Family:
Breed Group: Herding
Origin: Belgium
Date of Origin: 19th century
Originally used for: Guard dog, police dog
Used today: Companion, sporting
Other Name(s): Belgian Laekenois, Chien de Berger Belge
History of the Breed: The Belgian Laekenois is the oldest and the original foundation of the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs.
The Groenendael, Tervuren and Malinois, as well as the Bouvier and Dutch Shepherds can trace their pedigrees back to the fawn wire-hair Vos I
de Laeken that was born in 1885. The Laekenois was used to guard the flax fields in late 19th Century. Linen cloth was a growing industry and
large fields of flax were scattered throughout the countryside. The breed was named after Laeken Castle. King Leopold and Queen Marie Henriette
who lived in the castle took a liking to the rough coated dogs. The name "Laekenois" was given to these dogs from the name of the castle. The
Brussels Police used Laekenois as police dogs and the Belgian Army used them as liaison dogs. The breed was also used in World Wars I and II.
In the US the Laekenois are the only Belgian Shepherd Dogs not recognized by the AKC.
General Appearance: The Laekenois is a medium-sized, square-proportioned dog in the Belgium sheepdog family. The head is
long and flat with the skull and muzzle of equal length and of medium width.
Muzzle of medium length tapering gradually to the black nose that has flared nostrils. The muzzle is finely chiseled under the eyes.
The dark brown eyes are medium sized and slightly almond shaped. The ears are triangular, stiff, and erect, set high, and of moderate
length. The body has a deep chest with well sprung ribs. The body is straight broad and powerfully muscled.
The rump is broad but not excessively so. The tail is of medium length and hangs down with the
tip slightly bent backwards at the level of the hock. The fawn colored coat is harsh, wiry and dry. The length of the coat is about
2.5 inches on all parts of body.
Height & Weight:
Height 22 - 26 inches
Weight 55 - 70 pounds.
Coat: Harsh, wiry and dry. The length of the coat is about 2.5 inches on all parts of body. Hair is present around the eyes and
on the Muzzle.
Color: Reddish fawn with black shading
Grooming needs: Medium, the wiry coat of the Laekenois needs to be trimmed about twice a year.
Temperament of Breed: They are serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. They need to
be socialized with other dogs and people outside of the direct family starting at an early age. They make loyal family dogs.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, with proper socialization starting at an early age.
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High, this is an active breed that needs daily exercise
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy
Minor: Skin allergies
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: Not Ranked
First Registered by the AKC: Not Registered
Registries: FCI, ANKC, CKC, KC, NZKC, UKC
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Belgian Shepherd Dog Association of Great Britain
American Belgian Laekenois Association
|
