Laekenois Breed description: Character & Co

About

Laekenois is pronounced Läkenoa or Läken!

What is the origin of the Laekenois?

The Laekenois belongs with Tervueren, Groenendael and Malinois to the Belgian Sheepdogs and is the only rough-coated variety. It was named after the town and castle of the same name, Laeken, in Belgium, on whose land it was originally used as a herding dog. Unlike the other three varieties, the Laekenois is rather unknown, although he is in no way inferior to them.

What are the breed characteristics of the Laekenois?

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, FCI for short, lists the Laekenois together with the other three varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog under standard number 15 and here sets the external characteristics, character and temperament - the so-called breed standard to which Laekenois breeders are guided.

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Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Canidae,Dog breed,Tervuren,Carnivore,Belgian shepherd,Kunming wolfdog,Belgian shepherd malinois,

Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Dog breed,Canidae,Carnivore,Tervuren,Working dog,Belgian shepherd,Rare breed (dog),

Alternate Name	Belgian shepherd dog
Origin	Belgium
Life expectancy	12 - 15 years
Care requirements	low-maintenance

Activity level	high
FCI group	Sheepdogs
AKC group	Herding Group
KC group	Pastoral Group

Characteristics

What are the typical traits of the wire haired Belgian Shepherd?

The Belgian Sheepdog with the rough-coated coat is especially known for the following character traits:

Attitude of the Laekenois

Just like the other varieties of the Belgian Shepherd, the Laekenois is very active and wants to be exercised and kept busy. However, when it is physically and mentally exercised, it also makes a good family dog, usually getting along well with children.

The Laekenois' coarse coat requires professional trimming several times a year, which involves plucking out the dead undercoat.

Use of the Belgian

Originally, the dog was used as a herding and sheepdog. As an owner, you have to replace this demanding task with other physical and mental activities so that your Laekenois does not get bored. Thus, common sports, tournament dog sports or training as a working or service dog is a good way to do justice to the Belgian Shepherd.

Character

Usage

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Breeding

What are typical diseases of the Laekenois?

Typical diseases are not known in the Laekenois. Also hip dysplasia does not occur more frequently than in other large or medium-sized breeds.

Laekenois breeding - where, how, what?

If you want to buy a Laekenois, you are well advised to buy a dog from a registered breeder, because here health and a balanced nature of the dogs are the first priority. These Laekenois puppies are also already well socialized when they move in with you.

As the Laekenois is rather unknown and in the shadow of the other varieties, especially the Malinois, Laekenois breeders are also rather rare. However, the DKB - Deutscher Klub für Belgische Schäferhunde e.V. im VDH (German Club for belgian Shepherds)- has created a list where you can find several contacts if you are interested in a Laekenois puppy.

Special features of the Laekenois

Even if the Laekenois is not very common in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, there are some Laekenois in need, who are looking for a new home. So if you want to buy a Laekenois and maybe you can do without a pedigree or papers, this would be an alternative to a Laekenois from a breeder.

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Appearance and coat of the Laekenois

The Laekenois is the only variety with a rough coat that can be easily distinguished from the others. With it only the fawn colour with a weak, black cloud is desirable. This means that mainly on the muzzle and tail the tips of the hairs are slightly black. White markings may also appear on the forechest and on the toes.

How tall is the dog from Belgium?

With an average height of 62 cm for males and 58 cm for females, the Laekenois belongs to the medium-sized or large dogs. The breed standard allows deviations of 4 cm upwards and 2 cm downwards from these desired sizes.