao de gado transmontano puppy - descriptionThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a large dog, believed to be the biggest of the Portuguese dog breeds. He is powerful and muscular with a large head and can stand up to 83cm in height and can weigh up to 65kg.

He is tough, and is quite comfortable living outside. He is a long-legged dog with a wide chest with medium length floppy ears and a long tail. The coat is fairly short although it can be in a variety of lengths. It is the medium length coated dog with the right coloring that is looked upon as a pure breed. The dog is white with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades.

Temperament:

The Transmontano Mastiff is an intelligent, obedient dog who is also independent and stubborn. As with all dogs, it is important to have him trained and socialized as this makes him obedient and eager to please. He loves to be patted by his owners and is a dog which is easy to train, responding well to firmness and fairness.

He is calm and somewhat docile but at the same time he is energetic and alert, making him a good watchdog. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny space. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home.

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

cao de gado transmontano dog - characteristicsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano may look like a fairly formidable dog but they aren’t aggressive. They are full of courage and are above all, loving and loyal to their human family.

When you choose to have one of these large dogs as your pet, it is important to make sure he knows that you’re the leader. With training and socialization this dog is a gentle giant who makes an exceptional family 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

cao de gado transmontano puppies - health problemsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a tough dog, used to spending long hours outside guarding sheep. These days however, he is also a companion dog and you’ll want to be aware of some common dog ailments that can strip him of his health and his joy of life.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a looseness with the hip joint, and while it can occur with all dogs, it is more common in large dogs. It’s a disease which can lead to arthritis, pain and also joint degeneration. It’s a disease which can be debilitating for the dog and you will need to get your dog to the vet.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This is a heart disease seen in large breed dogs and where the heart becomes weak and can’t properly pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms include coughing, weakness, difficulty with breathing as well as a fluid-distended abdomen.

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

Diet:

cao de gado transmontano dogs - caringJust because this is a large dog, doesn’t mean you need to over-feed him. He is muscular and athletic, and by watching his diet, he’ll continue to be strong, lean and healthy. You can feed him a top quality pet-food brand and include boiled chicken, rice and vegetables. Every now and then mix in some raw meat with his dog food to ensure that his skin remains free of rashes and itchiness. Fresh, cool water must be available to him day and night as he drinks abundantly.

Grooming:

Some dog breeds need to be trimmed or stripped to look good, and dog owners often invest in expensive equipment to groom their pets themselves, Fortunately the large Cão de Gado Transmontano is a low maintenance dog and all you’ll need to do is give him a good brush-down twice a week.

Check his eyes, ears, teeth and nails regularly. Remember that dental hygiene is imperative and special canine toothbrush and toothpaste is available to brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3x a week to get rid of plaque and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Portugal
Belgium
Height Male:
73 - 83 cm
28 - 33 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 65 kg
121 - 144 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 62 kg
99 - 137 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
5 - 11
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
White with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Coat:
Short to medium length
Rough, medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
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

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  3. Gaddi Kutta vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  4. Nebolish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  5. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  7. Broholmer vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  9. Newfoundland Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  10. Leonberger vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Wolfhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  12. Francais Blanc et Orange vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  13. Mountain Burmese vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  15. Moscow Watchdog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  16. Scottish Deerhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  17. Shiloh Shepherd vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  20. St. Bernard vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  21. Kars Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  22. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  24. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  25. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  27. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  28. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  31. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  32. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  33. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  34. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  35. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  36. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  37. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  38. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  40. Blue Lacy vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  41. New Zealand Huntaway vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Buhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  43. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds