The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois is by far the least known and most popular variety of the four Belgian Shepherd Dogs. The physical characteristics of this breed do not resemble those of its closest relatives, although many similarities are found in its genes. If you are thinking of adopting a Laekenois Belgian Shepherd puppy, it will be essential that you inform yourself appropriately to know the training it needs, the care or the most frequent he alth problems of the breed.
Next, in this breed file on our site, we will explain all about the Laekenois Belgian Shepherd, the oldest breed in Belgian origin. Discover his story and much more below!
Origin of the Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
In 19th century Belgium there were a large number of sheepdogs, which had totally different coats. The canophiles of the time, with the intention of organizing and classifying the breeds, decided to form a group led by A. Reul, member of the Cureghem School of Veterinary Medicine, who is considered the founder of the breed.
On September 29, 1891, the " Belgian Shepherd Dog Club" was created, made up of 117 dogs, which They are registered and studied. Although the first standard was written in 1892, it is not until 1897 that the breed is considered to be fully standardized. There was talk of a single breed, with three different coats It should be noted that the first dogs of this breed were crossed with excessively close relatives.
The Belgian Shepherd was considered a dog of humble people and for this reason it was not until 1901 that it was registered in the Book of Origins of the Royal SaintHubert SocietyDuring the following years, fans devoted time and effort to unify the breed standard, correcting the defects of each new generation. Finally, in 1910, the physical and temperamental standard of the Belgian shepherd we know today was recorded.
The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd is originally from Antwerp and is named after Princess Henrietta Maria Charlotte of Belgium, who used her residence, the castle of Laeken, to name her favorite breed. Aside from its role as a herding dog, this breed was also used to guard flax left to dry in the fields, but it also made an excellent messenger dog in World War I and World War II.
Unlike its siblings, Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Belgian Shepherd Tervueren and Belgian Shepherd Groenendael, this is the least popular and well-known variety of all Belgian Sheepdogs. However, is the oldest variety.
Physical Characteristics of the Laekenois Belgian Shepherd
Until the year 1900 the four varieties were crossed with each other, due to the three genes that are expressed:
- Short coat / Long coat
- Soft fur / Wire-type fur
- Yellow Color / Black Color
Currently we can observe that some puppies of the laekenois type give birth to short-haired or dark-colored puppies. These little guys can be registered as Belgian Malinois and are considered purebred as well. Therefore, the breed is classified as " mixed" by the American Kennel Club and the FCI.
The Lakenois shares the same physical characteristics that the other Belgian Shepherds possess, it simply differs by its hard and curly coat, unique among all four varieties.
This is a medium-sized dog, as tall as it is long, muscular but light and agile. He is considered elegant and powerful. It shows a long and thin head, with a flattened forehead and two small triangular ears, positioned on the top of the head and ending in a point.
The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd's eyes are almond-shaped, without being prominent or sunken, and are brown in color. Shows an alert and intelligent look. The stop of the face is moderate and the teeth close in the form of scissors.
The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd's coat is hard, rough, dry and "wire" type. It can reach 6 cm on the body, although it is shorter on the head, forehead and limbs. It also shows slightly on the muzzle. The coat color is red and charcoal, the latter usually showing on the muzzle and tail. The tail must extend beyond the hock and must be fully furred, without forming a tuft.
The measurements of the breed are:
- Machos: 62 cm tall at the withers and between 25 and 30 kg.
- Females: 58 cm tall at the withers and between 20 and 25 kg.
It is accepted that any of the varieties can measure 2 cm less or 4 cm more. It is also estimated that the length of the body (measuring from the point of the shoulder to the end of the buttock) measures 62 cm, the length of the head is around 25 cm and that of the snout measures between 12.5 and 13 cm.
Laekenois Belgian Shepherd character
The FCI defines the character of the Belgian Shepherd as "vigilant, active and of great vitality". It is a very intelligent dog with innate aptitudes for herding and guarding herds. This is a dynamic, energetic and hard-working breed.
We are talking about a very loyal dog with strong and developed instincts, which means that he is going to need special training, as well as a series of care specific to the breed. The owner who wishes to adopt a Belgian Shepherd, regardless of the variety chosen, must be aware that it is a dog with above-average intelligence and also specific physical needs.
It is advisable that inexperienced owners work with the help of a canine educator on training since the dog is a puppy, in this way we can get the full potential of the breed.
Care for the Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
This is a breed that loses little hair, so it will not be necessary to brush it daily, however, it may be interesting to brush one or two brushes a week In this way we will remove dead hair and dirt, leaving the coat shiny and he althy, with little chance of getting tangled. The bath should be done every two or three months and due to its specific characteristics, it can be interesting go to a dog groomer to help smooth the coat.
The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd can easily adapt to living in an apartment, but it is still essential to offer him a minimum of 3 daily walks, in which some exercise or physical stimulation is included. We will also stimulate your mind using intelligence games, food vending toys or practicing basic and advanced obedience.
There are several ways to exercise this dog. Although we can bet on the classic ball game, it is best to opt for sports that combine physical and mental stimulation, such as Agility,DogDancing or dog skills
This dog's diet should be in line with his level of physical activity and his specific needs
Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Education
The education of the Belgian Shepherd begins when the dog has been separated at an optimal age from its parent, around 3 months of life, when we should start teaching him to urinate in the street. It is also time to continue to socialize him with other dogs, people, environments and other animals, to avoid fear or aggressive behavior in his adult stage.
From then on we can teach the little one the basic obedience commands, always as a game, although it is his youth when we must place more emphasis on this part of the training, fundamental for hissafety and coexistence We will teach you to sit down, to lie down, to stay still, to come here and, in short, any useful order. Later we will be able to continue training the dog, at the same time that we initiate him in other activities, such as those that we have mentioned in the previous point.
The most frequent behavior problems of the breed are aggressiveness and destructiveness, behaviors that arise when punished (traditional training, excessive fights, etc.), loneliness, seclusion in remote spaces, lack of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Belgian Shepherd Laekenois He alth
The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd is susceptible to certain he alth problems, as is the case with all purebred dogs. Below we explain the most frequent diseases of the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Waterfalls
To prevent and detect the he alth problems of the Belgian Shepherd Laekenois, it is essential to go to the vet every 6 - 12 months, follow the vaccination schedule and internal and external deworming of the dog.
