Belgian Sheepdog versus Plott. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Belgian Sheepdog Versus Plott: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Belgian Sheepdog and for the Plott. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Belgian Sheepdog or the Plott.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Plott: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Plott is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Plott belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Plott: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog to the Plott based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Plott
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 40 to 75 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1430 $620
Price Range $800 – $1725 $495 – $700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Sheepdog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Plott. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Belgian Sheepdog is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Plott is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Belgian Sheepdog is a better pet than the Plott. So, you should get the Belgian Sheepdog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are most different:

    • Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Plotts do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott

    The Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Plott

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott.

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Plotts weigh 40 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Plotts are 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Sheepdog versus Plott

    The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Plotts is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Plotts is 13.0 years.

    Plotts live longer than Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Plott

    The average price of the Belgian Sheepdog puppy is $1430. The price of the Belgian Sheepdog typically ranges from $800 – $1725. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 32 Belgian Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Plott puppy is $620. The price of the Plott typically ranges from $495 – $700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 12 Plott puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Belgian Sheepdog is more expensive than the Plott.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Sheepdog and Plott. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Sheepdog puppies or how many Plott puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Plotts

    A breakdown of the prices of Plotts

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Belgian Sheepdog puppy or the Plott puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Plott

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Plotts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Plotts?

    Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Plotts do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Plott

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Plotts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Plott?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Plotts are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Plott?

    Belgian Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Plotts have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Plotts?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Plotts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Plotts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Plotts cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Plott

    Belgian Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Plotts have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Plotts Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Plotts can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Plott?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Plotts get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Plotts?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Plotts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Sheepdogs and Plotts?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Plotts get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Plott?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Plotts are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Plott?

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Plotts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Plott?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Plotts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog versus Plott. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Plott better suits you and your family.