Long Haired Chihuahua vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Long Haired Chihuahua vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Long Haired Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 43 cm / 17 inches higher than Long Haired Chihuahua. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 27 kg / 60 pounds more than Long Haired Chihuahua. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may live 6 years less than Long Haired Chihuahua. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Long Haired Chihuahua. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low Maintenance. But Long Haired Chihuahua requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
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Belgium
Mexico
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
1 - 3
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
None
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
brownish, white, black - bi-color, Many colors - cream, apricot
Coat:
Rough, medium length
Long, straight to wavy
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

belgian shepherd dog laekenoisThe 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.

long haired chihuahuaThe short haired Chihuahua is such a recognizable dog breed, probably because of his tiny size, but did you know that you also get a long haired variety?

Looking quite a bit like a Pomeranian, the only difference between the two types of Chihuahua is the length of the coat.

This small dog dates back to Mayan times and while it may well have originated in Mexico, its popularity saw it becoming a sought after pet in other countries too.

To get the long haired Chihuahua, breeding programs were established and the short-haired variety was mated with other long haired toy sized dogs such as the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Description

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.

long haired chihuahua puppy - descriptionYour long haired Chihuahua will have a coat that is soft and slightly wavy. He weighs between 1 and 3kg and stands at about 15 – 23cm. He generally sheds throughout the year with a couple of heavier shedding periods during the year.

Don’t be fooled by the long, thick hair on the long haired Chihuahua as it doesn’t protect him from the cold – in fact he doesn’t tolerate the cold well at all, and is essentially an indoor dog. The ears are erect and feathery and the tail is full and plumed, lying over the back. He has a ruff on the neck, which is often described as a mane.

Temperament:

Chihuahuas are such bright-as-a-button little dogs and they’re intelligent too.

It’s difficult to say how a dog’s temperament will turn out, because breed, lifestyle and the type of owners can all make a dog a certain way.

Socialization and training can sometimes help with a dog that has bad genes. There are some people who say the Long haired Chihuahua is a nasty, aggressive little dog who’ll easily give you a nip but they’ve got a good reputation with many other dog lovers.

They love their own human family but may take quite a while to chill towards other people and other dogs too. They’re more ‘birds of a feather flock together’ type of dogs, preferring to get on with other Chihuahua dogs.

Characteristics

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.

long haired chihuahua dog - characteristicsThe Chihuahua is such a feisty, courageous, confident little dog who also believes that he is part- lion. He is loving, sweet and gentle and just loves being picked up and petted non-stop. He looks up at you, moving his front paws up and down to tell you that he wants to be picked up.

He is in 7th heaven when he can be cuddled up in your lap. You just have to teach your children to be very careful with him and not enter into games with him that are too rough and tumble. Tiny he may be but he makes a great watchdog too, barking and alerting you to strangers.

His small size makes him perfect for life in the city or in the countryside. Just be careful when in the countryside lest an Eagle or Owl scoop him up and carry him off to some faraway nest.

He doesn’t need a great deal of exercise either and you can actually keep him happily busy with some games indoors. He’ll always welcome walks with you though.

This small dog is full of life and confidence and he is ready to be your constant, loving companion.

Health Problems

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.

long haired chihuahua puppies - health problemsWith good care, you’ll have your long haired Chihuahua with you for a long time – 15 years and longer.

Parasites:

Make sure to de-worm your Chihuahua. Worms and other parasites can be deadly for your pet and the vet will do preventative deworming on a regular basis.

You Chihuahua will need to be vaccinated when he is a puppy and even when he is an adult, although less often. These vaccines will protect your Chihuahua from the likes of parvo, distemper and rabies. Have your chihuahua spayed or neutered.

There are so many puppies in the world who can’t find homes. Desexing your Chihuahua is a responsible way to ensure your pet doesn’t have puppies. Spaying and neutering can actually be beneficial for your dog’s health.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

long haired chihuahua dogs - caringThe pint-sized long-haired Chihuahua isn’t going to take up too much of your time in terms of grooming. Make sure you brush him at least twice a week to ensure his long hair doesn’t tangle. Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so try and brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with special doggy toothbrush- and toothpaste.

General Care:

Take your puppy Chihuahua to the vet for his regular vaccinations to prevent him getting dangerous illnesses.

Feed him a high quality dog food. He is a high energy dog so buy high quality food that caters for small, lively dogs. Try and feed him such home made food from time to time. Remember that with small dogs, high-salt diets can contribute to kidney problems.

Never overfeed your Chihuahua as obesity opens up major health problems in Chihuahuas.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  26. Long Haired Chihuahua vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Long Haired Chihuahua vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Long Haired Chihuahua vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Long Haired Chihuahua vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Long Haired Chihuahua vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Long Haired Chihuahua vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison