Dalmatian vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Dalmatian vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonDalmatian is originated from Croatia but Belgian Shepherd is originated from Belgium. Both Dalmatian and Belgian Shepherd are having almost same height. Both Dalmatian and Belgian Shepherd are having almost same weight. Both Dalmatian and Belgian Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Dalmatian and Belgian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Dalmatian requires Low maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

dalmatian - historyThe history of the Dalmatian dog is also fairly scant, and the information you get is often unclear.

The name Dalmatian wasn’t used until the end of the 18th century, although it seems as though, according to murals on ancient tombs, there were white hounds then with specks over the body.

It does seem firm that the modern Dalmatian is because of breeding of the English nobility. They used these dogs to accompany them on their carriages. The dogs were also bred with the purpose of getting an exquisite spotted pattern.

It was in 1890 that the first Dalmatian Club was established in England and the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

belgian shepherd - historyThere are different varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog – but these all differ only in color, length and texture of coat. The interesting aspect of the names of the different Belgian Shepherds, is that the names of the different varieties are taken from the individual towns in Belguim from which each variety comes from.

This breed dates back to the middle ages, but it was only in 1891 that Professor A. Reul of the Cureghem Veterinary Medical School established standards for the types and actually separated- and distinguishing them. In the UK they are shown as one breed.

Description

dalmatian puppy - descriptionThe Dalmatian is a medium sized dog with its beautiful white coat with black or liver spots being its main feature. The coat is short and dense and the Dalmatian pretty much sheds all year round.

It is notable that at birth, the puppies are pure white, with their spots starting to form about 4 weeks later.

Both the male and female stand at anything between 56–61cm in height and weigh between 22 to 35kg. He is a slender, muscular dogs with plenty of stamina. The ears of the dog are floppy, he has brown eyes and a long tail.

Temperament:

With his human family, the Dalmatian is an active, playful dog. He has the reputation of being somewhat unfriendly and aloof, but many who have kept him as a pet say this isn't so. He loves to take part in games and gets on well with children in the home.

He is intelligent, but when it comes to strangers, the Dalmatian is reserved and even aloof. If you want to get the best from your Dalmatian, make sure that he is trained and socialized as he then knows how to behave well around people. He makes a good watchdog too.

Different Varieties

belgian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Belgian Shepherd is a well proportioned, muscular medium-to-large dog breed. There are the different varieties but they generally stands at 56 – 66cm in height and weighs anything from 25 to 30kg. You get the short haired Malinois and then you also get the Belgian Tervuren and the Groenendal which are fairly long-haired varieties. Their colour shades vary so you can find black with white markings on the chest and feet, you can find light to dark brown and some are even inclined to be brown.

Not Aggressive but a Great Guardian

All the varieties have long tails, pointed, fully erect ears and black noses. While the Belgian Shepherd isn’t an aggressive dog, he makes an excellent guard dog, being alert, highly energetic and intelligent and easy to train. As with most other dogs, you’ll want to see to it that he is trained and socialized because then he makes a super pet suited to life with a family where there are children and other pets. He has an independent nature and is loyal and protective with his human family.

Characteristics

dalmatian dog - characteristicsThe Dalmatian is such a beautiful dog, energetic and playful and he is good with pets and children in the home.

He is intelligent too and training and socialization for him will be easy and promise to bring out all his good points.

The Dalmatian became popular in the 1800's when they were used as coach-dogs, and their popularity has been enhanced because of films from Hollywood such as ‘101 Dalmatians’.

Unfortunately many people receive Dalmatian puppies as gifts after seeing movies like this and then hand their dogs into rescue centers when they grow up and are no longer the cute little puppy they first met.

