Briard vs Belgian Laekenois
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Briard
Herding Group
Belgian Laekenois
Miscellaneous Class
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Briard Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Briard showcases a distinctive shaggy double coat in various shades including black, gray, and tawny. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage, while their intelligent eyes and proud bearing command attention. Standing 23-27 inches at the shoulder with a well-proportioned frame, these dogs combine strength with elegance.
Belgian Laekenois Overview
Belgian Laekenois dogs showcase a distinctive rough-coated appearance with a tousled, wiry coat that gives them a rugged charm. Their muscular, well-proportioned frame combines elegance with power, standing 22-26 inches at the shoulder. Alert expression and proud carriage reflect their heritage as vigilant herding dogs, while their intelligent eyes and upright ears demonstrate constant awareness of their surroundings.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Briards are less energetic than Belgian Laekenoiss, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Briards require more grooming attention compared to Belgian Laekenoiss.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Briards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Laekenoiss.
- Trainability: Briards may be slightly easier to train due to their Briard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Briards adapt better to apartment living, while Belgian Laekenoiss typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Briard and Belgian Laekenois, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Briard | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Briard | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 55-100 lbs 25-45 kg | 55-65 lbs 25-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Briard | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Faithful | Affectionate, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Briard | Belgian Laekenois |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Briard Temperament
The Briard is known for being confident, smart, faithful, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Belgian Laekenois Temperament
The Belgian Laekenois is characterized by being affectionate, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Briard and Belgian Laekenois, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Briard
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Briard
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Briard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Briards require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Briards require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Belgian Laekenois Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Laekenoiss need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Laekenoiss require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Briard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Heart Issues
- Allergies
Belgian Laekenois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Thyroid Issues
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Briard
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with children
- Intelligent
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed nature
- Reserved with strangers
- Requires extensive exercise
Belgian Laekenois
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Devoted to family
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
- Regular grooming needed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Briard and Belgian Laekenois, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.