Active
Confident
Hard
Working
Stubborn
Intelligent
Alert
Friendly
Protective
Watchful

Playful
Loving
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Reserved
Suspicious

Belgian Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Box-a-Shars are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

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.

Avoid Box-a-Shars as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Belgium

​United States

Shepherd Dog

Boxer, Shar-Pei

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

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

1800s

2000s

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Black
Fawn
Sable

Brown
Black
Red
Brindle
Pied

Belgian Sheepdogs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Box-a-Shars have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

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.

A Box-a-Shar can have a litter of 2-10 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.

Belgian Sheepdogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Box-a-Shars are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

While the Belgian Sheepdog breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Box-a-Shars typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Cancer

Bloat
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy
Cancer
Aortic Stenosis

Cataracts
Epilepsy

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Eye Problems

Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
Thyroid Tests
MRI
Eye Examination

X-Rays
MRI
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests
Blood Work
Radiography

Belgian Sheepdogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Box-a-Shars are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Belgian Sheepdogs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Box-a-Shars need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Belgian Sheepdogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Box-a-Shars have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Belgian Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Box-a-Shars are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Playing Ball, Walk, Run, Keep away, Hike, Swim, Frizbee, Canoeing, Chase, Long walks, Hiking, Eating Snacks

Walk, Hike, Play, Hunt, Tug-of-war, Fetch, Brushing, Playing, Swimming, Snuggling, Wrestling, Play tug-a-war, Go to Park, Run, Frisbee, Chase, Ball throwing, Training, Cuddling, Car rides, Running, Mind games, Walks

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.

Box-a-Shars are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

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.

In general most Box-a-Shars 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.

The Belgian Sheepdog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Box-a-Shar has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 45-65 pound (20 - 29 kg) Box-a-Shar feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Belgian Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Box-a-Shar is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of a Box-a-Shar is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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.

Belgian Sheepdog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Box-a-Shars are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Box-a-Shars have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Belgian Sheepdogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The Box-a-Shar is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Belgian Sheepdogs are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Box-a-Shars have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Belgian Sheepdogs are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Box-a-Shars are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Belgian Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Box-a-Shars are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Belgian Sheepdogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Box-a-Shars are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Belgian Sheepdogs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Box-a-Shars are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Belgian Sheepdogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Box-a-Shars are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.