Hygenhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Hygenhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonHygenhund is originated from Norway but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium. Both Hygenhund and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) are having almost same height. Both Hygenhund and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) are having almost same weight. Both Hygenhund and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same life span. Hygenhund may have less litter size than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Hygenhund requires Moderate maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low maintenance

History

hygenhund - historyThe Hygenhund is a hound from Norway that was developed in the early 1800’s by the Norwegian breeder Hygen. It was developed for hunting small game such as fox, rabbit, hare or racoon. It is known for its endurance and ability to survive travel across vast artic land without fatigue. It was developed by crossing several Norwegian hounds with ones from England and Germany. This includes basset hounds, holsteiner hounds, beagles, Bloodhounds, Scandinavian hounds and English Pointers. The resulting Hygehound is a scent hound whose popularity fell in the 20th century. Most of the remaining dogs today are located in Norway. The Norwegian Kennel Club and the UKC have both recognized the breed yet its numbers remain low. Even at that the breed today remains a great hunting dog but it is also a great companion or family dog.

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

Description

hygenhund puppy - descriptionThe Hygenhund has a solid rectangular and compact body with muscular and compact legs and paws. Their heads are shaped like a triangle with dark eyes and a broad skull. The muzzle and neck are long and the topline is even. They carry their tail high, but they do not curl it over their back. They are a medium sized dog with short hair. They have an overabundance of energy and get bored easily. They can come in black with chestnut or white markings, yellow and red, chestnut without or with black markings.

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

hygenhund dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness – The Hygenhund is very friendly to children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, intelligence and ability to endure cold climates.

Adaptability

Very adaptable in some ways – enduring cold climates for instance. However, they need a large yard or area to run in. They are not as adaptable in an apartment.

Learning ability

The Hygenhund is very intelligent and a quick learner. They love learning new things.

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

The Hygenhund is prone to a variety of health problems including:

  • Kidney Stones/Chronic Kidney Infections
  • Food Allergies
  • Arthritis – can cause lameness
  • Bloat – can be fatal if not treated
  • Von Willebrands Disease
  • Anesthesia sensitivity
  • Hip Dysplasia – can result in lameness or arthritis

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

Feeding the puppy

hygenhund dogs - caringSince the Hygenhund is such a high energy working dog feed a high quality food. Feed 3-4 times a day for a total of 2.3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Again this is a high energy dog. Feed a high protein good quality dog food twice a day for a total of 3-4 cups.

Points for Good Health

Good speed and stamina. Good in cold climates.

Games and Exercises

The Hygenhund needs plenty of exercise to dissipate all its working energy. They will excel at field trials, lure coursing, fly ball, tracking, and agility.

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:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Norway
Belgium
Height Male:
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
45 - 58 cm
17 - 23 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 11
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hygen Hound, Hygen Dog
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
sometimes combined with white markings. , chestnut (with or without black shading) and black with bright chestnut colors, yellow and red
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Coat:
thick, shiny
Rough, medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  2. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  3. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  5. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  6. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  7. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  8. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  10. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  11. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  13. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  14. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  15. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  16. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  17. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Blue Lacy vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  20. New Zealand Huntaway vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  21. Norwegian Buhund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  22. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison
  27. Redbone Coonhound vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison
  29. Santal Hound vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison
  30. Podenco Canario vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison
  31. Podenco Andaluz vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Galego vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison
  33. Hygenhund vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Hygenhund vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  35. Hygenhund vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  36. Hygenhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Hygenhund vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  38. Hygenhund vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Hygenhund vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Hygenhund vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  41. Hygenhund vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  42. Hygenhund vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Hygenhund vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Hygenhund vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  45. Hygenhund vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  46. Hygenhund vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  47. Hygenhund vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  48. Hygenhund vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  49. Hygenhund vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  50. Hygenhund vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds