Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois is a distinctive breed of dog that stands out due to its distinct charm and personality. These dogs are more than just pretty faces; they are recognized for their unusually rough coat and expressive eyes. They are loyal, intelligent, and excellent companions for people who value an active lifestyle.

Among the four breeds of Belgian Shepherds, the Laekenois has unique characteristics of its own. The Laekenois is distinguished by its wiry coat and amiable disposition. These dogs, who were originally bred for guarding and herding, have a strong work ethic and enjoy challenging physical and mental jobs.

In addition to their remarkable abilities, Laekenois are renowned for their loving personalities. They get close to their families and have a playful side. The Laekenois may be the ideal dog for you if you’re searching for a loving companion as well as a protector.

But there are obligations associated with being a Laekenois owner. For them to remain content and healthy, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs can thrive in many different types of environments, including active households and ones with lots of room to roam, with the correct training and socialization.

We will go into more detail about the temperament, history, and care requirements of Laekenois in the upcoming sections. There’s plenty to learn about the Belgian Shepherd Laekenois, whether you’re thinking about bringing one into your home or you just want to know more about this interesting breed.

General characteristics of the breed

Herding breeds, Belgian Shepherds are. Additionally, laekenois were bred to guard fields and herds of cattle. They were perfect for working in any climate because of their firm nature and coarse, hard coat. They can guard a home, serve in the military, police, or rescue services, and they are resilient and industrious. Laekenois make excellent companions, guide dogs, and therapy dogs. Despite being the rarest breed of Belgian Shepherd today, this one is well-liked in its native country.

Parameters	Characteristics
name of the breed	Belgian Shepherd Laekenois (Belgian Shepherd Laekenois)
country	Belgium
breed group according to FCI classification	shepherd and cattle dogs, sheepdogs
application	guard, bodyguard, companion
Appearance features	Medium size, hard coat
Life expectancy	10-12 years
Height	Male 62-66 cm, female 58-62 cm
Weight	Male 26-31 kg, female 20-26 kg
Character traits	Loyalty, vigilance, sensitivity, curiosity
Aggression	Can be towards strangers
Intelligence	High, easy to train

Pros

Laekenois is a medium-sized, robust, and unpretentious dog. easily adjusts to any kind of environment. It can be stored outdoors or in an apartment in the city. Members of the breed also enjoy a number of additional benefits.

• Loyalty, loyalty to the owner;
• Good guard qualities;
• Unpretentious, can withstand harsh weather conditions;
• Love children, can be a nanny;
• Smart, easy to train;
• easy care;
• health is strong.

Cons

This breed of dog is appropriate for knowledgeable owners. Despite their intelligence, they will only submit to those in positions of authority. Additionally, it is not a good idea for someone who does not have the time to exercise, run, or take long walks with their Laekenois. The breed’s representatives suffer from a number of additional drawbacks.

• can be stubborn;
• need serious physical exercise;
• bark a lot;
• can be aggressive towards strangers;
• do not tolerate loneliness well, can ruin things out of boredom.

History of the origin of the breed Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

Shepherd dogs were not specifically bred in Belgium until the 19th century. Despite their widespread popularity and extended coexistence with humans. They protected fields, the owner’s property, and the cattle by helping to graze them. These dogs were robust, resilient, and used to living in a hostile environment. They piqued the interest of some canine enthusiasts. The national breed was to be bred by them.

Shepherd dog breeders started to categorize their dogs and found four types. It came to light that their only differences are growth and character. The coat type and color of the Groenendael, Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois vary. All four varieties are categorized as one breed of Belgian Shepherd by the International Federation. The only place they are recognized as distinct breeds is America.

The district name in Belgium that includes the main city of Laeken is the source of the name Laekenois. There is a claim that this is the original Belgian Shepherd breed. While some researchers think the dogs originated in the Laekenois castle, others think they were already living here and assisting with cattle herding before the castle was constructed.

Laekenois served in both the First and Second World Wars, much like other Belgian canines. By the mid-1900s, the breed was on the verge of extinction. Despite efforts by breeders to increase its population, this is still the rarest variety of Belgian Shepherds.

The images display the characteristics of several Belgian Shepherd breeds:

The Laekenois, or Belgian Shepherd, is a distinctive and adaptable breed distinguished by its remarkable appearance and unwavering work ethic. These dogs are not only gorgeous, with their rough coats and vigilant expressions, but they are also very intelligent, devoted, and trainable. The Laekenois, who was originally bred for protection and herding, does best in busy homes where they can work on projects and get lots of exercise. They are a great option for people who are willing to embrace their lively nature because they are a wonderful companion or working dog that brings energy and affection to any family.

External standards species

The hard-haired Belgian Lacane Shepherd dog has a powerful, well-balanced build. has a regal bearing and an elegant yet powerful appearance. Males can weigh up to 31 kg and reach a height of 66 cm, making them slightly larger than bitches. Bitches can weigh up to 26 kg and reach a maximum height of 60 cm at the withers.

Head

The muzzle has an extended conical shape, and the head is proportionate to the body. The lobe is big and black, the stop is not sharp, and the nose bridge is even. Lips are tight and dry, jaws are narrow, and cheeks are flat. pincer or scissor bite.

Almond-shaped, slanted eyes. Dark hue, alert, and intelligent appearance. Tiny, triangular ears are present. Place high and maintain an erect posture.

Body type

The form of the body is square. Enough length, a beautiful curve, and a slight widening toward the shoulder blades characterize the neck. With no dewlap, the chest is deep. The croup slopes slightly to the side, the loin is short, and the back is straight. There is a tiny tuck in the belly line.

The medium-length tail is positioned low. Usually hanging down gently with a slight curvature at the tip.

Limbs

The front legs have parallel limbs and dry muscles. The shoulders slope, and the shoulder blades are oblique. Thighs are thick, and hind legs are powerful. Cat-like paws are rounded. The game is simple and fluid. Runs at a trot or gallop, enjoys going in circles, and is capable of making sudden direction changes while in motion.

Coat and color

With strands that are 5–6 cm long, the coat is wiry, hard, and coarse. The limbs and muzzle have a slightly shorter length. It slightly curls, giving the dog a tousled appearance. There are two coats: a thick, dense undercoat and guard hair. This shields the dog from the elements and offers good thermal insulation.

Representatives of the breed should only be red with black pigmentation on the tail and muzzle, per the standard. It may be light or dark, and there may be a few tiny white spots on the chest. Although they are common, gray Laekenois are not allowed in exhibitions.

The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:

Character of the breed representatives

Laekenois are extremely loyal canines. They grow quite devoted to their owner, refuse to part from him, and are eager to participate in all activities. This guard is very alert and courageous when rushing to defend. They observe strangers with caution when they appear. Without the owner’s consent, they won’t allow anyone inside the home. They can be more gregarious and aggressive toward strangers than other Belgian shepherds.

These are robust, resilient, and industrious canines. willing to please the owner, obedient, and capable of any task. Adaptable to different situations, capable of picking up new skills. They are incredibly gregarious and dynamic. They enjoy playing and learning new things.

They are amiable and incredibly loving toward every member of the family. They shield them from outsiders and any threats. They "herd" and protect children in particular, and they encourage them in all games. The dog gets along with all pets provided it is socialized at the appropriate time. A Laekenois with inadequate training will chase everyone away, biting their legs and forcing them inside.

This dog fits the following description:

• smart;
• independent;
• obedient;
• loyal;
• inquisitive;
• attentive;
• sensitive;
• independent;
• bold;
• affectionate;
• observant.

Education and training

These dogs can make their own decisions and are genetically independent. As a result, they frequently rule. All family members who are incapable of taking on leadership roles will be protected and herded by the dog. It will make an effort to subdue them and will only submit to the owner who has acquired power. You can’t display doubt, bafflement, or weakness to the dog in order to accomplish this. However, you must also avoid being hostile or impolite to the pet.

These dogs need rigorous training and early socialization. Training won’t be an issue if the owner can take on the role of a leader for the dog. This breed’s representatives are easy to train, have short recall times for commands, and enjoy following instructions in exchange for treats.

A Laekenois should ideally be kept on a private home’s property because these dogs are resilient to all types of weather. The dog needs room to run around and play, so you can’t just put them on a chain or keep them in a large enclosure for a short while. However, the breed is also appropriate for apartment living.

These dogs need physical exercise and are highly active, so long walks are necessary. They require 1.5 to 2 hours of walking twice a day from you. It’s advised to take your dog to dog playgrounds several times a week so you can engage in active exercise with them.

The Laekenois coat requires little maintenance. Unlike other wire-haired dogs, their hair does not need to be trimmed or trimmed. You should use a hard brush and a comb with uncommon teeth one or two times a week. All year long, the coat sheds a little bit; to prevent tangles, you must remove dead hair. Using a rubber glove for massage is beneficial. There is more frequent shedding twice a year, requiring daily combing.

