Welsh Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Welsh Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonWelsh Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Belgian Shepherd is originated from Belgium. Welsh Terrier may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than Belgian Shepherd. Welsh Terrier may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Belgian Shepherd. Both Welsh Terrier and Belgian Shepherd has same life span. Both Welsh Terrier and Belgian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Welsh Terrier and Belgian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

welsh terrier - historyOriginating in Wales and bred to hunt the Welsh Terrier might be the oldest dog breed from the U.K. still in existence today. They were bred to hunt badgers, rodents, and fox. Today however they are mostly bred for show and companionship.

There are only two breeds of terrier that are native to the country of Wales, the Welsh and the Black and Tan Rough Terrier. It is believed that the Welsh Terrier was descended from that Black and Tan Rough Terrier in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Welsh Terrier was separated out as a separate breed in the late 1700s.

This breed was hunting with the Otterhounds of Wales and was called a Ynysfor. At the same time their was a breed in England, the Old English Broken Haired Terrier. Both breeds were incredibly alike and once the Ynysfor or Welsh Terrier was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. When shown together they were considered the same breed.

Even though all these dogs from Wales and England were considered to be Welsh Terriers, the breed was not recognized until 1886. It is currently on the list of threatened breeds, with only 300 puppies registered every year. They were the 45th breed to be recognized by the English Kennel Club and the AKC. They are recognized by 14 clubs and registries.

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

welsh terrier puppy - descriptionThe Welsh Terrier is a medium sized breed that is compact and sturdy. They had docked tails in the past, but the practice is now illegal in the U.K. The dog is about as long as it is tall. The head and face are elongated with a beard and whiskers. Females are smaller than males, but both are compact and sturdy.

Eyes are almond shaped, dark brown and small. The ears are small and V shaped. They should not be thin. The muzzle is square and strong with a black nose. The lips are tight and they are also black.

They have a double coat with is rugged and wiry on top and the undercoat is insulative and softer. The coat is waterproof and protects from wind and dirt as well. The puppies are all black until about 9 months when they become black and tan. The legs, head and underbelly are tan, with a black saddle.

The Welsh Terrier has wiry hair on the legs, muzzle and quarters. The hair is very dense in the top coat. Their gait and movement is straight, effortless and free.

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

welsh terrier dog - characteristics1Children friendliness – The Welsh Terrier is good with kids and will follow them anywhere. They do want to play with the children by tugging on them and could cause a young child to fall. They can learn to play gently with small children.

2.Special talents – they love to swim.

3.Adaptability – They do fine in smaller indoor spaces as long as they have a robust exercise routine daily. They will be active indoors.

4.Learning ability -They are very smart, independent thinkers as can been seen by their ability to learn to play gently with small children. They need plenty of socialization early in life

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

Health Problems

welsh terrier puppies - health problemsThe Welsh Terrier is a fairly healthy hunting dog, though they do have some health issues.

  • Skin irritations and allergies

• Onychodystrophy – Nails grow weak and are very brittle. They can break easily and cause pain, irritation and even infections.

• Primary lens luxation – causes secondary glaucoma which can cause blindness.

• If hunting, they are exposed to hunting injuries and should be checked over well after a field adventure, whether hunting or in field trials.

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

welsh terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the puppies small amount 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the adult at least 2 times per day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina

4. Games and Exercises Full of energy and requiring a routine outlet for that energy, the Welsh Terrier is an active dog. Just running around a fenced yard all day will not be enough physical and mental stimulation for them. If bored they can get into trouble. They need a job or a challenge. They love to swim and they love to chase. They do well in agility, field trials and barnhunt.

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:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Belgium
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
33 - 37 cm
12 - 15 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 10 kg
19 - 23 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Welshie Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier • Old English Terrier • Old English Wire Haired Black-and-Tan Terrier • Welsh Black-and-Tan Rough-Coated Terrier
Belgian Sheepdog Chien de Berger Belge
Colors Available:
black and tan and grizzle with a black jacket
depends on variety - black with white, brown
Coat:
The coat is double with a soft undercoat and a wiry, hard, dense outer coat with bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard.
short- and long-haired varieties
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Labrador Husky vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Argentine Dogo vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Giant Schnauzer vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Belgian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  11. Belgian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  12. Belgian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  13. Belgian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  14. Belgian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Belgian Shepherd vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Belgian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  17. Belgian Shepherd vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  18. Belgian Shepherd vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  19. Belgian Shepherd vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  20. Belgian Shepherd vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Goldador vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Welsh Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Welsh Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Welsh Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  29. Welsh Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Welsh Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  35. Welsh Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Welsh Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  37. Welsh Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Welsh Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Welsh Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Welsh Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Welsh Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Welsh Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Welsh Terrier vs Old English Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Terrier vs Scoland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Terrier vs Skye Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Welsh Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds