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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of the four Belgian Sheepdog breeds. It is a
medium sized muscular dog with an agile, proud carriage. They have a full wire outer
coat and a dense, wooly under coat which can measure up to two inches long. The
coat color is usually fawn to mahogany with a black mask and ears. A little white
is allowed. The hair should be shorter around the head, ears and lower legs. The
hair should be longer around the neck, forming a collar and on the back of the legs
forming a fringe. The head should be long, flat and equal to the length of the muzzle,
which is slightly tapered. The nose should be black and the lips firm and tight.
The teeth should meet in a level or scissor-like bite. The medium, almond-shaped
eyes should be shades of dark brown. The triangular ears should stand erect and
be set high. The muscular neck is slightly arched and the topline level, sloping
slightly at the withers. A medium width chest is deep reaching to the elbow. The
front legs are straight and muscular with emphasized withers and round well arched
toes. The back legs should also be muscular with oval shaped toes. Declaws should
be removed from the back legs and it is optional to have them removed from the front
legs. The tail should be long and bushy and carried above the top line.
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Temperament
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Belgian Laekenois' are alert, proud, loyal, confident, smart, affectionate, and
extremely protective. They are very loving and devoted to their families. Belgian
Laekenois' need ample attention, training and companionship. They should be socialized
from birth, since they are naturally reserved with strangers and dog aggressive.
They are instinctively protective of their homes and families so this behavior should
not be encouraged since it can turn to aggression. They are loyal to their families
and are good with children once introduced. If properly socialized, they will also
get along with other household pets. Belgian Laekenois' do not react well to kennels
and will become bored and destructive. Make sure to thoroughly research the breeder
before purchasing this breed. If they show fearfulness or excessive aggressiveness,
avoid the purchase.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 24-26" ; Female Height: 22-24"
Weight: 55-65 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed has no major health problems. Some minor problems can include skin allergies,
eye problems and occasionally hip dysplasia.
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Living Conditions
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Laekenois' do fine in an apartment but better with a medium-sized yard. They love
the outdoors, but prefer to be with their family.
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Exercise
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Laekenois' are a working breed and need lots of exercise. They need time off of
their lead to run free in an enclosed area.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-14 years
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Grooming
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The rough coat of this breed needs to be trimmed twice a year. Do not have your
dog close trimmed as it may take many years for the coat to return to normal. A
coarse-toothed comb should be used to remove excessive hair. Bathe only when necessary.
This breed sheds little to no hair.
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Origin
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The Belgian Shepherd is the only breed that comes in 4 different types: the Malinois,
the Tervueren, the Groenendael, and the rare Laekenois. They are named after the
areas in Belgium in which they originated: Malines, Tervuren, Groenendael and Laeken.
The Belgian Sheepdog is a hard working breed and has been recognized since the Middle
Ages. The breed was standardized in the 1890s when a Professor of the Belgian School
of Veterinary Sciences recorded their variations and dividing them into groups based
on their coat type. The Malinois was the first to be standardized and also the first
variety out of the breed to become popular. In 1965, the Malinois was registered
with the AKC. The Groenendael is also recognized by the AKC. The Belgian Laekenois
is recognized by the UKC and has been accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation
Stock Service®. This breed is still very rare in the United States.
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Group
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AKC/FSS Herding, UKC Herding Dog
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