Unfortunately, the Belgian Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Cairneses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Active
Confident
Hard
Working
Stubborn
Intelligent
Alert
Friendly
Protective
Watchful

Active
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Fearless
Companionable
Assertive
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming

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

Cairneses 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.

Cairneses aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Belgium

United States

Shepherd Dog

Havanese, Cairn Terrier

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
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

1800s

1990s

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 Cairnese 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.

Cairneses are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Cancer

Hip Dysplasia

Cataracts
Epilepsy

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Glaucoma

Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
Thyroid Tests
MRI
Eye Examination

Eye
Hip
Knee
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Belgian Sheepdog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Cairnese has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Cairneses need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Cairneses sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

Cairnese dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Belgian Sheepdog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

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

The Cairnese 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.

Cairneses make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

Cairneses are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

Cairneses are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

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

Cairneses are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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

The Cairnese is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.