Hermes Bulldogge vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

The Hermes Bulldogge is not a breed in itself, but is actually a line within the English Bulldogge line. The Hermes family in the United States bred this line for several years. The Hermes Bulldogge line is the largest of the re-creations from the English Bulldogge. They are inspired by the arena dogs from the days of the Roman Empire. Greg and Linda Hermes have bred healthy, smart, resilient and agile dogs. The desire of the Hermes was an attempt at recreating the 17th century dog.

They used a variety of breeds to create the Hermes Bulldogge, most of whom are never disclosed. Some of the dogs that were probably used include: English Mastiffs, American Bulldogs, Old English Bulldogges, and pit Bull Terriers. This family of dogs are playful, friendly, and good family dogs. They have a strong prey drive which makes them good hunters but not as good around other small animals or small children. The Hermes have been breeding the Hermes Bulldogge since since 1983. The puppies are all hand raised, child friendly with great health.

When discussing the Hermes Bulldogge, one must go back to the root of the English Bulldogge. That breed comes originally from England and various lines have been recreated by various breeders. The breeding of the Old English Bulldogge with Mastiffs and Pits lead to other lines that the breeders called Old English. But most fanciers believe that only two lines of the original Old English Bulldogge remain and that is the Leavitt and the Hermes.

Some form of bulldog has been in existence since 700 years ago and as it was mixed with a variety of other breeds it took on other forms over time. The English Bulldogge was a definite couch potato. Instead of being bred for a job or look, the Bulldogge was developed with temperament, ability and health in mind. This has made for a great family dog without a lot of veterinarian bills.

The 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.

The Hermes Bulldogge, much like the original Olde English Bulldogge, is taller, healthier, more athletic than the original English Bulldog. They are medium height, with a large head, a strong body and a deep, wide chest and broad shoulders. Tails might or might not be docked but the ears are never docked. They n have a moderate amount of wrinkles and a longer, less smashed face than the original. It is easier for the Hermes Bulldogge to breath, to fly and to live in warmer environments that it is for the English Bulldogge. His eyes are lower in his head but in the front center.

They are very dark almost black. Eyelids should cover the white of the eye and they have rounded cheeks. They have a short muzzle and short face. Broad, thick lips finish out the face with very large, square, broad jaws.

Temperament

The 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.

Children friendliness

If socialized properly this line of bulldog is harmful to me.

Special talents

Strong and athletic, his strength and stamina.

Adaptability

He is not very adaptable. Apartments are not good for this dog. He needs to run and if possible to hunt.

Learning ability

He is very intelligent but stubborn which affects his learning ability.

The 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.

The Hermes Bulldogge is healthier than most bulldogs. His face is not as smashed and he is not as wrinkled. He can breathe easier than other Bulldogs. The two major concerns are hip dysplasia and bloat.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia also some elbow dysplasia: can cause lameness and arthritis

Bloat

Terminal unless treated immediately. Can be prevented by not feeding large meals before or after heavy exercise.

The 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.

Feeding the puppy

When feeding a Hermes Bulldogge puppy be sure you feed puppy meal for bulldogs or medium dogs. For first year fee 2-4 times a day 2 cups food.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult a solid adult dry food. 2 cups twice a day.

Points for Good Health

Better health than most lines of Bulldogs. Few wrinkles and less problems breathing as he doesn’t have a smashed face.

Games and Exercises

He doesn’t need a lot of exercise but daily walks and lots of play time. He can enjoy Lure Coursing obedience, agility and obedience

Grooming

The 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.