These dogs’ coats have the capacity to self-clean. They don’t smell like dogs and are tidy. Bathing them frequently is not advised; a few times a year should be sufficient. However, if the dog is housebroken, you can give it a wash once every one to two months. Do not use a general shampoo on dogs with wire hair. Additionally, you must wash the paws and belly after every walk.

The pet’s teeth need extra care; it’s advised to brush them once a week using a specific paste. You must provide them with chewing bones in order to prevent tartar. Regular cleanings and examinations of the eyes and ears are also necessary. This energetic dog’s claws typically clip themselves when needed, but they can also grind down on their own.

Nutrition

Meat ought to be the main component of this breed’s diet. Dogs require a lot of protein, which can be found in fermented milk products, seafood, and offal. Giving egg yolk twice a week is advised. Vegetables, rice, buckwheat, and pearl barley porridge in meat broth should be added to protein-rich foods. Vegetable oil and vitamin and mineral complexes are beneficial additions to food.

It is not permitted to provide sweets, canned food, sausages, or smoked meats. Dogs should not consume candy, baked goods, legumes, nuts, or citrus fruits.

Also, the owner has the option of industrial food. Large breed dogs that are active should eat the food intended for them. Brands in the super-premium or holistic classes should be prioritized. Due to their tendency toward allergies and bloating, representatives of this breed require careful consideration when selecting food.

Dogs that are adults ought to eat twice a day. They cannot be overfed; the weight of the pet determines the appropriate portion size. It is essential that there is always access to clean water.

Health

Individuals belonging to the breed have short lifespans. They often only live for 12 years, even with the right nutrition and care. They also have a genetic predisposition to early aging, which is the death of an elderly dog by the time it is five or six years old. Despite being a healthy breed with a strong immune system, laekenois can occasionally contract the following illnesses:

• joint dysplasia;
• epilepsy;
• bloat;
• cataracts, retinal atrophy;
• hypothyroidism;
• cancer.

How to buy a Laekenois puppy

Purchasing a purebred Belgian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder or from a kennel is preferable. Due to their rarity, laekenois are hard to come by in Russia. Puppies are pricey; pets in the 20–30 thousand ruble range, and dogs for exhibition start at 50 thousand.

Purchasing a Belgian Shepherd at a discount store or from the market is not advised. The only place to purchase a Laekenois that not only meets standards but is also free of genetic diseases is from a pedigree kennel.

Puppies between two and three months old are sold. You must assess the baby’s appearance, including its coat features and physique. The puppy ought to be energetic, inquisitive, fearless, and non-aggressive. Studying the mother’s behavior and health as well as the conditions of animal keeping are also important. All paperwork and veterinary certifications must be provided by the breeder.

The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:

The breed’s description is enhanced by the video:

Video: Laekenois, a curly-haired Belgian Shepherd

Breed	Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
Origin	Belgium
Size	Medium
Coat	Rough and wiry
Color	Fawn to gray
Temperament	Intelligent, alert, and loyal
Exercise Needs	High; needs daily activity
Good with Kids	Yes, with proper training
Grooming	Regular brushing required

The remarkable Belgian Shepherd Laekenois breed is distinguished by its exceptional combination of intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. These dogs, who were first bred for guarding and herding, have shown themselves in a variety of capacities, including those of working dogs and family pets. They are excellent choices for active families who can provide them the attention and exercise they require because of their playful nature and strong protective instinct.

The adaptability of the Laekenois is one of its most attractive characteristics. Regardless of their living environment—a quiet rural area or a busy city—they flourish when assigned a task. This breed thrives on mental and physical challenges, so engaging pursuits like obedience classes or agility training are ideal. They also make wonderful companions because of their loving nature and desire to form bonds with their families.

On the other hand, prospective owners need to understand that Laekenois dogs need constant socialization and training from an early age. Since their intelligence can occasionally breed stubbornness, it is best to approach them with firmness but love. These dogs may grow up to be well-mannered companions that infuse enthusiasm and vitality into any household with the correct training.

In conclusion, the Laekenois, or Belgian Shepherd, is a fantastic breed that combines intelligence, energy, and loyalty. This breed might be the ideal choice if you’re searching for a friend who will push you and be a devoted family member. You can have a fulfilling life with a Laekenois if you give it the proper care.

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