Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonSchweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland but Belgian Shepherd is originated from Belgium. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than Belgian Shepherd. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Belgian Shepherd. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Belgian Shepherd has almost same life span. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may have less litter size than Belgian Shepherd. Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

schweizer niederlaufhund - historyOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

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:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Switzerland
Belgium
Height Male:
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Small Swiss Hound.
Belgian Sheepdog Chien de Berger Belge
Colors Available:
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
depends on variety - black with white, brown
Coat:
smooth or coarse
short- and long-haired varieties
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
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

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  5. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  7. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  13. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  14. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Labrador Husky vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Argentine Dogo vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Giant Schnauzer vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Belgian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  46. Goldador vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Central Asian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds