McNab vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

McNab vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonMcNab is originated from United States but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium. Both McNab and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) are having almost same height. Both McNab and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) are of same weight. Both McNab and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) has almost same life span. McNab may have less litter size than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois). Both McNab and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low maintenance.

History

mcnab - historyThe attractive McNab dog is also known as the McNab Shepherd or McNab Collie. This very lively dog originated in the Mendocino region of Northern California, being specifically bred to withstand tough weather conditions and rough terrain.

The dog is becoming popular outside of California now. A Scottish rancher with the surname McNab left Scotland and arrived in California in the 19th century. He crossed Scottish Border Collies with Shepherd dogs and the ranchers in California started using these dogs for herding livestock.

Today they are still being used as herding dogs in California and other countries. The dog isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. It was in 2014 that a group of McNab Shepherd breeders established the McNab Shepherd Registry so as to work towards the advancement of the McNab Shepherd.

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

mcnab puppy - descriptionThe McNab Dog is a medium-sized working dog. The appearance of this dog varies quite a bit. For instance you may come across a dog with erect ears or floppy ears or a long tail or one that is naturally bobbed.

When it comes to size, you will find that between the males and females they stand at roughly 40 – 64cm and weigh anything from 14 – 30kg.

Most of these McNabs are black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face. The coat is weather resistant and fairly short and dense. You also get tri-colored McNabs. Eyes are usually a brown or copper color though you might find some with bluish eyes as well.

Temperament:

These are such intelligent dogs so with training and socialization you’ll find he is able to learn easily and quickly. He is a self assured dog, so he will respond well to an owner who is firm and fair, patient, kind and consistent.

He is best suited to life in the country as he needs lots of place to run around. If you don’t live on a farm, take the dog for long walks every day as he requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation. He is a loving family member too, getting along well with kids in the home as well as other pets. He is also a good guard- and watch dog, taking his job as protector of his human family very seriously.

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

mcnab dog - characteristicsThe McNab makes a splendid pet and is known to be even-tempered, being friendly and tolerant with his entire human family.

He gets on well with children in the home as well as other pets. He has always been a hard working pet and doubles up as being an excellent guard dog too. Those who have had the McNab as a pet say that you couldn’t get a more excellent family canine friend.

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

mcnab puppies - health problemsThis dog doesn’t really have genetic health issues, but they can suffer with hip dysplasia, a problem that many dogs battle with, whether small or large, young or old.

They can also suffer with epilepsy and an eye disease such as entropion where the lid of the eye is turned inwards. Check its ears and teeth regularly for infections and keep up to date with his vaccinations.

The McNab is a health dog breed so you aren't likely to face any of these common dog health issues.

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:

mcnab dogs - caringYou can feed your McNab dog commercial dry kibble, but then you want to be sure its the best quality one. Buying inferior foods means that you’re getting a whole lot of ingredients in the food that are bad – sugar, salt, preservatives, fillers, colorants etc. Rather go for the best brands that will ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

Homemade food is also important and foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as cooked or raw vegetables chopped up and added to his dry kibble can make for a delicious, wholesome treat. It will be to his benefit if you can every now and then give him some raw meat as well. Make sure to see that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

McNab Shepherds are very active dogs and they are going to require quite a bit of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are dogs who have been used to herding livestock and he loves this busy life. It is why he wouldn’t be happy living in the city but is better suited to farm life or in a home with a large garden. Long walks and hikes will suit him as well as swimming and joining in every game there is.

Grooming:

The McNab is considered to be a low maintenance dog and grooming the short thick coat will be required twice a week. Always check around the eyes and ears as well as inside the mouth for problems and infections.

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:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
Belgium
Height Male:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
5 - 11
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
McNab Shepherd, McNab Collie
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
Black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Coat:
Short and dense
Rough, medium length
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  5. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. McNab vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  7. McNab vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  8. McNab vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. McNab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  10. McNab vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. McNab vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. McNab vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. McNab vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. McNab vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  15. McNab vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  16. McNab vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  17. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  18. McNab vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  19. McNab vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  20. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  22. McNab vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  23. McNab vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. McNab vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  25. McNab vs Kintamani - 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