Difference Between Belgian and German shepherd

Main Difference – Belgian vs German shepherd

Belgian shepherd and German shepherd are among the best-known large dog breeds in the world. These two dog breeds have very similar growth patterns. They are often mistaken due to their similar appearance and built. However, these two breeds are different in many ways. This article describes the differences between Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd. The main difference between Belgian and German shepherd is that German Shepherds are easier to train and maintain than Belgian Shepherds.    

Belgian Shepherd– Facts, Characteristics, and Behaviour

As the name implies, this dog breed was first developed in Belgium at the end of the 19th century. They were first used as shepherd dog to guard farms. This dog breed is well known for their intelligence, courage, devotion, and alertness. There are four varieties of Belgian shepherds, namely; Belgian sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Laekenois, and Belgian Malinois. Belgian Shepherds are square shaped dogs with elegant appearance. Their body is strong, well-muscled and agile. Triangular ears are erect and firm. Males grow to 24-26 inches in height and females grow about 22-24 inches. Different varieties have different coat textures and color combinations. Belgian sheepdog has completely black coat with long, straight hair. The coat of Tervuren has fawn and black colored, long-haired coat. The coat of Laekenois is reddish fawn with black colored, rough and wire-haired. Malinois has relatively short and straight hair.

German Shepherd – Facts, Characteristics, and Behaviour

German shepherds are one the best-known and loved dog breed in the world. Their upright ears, piercing eyes and black and tan coat are not mistaken, as they are so much familiar to people living in every corner in the world.  Initially, they were known as herding dogs, but later, they were used as war dogs. Even now, they are being used as military dogs in many countries because they are committed, loyal and easily trained. German shepherds are very powerful dogs with well-muscled, agile, large bodies. Males usually grow between 24-26 inches in height and females grow between 22-24 inches at the shoulder. German shepherd is a great playmate for kids and a devoted member of a family. When its family is in danger, it will protect them even risking its own life. German shepherds are smart dogs. Hence, they can be taught to do many activities such as, tricks, carting, weight pulling, tracking, rescue work, searching, guiding, etc.

Difference Between Belgian and German Shepherd

Origin

Belgian Shepherd: Belgian shepherds were first bred in Belgium.

German Shepherd: German shepherds were first bred in Germany.

Coat

Belgian Shepherd: Belgian shepherds have a dense coat with short hairs.

German Shepherd: German shepherds have a dense coat with medium hairs.

Color

Belgian Shepherd: Belgian shepherds are a combination of Black and fawn colors.

German Shepherd: German shepherds are a combination of black, fawn and tan.

Shedding

Belgian Shepherd: Belgian shepherds shed moderately.

German Shepherd: German shepherds shed frequently.

Maximum weight

Belgian Shepherd: Belgian shepherds weigh around 65 lbs.

German Shepherd: German shepherds weigh around 95 lbs.

Training

Belgian Shepherds are harder to train than German shepherds. 

German Shepherds are easier to train than Belgian shepherds.

Litter Size

Belgian Shepherd: Belgian shepherds give birth to 6-10 puppies.

German Shepherd: German shepherds give birth to 4-9 puppies.

Adaptability and Maintenance

Belgian Shepherd: Belgian shepherds have better adaptability than German shepherd.

German Shepherd: German shepherds are easier to maintain than Belgian shepherds.

Image Courtesy:

“A female Belgian Shepherd Malinois” by diveofficer – Flickr: Cinder, (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

“A German Shepherd dog” by Jakub Hałun – Own work (GFDL) via Commons Wikimedia 

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