Shih Apso vs. Belgian Sheepdog: Breed Differences and Similarities
Hypoallergenic
Are Shih Apsos or Belgian Sheepdogs hypoallergenic, or neither?
Unfortunately, neither Shih Apso nor Belgian Sheepdog are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog dogs?
Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Obedient
Devoted
Lively
Gentle
Steady
Spirited
Assertive
Active
Confident
Hard
Working
Stubborn
Intelligent
Alert
Friendly
Protective
Watchful
Shedding Level
Do Shih Apsos shed more than Belgian Sheepdogs, or which breed sheds more, Shih Apsos or Belgian Sheepdogs?
Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
Avoid Shih Apsos as watchdogs - they're not effective.
Choose a Belgian Sheepdog if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.
Ancestry
What are the origins of Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog breeds?
Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu
Shepherd Dog
Breed recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize/register Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog?
ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
Date of Birth
When were Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog breeds first developed?
Unknown
1800s
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog dogs?
Brown
Brown
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog?
Black
Black
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog breeds?
Shih Apsos are known for their coat length.
Belgian Sheepdogs have longer coats compared to most dogs.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog?
Wavy
Straight
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog?
A Shih Apso can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
A Belgian Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdogs are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Health Issues
Between Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog, which breed is more prone to health problems?
Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog breeds?
Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Kidney Problems
Liver Problems
Bladder Stones and Infections
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Cancer
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog?
Ear Infections
Allergies
Eye Disease
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems
Cataracts
Epilepsy
Occasional Tests
What occasional tests are recommended for Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog breeds?
Wellness Check
Chest X-rays
Dental and Oral Examinations
Clinical Exam
Eye and Ear Examination
Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
Thyroid Tests
MRI
Eye Examination
Energy
How do the energy levels of Shih Apsos and Belgian Sheepdogs compare?
Shih Apsos are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.
Belgian Sheepdogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Social Needs
Shih Apso vs Belgian Sheepdog social needs comparison
Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
Shih Apso vs Belgian Sheepdog exercise need comparison.
Shih Apsos need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.
Belgian Sheepdogs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
Shih Apsos have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.
Belgian Sheepdogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Tendency to Bark
Do Shih Apsos or Belgian Sheepdogs bark more/less frequently?
Shih Apso dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Belgian Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Shih Apso vs Belgian Sheepdog?
Roaming urge
Shih Apso vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Past times
What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog entertained?
Walking, Tracking, Nose work, Freestyle, Fetch, Long walks, Loves swimming, Playing Ball, Holidays, Sleeping, Eating Snacks, Toys, Walk, Brushing, Chase, Shake, Walks, family, W, Walks, Dog Parks, Cuddling, Play, Running, Cuddles, Family play, Hiking, Playdate, Shake hands, Discipline, Stay
Playing Ball, Walk, Run, Keep away, Hike, Swim, Frizbee, Canoeing, Chase, Long walks, Hiking, Eating Snacks
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Shih Apsos or Belgian Sheepdogs?
Shih Apsos are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Shih Apso dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.
Belgian Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How many miles should Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog walk each week?
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih Apso, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Sheepdog, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Shih Apsos or Belgian Sheepdogs require more exercise?
In general most Shih Apsos usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
In general most Belgian Sheepdogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Shih Apsos or Belgian Sheepdogs?
Shih Apsos have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.
The Belgian Sheepdog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.
Brushing Frequency
What is the recommended brushing frequency for Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog dogs?
Ideally, Shih Apso should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
Belgian Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Shih Apsos and Belgian Sheepdogs?
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Clipper
Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog in cups?
For an average 15-18 pound (7 - 8 kg) Shih Apso feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
For an average 55-75 pound (25 - 34 kg) Belgian Sheepdog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
The average cost of a Shih Apso is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.
The average cost of a Belgian Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
The average per month expenses of a Shih Apso is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
The average per month expenses of a Belgian Sheepdog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Shih Apsos vs Belgian Sheepdogs
Shih Apso has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.
Belgian Sheepdog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.
Sensitivity Level
How do Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog compare in sensitivity?
These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Apso vs Belgian Sheepdog?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
Shih Apsos make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.
Belgian Sheepdogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.
Child Friendly
Do Shih Apsos or Belgian Sheepdogs have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
Cat Friendly
Do Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Shih Apsos and Belgian Sheepdogs are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
Shih Apsos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.
Belgian Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.
Pet friendly
How do Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Shih Apso or Belgian Sheepdog?
Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Shih Apso and Belgian Sheepdog?
Shih Apsos have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.
Belgian Sheepdogs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Shih Apsos and Belgian Sheepdogs compare?
Shih Apsos are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.
Belgian Sheepdogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.
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