Pharaoh Hound vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Pharaoh Hound vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Pharaoh Hound is originated from Malta. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Pharaoh Hound are having almost same height. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Pharaoh Hound are having almost same weight. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Pharaoh Hound has same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Pharaoh Hound. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Pharaoh Hound requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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Belgium
Malta
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
53 - 63 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
53 - 63 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Kelb tal Fennec 
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
Tan or red
Coat:
Rough, medium length
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
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.

pharaoh houndThe Pharaoh Hound hails from Malta and is the national dog there. These dogs are rare and are looked upon as endangered. Because they are a primitive type dog, they enjoy good health.

It has always been used as a hunting dog for rabbits. The dog has been recreated from mixing a combination of other breeds. It certainly seems to be an ancient dog breed, having existed for more than 2 000 years.

It is thought that the dog was imported to Malta by Phoenician traders. The dog has been classified as a member of the sighthound group, and arrived in England in the 1930s and to the USA in 1967. The breed was also officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.

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.

pharaoh hound puppy - descriptionThe Pharoah Hound is an elegant looking dog standing at roughly between 53 and 63cm and weighing 18 to 27kg.

They are sleek dogs without any bulkiness about them and the coat is tight fitting with short smooth hair. The coat is a tan or red color, the eyes bright and the color of amber. The ears are fairly large and erect and the long tail slim with sometimes a white tip. The skin can be thin so the dog can be sensitive to the cold.

The neck of the dog is long and lean, as are the legs. An interesting aspect with this dog is that when the dog becomes excited its ears and nose become bright pink.

Temperament:

Pharoah Hounds are calm dogs and they can live in the city or in the countryside. They love kids and will be a wonderful playmate for them. Once he has had a lot of exercise and play, he is the kind of dog that will settle down happily with his human family for some quiet time.

Just as with any other dog, he will require training and socialization to make him obedient and better behaved.

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.

pharaoh hound dog - characteristicsThe Pharaoh Hound is quite interesting in a number of ways and he is independent, strong-willed and able to entertain and amuse himself.

He loves to join in with the children and be part of their games. He’s intelligent and easily trained and he is also low maintenance.

While he’s not the most attractive dog to many people, others look at him as a true beauty. Whatever your opinion is, he will still make you a good family friend.

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.

pharaoh hound puppies - health problemsPharaoh Hounds are uncommon outside of the Maltese Islands and with very little irresponsible breeding, these dogs are virtually free of genetic diseases. A common dog illness to look out for includes -

Patellar Luxation:

Your Pharaoh Hound can suffer from patella luxation, and in more severe cases it can be painful and even be disabling for a dog. This ailment comes about when the kneecap is dislocated from its normal position. You’ll find your dog lifting his hind leg quite a bit. Unfortunately this problem can lead to arthritis developing.

Other illnesses to look out for are bloat, cancer, skin allergies and ear infections.

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:

pharaoh hound dogs - caringThe Pharaoh Hound’s short coat is easy to groom and it will require a brushing at least twice a week just to get rid of loose hairs.

At the same time trim his nails, check inside his ears for infection and look inside his mouth for any rotting teeth.

Exercise:

Your Pharaoh Hound is an active, energetic dog and he will need a good dose of exercise every day. Take him with you on your walks or allow him to join you with your hikes, jogging or cycling. At home involve him in some ball games.

Diet:

How much any adult dog eats will depend on a number of factors such as size of dog, age and his activity levels.

You get some excellent dog kibble these days on the market but the idea is to choose one of the high quality ones which have minerals and vitamins in them. Home-made food is also good for your pet and this should be kept simple, consistent and nutritious.

Every now and then you can add in some boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and sweet potato, carrots and spinach to the kibble. Some raw meat added in can also be of benefit to your dog’s health.

Stay away from spicy, exotic foods and keep your dog's food easy like suggested so as to avoid digestive problems

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Pharaoh Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Pharaoh Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Pharaoh Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Pharaoh Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Pharaoh Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Pharaoh Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Pharaoh Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Pharaoh Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Pharaoh Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Pharaoh Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Pharaoh Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Pharaoh Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Pharaoh Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Pharaoh Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Pharaoh Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Pharaoh Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Pharaoh Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Pharaoh Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Pharaoh Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Pharaoh Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Pharaoh Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Pharaoh Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison