Curly Coated Retriever vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Curly Coated Retriever vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonCurly Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium. Both Curly Coated Retriever and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) are having almost same height. Curly Coated Retriever may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both Curly Coated Retriever and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has same life span. Both Curly Coated Retriever and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same litter size. Both Curly Coated Retriever and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low maintenance.

History

curly coated retriever - historyThere isn’t much on the origin of the Curly-Coated Retriever and his history hasn’t been well documented.

The dog originated some time ago in the early 19th century, with some believing that the dog was in England during the late 1700s already.

It is thought that this dog, which is identical to the Labrador but with a tight, curly coat, descended from the Old English Water Dog, the Irish Water Spaniel and the smaller Newfoundland. This mix was later crossed with the Poodle and this is where the curls come into the picture.

The Curly-Coated Retriever gained substantial recognition in England during the mid-1800s and exported to the United States in 1907. The dog was also later exported to Australia and New Zealand and has been recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1924.

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

curly coated retriever puppy - descriptionThe Curly Coated Retriever is a medium sized dog standing at about 58–69cm and weighing anything between 25 – 40kg. The dog, mainly black or chocolate brown, is active and muscled and was used for hunting and retrieving waterfowl.

The coat has small, tight curls over the body except for the face and the legs. He has floppy ears and they eyes of the black dog are brown while in the liver-colored dogs, the eyes are amber or gold.

The tail is long. He has a wedge shaped head, and its the fact that the face is more long than wide which makes him easily distinguishable from other retriever breeds. Of course, it is the curly coat which is the dog’s most distinguishing feature.

Temperament:

The Curly Coated Retriever has been used as a gun dog, and today, like most retrievers, they make superb pets and are a lively, social and fun-loving breed. He becomes loyal and devoted to his human family members, making a splendid pet, but then he must be exercised.

Have him trained and socialized and he becomes an obedient, relaxed dog, eager to please. He is intelligent and self-confident and gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

He fits in easily to city and country life, but if he could have large grounds to run, play and swim, which he loves, he would be at his happiest.

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

curly coated retriever dog - characteristicsCurly Coated Retrievers are such fun dogs, full of personality, robust and active. He makes such a wonderful pet and is loving, loyal and protective. He is brave, courageous, independent and confident as well. He gets on well with children and loves to be part of all their games. He is capable of getting on well with other animals in the home.

He is an active dog and won’t fit in well with those who like to sit around all day. He wants to be active, and then loves to settle down with his human family at night. He is an excellent all-rounder and makes a loving, loyal 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

curly coated retriever puppies - health problemsWith good care, the average life expectancy of the Curly-Coated Retriever can reach between 10 and 12 years. However, there are some health concerns that your dog may have to contend with and which are common in most other dog breeds too.

Ear Infections:

Apart from hip dysplasia, bloat, dental decay and eye diseases such as cataracts, ear infections are a common canine health problem, particular when your dog has floppy ears and loves the water.

Ear infections can also be caused because of bacteria, ear mites, allergies and hair growth in the ear canal. Your pet will shake his head, maybe off balance and be scratching his ear. You might notice his ears are red and oozing. Get him to the vet immediately.

Parasites and Worms:

When you brush your dog, check for fleas and ticks. Worms too, can make your dog ill, and can actually be the death of a puppy. Worms can cause weight loss, a rough, dull coat and a generally run-down appearance. Your vet will be able to guide you as to what medications are available.

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:

curly coated retriever dogs - caringThe Curly Coated Retriever is a single-coated dog breed and this makes him a low maintenance dog. He doesn’t shed much and a good brush twice a week will keep the curly coat in good condition. There are some dog owners that trim the feathering around the legs, feet, tail and belly.

Diet:

The Curly Coated Retriever is an attractively low maintenance breed. Therefore he doesn’t require any special diet. He does well on a top quality manufactured dog food where protein is listed at the top.

These dogs are inclined to put on weight easily so you want to be sure to follow the directions on the packaging and not overfeed him. With his kibble, sometimes add in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken.

Raw meat can be expensive but if you can, try and include it into your pet’s diet to avoid nasty skin rashes and allergies. Always make sure that cool, fresh water is available to your dog and make sure the food and water bowls are regularly washed.

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:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Belgium
Height Male:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 12
5 - 11
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
CCR, Curly
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
Black or Liver
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Coat:
Medium length with tight curls
Rough, medium length
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal, Seasonal
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

Comparison with other breeds

  1. East Siberian Laika vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. French Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  3. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Finnish Spitz vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  6. English Water Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  7. Field Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  8. Curly Coated Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  9. Curly Coated Retriever vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  10. Curly Coated Retriever vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  11. Curly Coated Retriever vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  13. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  14. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  15. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  16. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Curly Coated Retriever - 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