The Belgian draft horse vs Clydesdale are two equine breeds originating from European countries.
They are among the strongest breeds and widely used for work and also gain massive popularity as riding and show horses.
Despite being draft horses with some similar features, those breeds vary in many other characteristics. Throughout this post, you will find out how comparable they look and how they differ in various aspects, which is helpful especially when it comes to owning a suitable one.
How Similar Are The Belgian Draft Horse vsClydesdale?
They are both pretty meaty, a common characteristic of draft horses, and strong enough to pull large weights.
Like the Clydesdale, the Belgian horse has many white markings through the main coat (on the legs, face, mane, and tail).
It is also true that both the Belgian draft horse and the Clydesdale are easy to train, willing to work and eager to learn.
Now, let’s check out how different these horses are.
The Differences
| Belgian Draft Horse | Clydesdale | |
| Image |  |  |
| Origination | The Brabant region of Belgium | Clydesdale, Scotland |
| Life span | 30 years | 20 to 25 years |
| Average Weight | 2000 pounds | 1600 to 2400 pounds |
| Average Height | 168 to 173 centimeters | 162 to 183 centimeters |
| Colors | * Most are chestnut
* Can be sorrel and roan
| * Bay or brown are popular
* Can be black, sorrel, or roan, grey, and chestnut
|
| Temperament | Kind, gentle, calm, docile, steady and easy-to-handle | Alert, active, gentle, responsive |
| Uses | History:
* Known for carrying knights in war
* Post-war period: they were used in farms and also for meat while in the USA they were used for agricultural purposes and pleasure riding.
Today:
* Used for draft works (plowing, logging, pulling sleighs, hitches, and carriages).
* Used for pleasure riding, show jumping, dressage, and endurance.
| History:
* Agricultural purposes (heavy draft, pulling freight wagons or plowing steep, rough hills);
* Crossed with thoroughbreds and quarter horses to produce strong, heavier-boned riding horses.
Today: popular in shows and parades and used as fancy carriage horses
|
| Body type | ||
| Body | Muscular and powerful with a square head, heavily muscled gaskins | More streamlined with strong and muscular shoulders |
| Face | Straight or slightly concave | Wide (usually has a white stripe on the face), straight with a slight convex nature, intelligent-looking eyes |
| Tails | Longer | docked |
| Neck | Short, muscular | long and well-arched; shows more crest |
| Hindquarters | Short, broad back | Bulky |
| Hooves | Medium-sized | Larger and round (around five pounds each) |
| Feather | Has some feathering | Has heavy feathering in lower legs |
Generally speaking, while the Belgian draft horse seems to be shorter, stockier, and also, a little longer-lived, the Clydesdale is available in more colors.
It is impossible to say which breed is better and deserves to be the winner in this comparison. Ultimately, it depends on whether you care more about their uses or appearance, their strength or temperament.
Conclusion
Those are similarities and differences you can consider to identify a more appropriate horse breed.
We hope that the above comparison between the Belgian draft horse and the Clydesdale will be useful for you.
>>> Read more about the different between Clydesdale & Shire Horse!
