There are four different distinct breeds that belong to the group known as Belgian sheepdogs. These breeds include the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Laekenois, the Belgian Groenendael and the Belgian Tervuren. The Belgian Laekenois is the oldest and the rarest of the four, and it is the only one of the four that is not yet fully recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Belgian Laekenois hails from Laeken, a town located in Belgium. Shepherds utilized the dogs for herding and guarding flocks. The dedicated worker was also employed to guard linens that were put out in the fields to dry. By the close of the 1800s, the courageous Belgian Laekenois was called to duty by the police force and the military. During World War I and World War II, these dogs served as message couriers. Many of the dogs lost their lives in the combat zones, but devoted breeders worked hard during the ensuing years to restore their numbers while preserving their versatile working abilities.
The Belgian Laekenois is one of four Belgian Shepherds. It is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed that is strong and athletic. The Laekenois has square proportions with a wedge-shaped head and pointy muzzle. Its triangular ears are erect and sit atop its head. It has a thick, woolly double coat that is coarse. The coat usually comes in one color but has shading around the muzzle and tail. The coat should be trimmed twice a year, but a close trim should be avoided. Regular brushing is necessary to remove dead hair. The sturdy Belgian Laekenois is 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder, and it weighs in at 45 to 65 pounds. The wiry, tousled coat is medium in length and ranges in color from fawn to red with a gray or black overlay on the ears and muzzle. The ears are pointy and erect, and the brown eyes are inquisitive. The thick, shaggy tail is carried downward.
Personality
Like most herding breeds, the Belgian Laekenois is an highly intelligent, protective and hard-working dog breed. They are extremely active and happiest when they are given a task. They need plenty of exercise otherwise they may become destructive, stubborn and independent. This may not be a suitable breed for novice dog owners, as they need strong leadership and good, consistent training. They need strong but gentle leadership. Laekneois are sensitive and sometimes even shy, and harsh handling may make them timid, suspicious or uncooperative. Laekenois are very protective and are therefore often used as guard dogs. The Belgian Laekenois is intelligent, obedient and courageous. It strong guard dog qualities with its strong territorial instinct and its fiercely protective nature. The Belgian Laekenois also has a keen herding instinct, and it will try to herd other pets and family members. The dog is usually reserved toward strangers. The Belgian Laekenois is very active, and the dog will need extensive physical exercise to expend its energy. As a working dog, it must be kept occupied with things to do. An experienced owner who can take the lead as alpha, early obedience training, early socialization, daily physical exercise and daily mental challenges are all required to make the Belgian Laekenois a companionable family pet.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 – 12 years |
| Nicknames: | Belgian shepherd Laekenois |
Belgian Laekenois Build Information
The Belgian Laekenois is one of four Belgian Shepherds. It is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed that is strong and athletic. The Laekenois has square proportions with a wedge-shaped head and pointy muzzle. Its triangular ears are erect and sit atop its head. It has a thick, woolly double coat that is coarse. The coat usually comes in one color but has shading around the muzzle and tail. The coat should be trimmed twice a year, but a close trim should be avoided. Regular brushing is necessary to remove dead hair. The sturdy Belgian Laekenois is 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder, and it weighs in at 45 to 65 pounds. The wiry, tousled coat is medium in length and ranges in color from fawn to red with a gray or black overlay on the ears and muzzle. The ears are pointy and erect, and the brown eyes are inquisitive. The thick, shaggy tail is carried downward.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
Like most herding breeds, the Belgian Laekenois is an highly intelligent, protective and hard-working dog breed. They are extremely active and happiest when they are given a task. They need plenty of exercise otherwise they may become destructive, stubborn and independent. This may not be a suitable breed for novice dog owners, as they need strong leadership and good, consistent training. They need strong but gentle leadership. Laekneois are sensitive and sometimes even shy, and harsh handling may make them timid, suspicious or uncooperative. Laekenois are very protective and are therefore often used as guard dogs. The Belgian Laekenois is intelligent, obedient and courageous. It strong guard dog qualities with its strong territorial instinct and its fiercely protective nature. The Belgian Laekenois also has a keen herding instinct, and it will try to herd other pets and family members. The dog is usually reserved toward strangers. The Belgian Laekenois is very active, and the dog will need extensive physical exercise to expend its energy. As a working dog, it must be kept occupied with things to do. An experienced owner who can take the lead as alpha, early obedience training, early socialization, daily physical exercise and daily mental challenges are all required to make the Belgian Laekenois a companionable family pet.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Belgian Laekenois requires a weekly brushing to remove the dead hair in order to prevent a dull appearance and to reduce the amount of shed hair around the house. Inspect the dog’s ears once weekly, and clean them as needed to reduce the risk of ear infections. Performing home dental care every other day will maintain optimal health.
| Shedding: | Heavy |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
Belgian Laekenois Common Health Conditions
The average lifespan for a Belgian Laekenois is 10 to 12 years. Elbow dysplasia,hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, skin allergies and gastric torsion are all health conditions to watch for in this breed.
Belgian Laekenois Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Belgian Laekenois originated in Laeken, Belgium. The Belgian Laekenois is also known as a Belgian shepherd Laekenois. The Belgian Laekenois is loyal, intelligent and alert. It is an excellent guard dog. The Belgian Laekenois an energetic and dominant dog. The Belgian Laekenois is 22 to 26 inches tall, and it weighs in at 45 to 65 pounds. The Belgian Laekenois has a a lot of energy. The Belgian Laekenois requires little grooming. A Belgian Laekenois lives an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They may be aggressive towards strangers or other dogs if they feel a threat to themselves or their owners; early socialization is crucial.
| Training: | Easy to train |
