The German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd breeds look so much alike that it is common for people to confuse the two breeds of dog. Although they share some similarities, they are quite different in many ways. You can even make a list of differences between the two dogs, but the main point to be able to distinguish one from the other is to look at the details of the body of each. Both thephysical characteristics and behavioral aspects of these animals are quite particular. We unravel below the main differences between Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd.

Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd: size is one of the main differences between the breeds

The biggest difference between German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd is the size of the two dog breeds. Even though both are considered big dogs, the German Shepherd is a bit bigger than the Belgian breed, both in height and weight. But the divergence of the size Belgian Shepherd with German Shepherd is not so exorbitant, but it already makes a difference in appearance. The German Shepherd is usually about10% larger than the Belgian. In addition, it also has other characteristics that help distinguish between the two dogs, such as the coat. The black German Shepherd usually has longer hair, with the presence of more undercoat than the Belgian Shepherd. Another difference is that the Belgian dog breed usually has a more muscular appearance than the German, precisely because it is smaller. Observing these characteristics isa great way to differentiate the Belgian Shepherd breed with all types of German Shepherd.

Types of German Shepherd and Belgian: hair coloration also differentiates the two breeds

The coloration of the dogs' hair is another thing that can differentiate the two breeds. Unlike the Belgian, there are not so many variations of colors and types of German Shepherd. The black-coated German Shepherd dog is well known for being wrapped in a kind of dark coat that covers the entire back region, but has spots with shades of brown, gold and red scattered over the face and chest. As saidabove, the coat type is dense, long and double-layered. But this is not the only appearance found in the German Shepherd breed, rarer types such as the so-called white and panda specimens can also occur. These versions occur less frequently than the black-coated German Shepherd types. The white specimen is the most controversial, as the German Shepherd with this coat type is not recognizedThe German panda has similar characteristics to the bear, with a predominant white color and dark spots near the eyes, ears and back.

The Belgian Shepherd, on the other hand, has different variations, with the most popular versions of the breed being the Groenendael and the Malinois Shepherd. In the case of the Groenendael, it is not very difficult to distinguish it from the German Shepherd, as this little dog has an entirely black coat, without the presence of spots. The Malinois Belgian Shepherd, on the other hand, is a version that is usually confused with the German Shepherd of the coverblack, as it has a black-spotted face, while the rest of the body is fawn or golden - but unlike the German Shepherd, it does not have the famous dark coat around the back. The coat type is shorter, but also double-layered.

The other versions of the Belgian are called Laekenois and Tervueren. The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd is the oldest variety of the breed and the one that differs the most from the others. Its hair is rough, curly and in the brown color range. The Tervueren Belgian Shepherd comes from the Belgian city of the same name. The coat of this little dog has a brown color with dark areas. The Tervueren even looks like a brown dog.Belgian Shepherd version "black coat", but it should not be called that.

Belgian Shepherd vs German Shepherd: what are the personalities of the two breeds like?

Size is definitely not a document, and it doesn't always mean that the dog is more energetic. Living with the Belgian Shepherd is usually very peaceful. The dog of this breed is obedient and will do everything to please his family and protect them from any danger. For this coexistence to be good for both sides, all the tutor needs to do is commit to the routine of the dog.physical exercise of the puppy, always encouraging his cognitive abilities.

The German Shepherd has an extremely loyal personality, which is one of the greatest characteristics of the breed. In addition, the dog is intelligent, active, protective, affectionate, brave and curious. But like any furry, the German Shepherd can be docile or more protective, everything will depend on the breeding he will receive in the first year of life. This dog has a defensive personality thatmakes training and socialization essential practices to improve coexistence.

German and Belgian Shepherds are used as working dogs and are used in police and even in rescues.

One similarity in the origin of the German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd is that both breeds were bred to be working dogs for herding sheep and other animals. Nowadays both are great companion animals, but the German Shepherd still stands out as a working dog. This is one of the most used breeds for police work, and no wonder: the German Shepherd's intelligence makes it a great dog.This dog is one of the best candidates for training. He learns everything very quickly and because he has a very keen sense of smell, this is a dog that can easily sniff out traces, also helping to rescue victims or seize illicit materials. The Belgian Shepherd, in turn, is also widely used as a sniffer and his athleticism helps even to mobilize suspectsThe right training coupled with the hunting instinct of both breeds also makes them great watchdogs, but socialization should not be left aside and should happen even in the first months of life.

German Shepherd: Belgian usually has more energy

Although the Belgian Shepherd has a slightly higher energy level than the German Shepherd, it is necessary to walk the dog daily, regardless of the breed. Exploring the more curious and sniffing side is also indicated to stimulate and expend the energy of these puppies. Therefore, invest in games that will strengthen the bonds with the family and at the same time stimulate the skillscognitive abilities of these animals, encouraging them to put their high intelligence into play.

Comparative x-ray of the German Shepherd and Belgian

• Porte : both breeds are considered large dogs;
• Average height : 60 cm for Belgian and 65 cm for German Shepherd;
• Average weight : 27 kg for Belgian and 40 kg for German;
• Life expectancy : 12 years for Belgian Shepherd and 14 years for German Shepherd;
• Price The Belgian costs up to $ 6,000, while the German Shepherd is in the $ 5,000 range.