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Belgian Laekenois

Thinking about purchasing an Belgian Laekenois? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Belgian Laekenois breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Belgian Laekenois owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably,
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Belgian Laekenois and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Belgian Laekenois Breeder:

When were your Belgian Laekenois born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Belgian Laekenois, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Belgian Laekenois and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Belgian Laekenois Breed Profile

The Laekenois is one of the Belgian shepherd dogs, but is not widely recognized outside their homeland. In the US they are the only Belgian Shepherd Dog not recognized by the AKC. Laekenois are identified by their rough and wiry coat.

Height: 22 - 26 inches
Weight: 62 lbs.

Colors: Reddish fawn with black shading, principally on muzzle and tail.
Coat: Harsh, wiry and dry.

Temperament: Laekenois are obedient, loyal
With Children: Yes, good with their family, should not play rough housing or chase games. May not tolerate other children.
With Pets: Needs to be socialized to other pets. Take extra care when introducing a new pet.

Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Very High, will protect their family and property, but will not attack unwarranted.

Belgian Laekenois Care and Training: Daily combing and brushing of the Laekenois coat is important. Clip out mats that form particularly in the ruff and on the legs. Clip hair from between their toes and on the outer ears. Bathe only when necessary. Shedding is bi-annually. they are a working dog and needs a lot of exercise, preferably off the leash as much as possible. Early training will prevent puppies from developing a sharp temper.

Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - Very High, Problem Solving - High. Overbearing training techniques may encourage fear-biting.

Activity: High
Living Environment: The Laekenois will adapt well to both a urban or country environment as long as they have space to roam. A home with a fenced yard is essential.

Belgian Laekenois Health Issues: Epilepsy, excessive shyness, eye problems, hip dysplasia

Life Span: 12 - 14 years
Litter Size: 6 -10

Country of Origin: Belgium
Belgian Laekenois History: Developed in Belgium for guarding and herding of sheep. They were formally recognized as the Belgian Shepherd Dog in 1891. Present in the gene pool of these dogs there were dogs with long coats, short coats, rough or wired coats and a variance of colors. Making the Belgian Shepherd Dog with four varieties. The Groenendalel (known simple as the Belgium Sheepdog), with a solid long black coat, the Laekenois, a rough or wire-coat in fawn, red or brown, the Malinois, a short coated in fawn, red or brown and the Tervueren, a long coated fawn or dark red dog. The American Kennel Club has recognized three of these four varieties. The British Kennel Club regards them as a single breed and the Federation Cynologique states one breed with four varieties. Because of this, the dogs are always registered on their coat type and color, not of their parents.

Class: Herding
Registries: FCI (Group 1), KC(GB), TKC, CKC

Belgian Laekenois

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008