Be a responsible dog owner. A Dalmatian has feelings and you need to commit to caring for him for up to 15 years. You’ll be rewarded by having a wonderful, loyal canine friend.

belgian shepherd dog - characteristicsEnergy is a big factor with this beautiful dog, so before you consider one as a pet, be sure that you can take care of his exercise needs. He belongs to the working group of dogs so he won’t enjoy just lazing around day after day. He is wired to be herding livestock and that natural instinct doesn’t disappear once he becomes a pet in your home. With so much energy, he wants a nice sized garden and wouldn’t do well cooped up indoors at all.

He is a strong, loving dog, and in exchange for your care of him, he will be a loyal, loving, protective friend who will love you to the end.

Health Problems

dalmatian puppies - health problemsDalmatians, with good care, can live to be about 10 to 15 years. However, just as with other breeds, the Dalmatian is prone to certain health problems that are more specific to their breed. Some of these problems are skin allergies, deafness and urinary stones.

Skin Allergies:

Dalmatians are known to have sensitive skin and they are prone to topical allergies. When you brush your dog, you should check his skin for redness and also check for fleas and ticks.

Red bumps on his skin could mean an allergy and can be distressing for your pet. Your pet may be scratching excessively and the skin may be red and moist with runny, itchy eyes. It is time to get your dog to the vet, who may prescribe an antihistamines to get the itching and allergies under control.

Urinary Stones:

Unfortunately, the Dalmatian is a dog which has a tendency to form stones in the kidneys and bladder. A genetic mutation causes the raised uric acid levels which is more prevalent with the male Dalmatian. Straining to urinate can be tremendously stressful for your dog and you will need to get him to the vet immediately.

belgian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Belgian Shepherd is a hardy dog so if you do your part to provide him with good quality nutrition from the food he eats and you exercise him, he’ll reach the 10-14 years allotted to him. Just like with any dog, there will be some minor concerns that you need to watch out for -

epilepsy, eye problems, cancer, skin allergies and hip dysplasia.

remember to check his teeth and for ticks and parasites as both, if just left, can jeopardise his health seriously.

see that he get his first puppy vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

dalmatian dogs - caringThe Dalmatian is an easy dog to maintain and brushing twice a week will get rid of loose hairs. What is notable with the Dalmatian is that not only does he look like a well groomed dog, he also doesn’t have that typical dog smell around him.

Diet:

No matter what kind of dog you have, a high-quality dog food is always beneficial for your dog’s health. Home-made food is always good for your dog and wholesome food such as brown rice, vegetables and some cooked chicken will delight your pet and keep him interested in his food.

There are also excellent manufactured foods and kibble is a good food to have when you select it according to your dog’s age and energy levels.

These foods, especially the top quality ones, ensure your pet gets all the nutrients he needs. Adding some raw meat into the diet can be highly beneficial for your pet and will keep him bright eyed, bushy tailed and with a wet nose.

Exercise

belgian shepherd dogs - caringYour Belgian Shepherd is an energetic dog breed who is social and who wants to be included in your family activities. You can’t just keep him cooped up in your back yard and expect him to do well. He’ll need daily exercise – walks, swims if there is water close by, chasing the ball as well as your companionship.

Grooming and shedding

These dogs are shedders so you’ll certainly be needing to watch your clothes for hairs. You will need to give them a good brush at least twice a week to get rid of all that loose hair and to keep his coat shiny and in tip top condition. Also, he likes the closeness the brushing provides between him and his human caretaker.

Feeding your Belgian Shepherd

The Belgian Shepherd is a robust, healthy breed of dog, but many ill dogs are brought to veterinary clinics because they are suffering with itchy skin problems, they have digestive problems and they’re generally run down. This is because they aren’t provided with a varied and balanced diet plan. Apart from eating a quality dry- or wet dog food as recommended by your vet, he’ll most certainly need some raw meat in his diet too.

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Croatia
Belgium
Height Male:
58 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 60 cm
22 - 24 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Coach Dog, Carriage Dog
Belgian Sheepdog Chien de Berger Belge
Colors Available:
White with Black spots
depends on variety - black with white, brown
Coat:
Short and smooth
short- and long-haired varieties
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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