The Belgian Laekenois, is one of four types of Belgian Shepherd Dogs, including: the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Shepherd and the Belgian Tervuren.
Alternate Names
Chien de Berger Belge
Lackense
Laeken
Laekenois is pronounced “Lak-in-Wah”
Appearance:
Body: Flat skull and pointed muzzle with a round, tapered neck.
Coat: Short and wooly.
Color: Brown and white, Fawn, Fawn Sable, Mahogany, Red, Red Sable, Black and Tan, Cream, Cream Sable.
Ears: High-set and pricked.
Eyes: Brown to dark brown and slightly almond-shaped.
Feet: Round with hard, black nails.
Head: Short dark hair – shorter than the hair elsewhere on the body.
Legs: Lean and athletic
Size:
Weight: 61 – 63 pounds (27.5 – 28.5kg)
Height: 22 – 26 inches (56 – 66cm)
Tail: Tapering with dense guard hair.
Behavior
Good with children if raised with them.
Recommended for a handler with time and energy to devote to them.
The Laekenois is an intelligent, loyal, and intensely-focused dog who loves to learn. Being a working dog, he needs a considerable amount of exercise such as hiking, running, and playing. If not exercised daily and kept mentally stimulated, he will become bored. This could lead to nervousness and possibly destructive behavior.
If the Laeken receives lots of socialization and interaction with people at an early age, they will be a more adjusted and balanced adult dog. They are good with other pets they have been raised with but, due to their instinct to chase prey, they should be introduced to small animals with caution and supervision. His herding instincts will appear when he tries to nip and push at the family and other pets in an effort to gather you together.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Foundation Stock (Herding Dog)
Originally used for herding and guarding livestock.
Of the four Belgian breeds, the American Kennel Club (“AKC”) recognized only the Groenendael under the name “Belgian Sheepdog”. The Tervuren, and the Malinois are recognized as separate breeds and the Laekenois can be registered as part of the AKC stock service.
The Laeken is a fast learner and serious worker who was originally used to herd and protect the flock, his family, and to guard his owner’s linens when put out to dry. He is a very alert, intelligent, and curious dog who is eager and responsive to his master.
During war time the Laekenois dog was used to deliver messages among the troups.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: A great deal of physical exercise and mental stimulation is required to keep this dog from becoming bored and frustrated.
Grooming: The coat is harsh and needs to be brushed or combed daily. Keep the fur around his bottom combed, trimmed, and clean. Two to three times a year the coat should be stripped to remove the dead fur.
Health
Life Expectancy: 11 – 13 Years
A generally healthy breed of dog
Possible Problems:
Hip Dysplasia
Seizures
Country of Origin
Belgium – 1800s – from the town of Laeken.