Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois is a medium-sized livestock herding dog, one of several that originated in the pasturelands of Belgium. It is recognized by its unusual woolly coat, which intermingles browns, black and white in such a way as to have the look of tweed. Underneath the scruffy coat, he shares much in common with his better-known cousins, the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Tervuren and the Belgian Sheepdog (also known as the Groenendael), but the Laekenois is the oldest of the four breeds. Occasionally this breed will give birth to a smooth-coated dog, which depending upon color and registry, can be classified as a Malinois. Traditionally little recognized outside its native region, the Laekenois has long been prized for its herding abilities. This dog makes a good watchdog. The Belgian Laekenois is typical of the Belgian Shepherd Dog breeds in that is a square, well-balanced dog. It is long, elegant, well-muscled and lean, and typically moves quickly and with great agility. This breed stands an average 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder, and weighs from 60 to 75 pounds. There is a marked difference between male and female in this breed, with the male being larger and more masculine in appearance.The Belgian Laekenois has the same dark brown eyes set in a clean-cut head, moderately-tapered muzzle, and flattened skull that are characteristic of these dogs, but the Laekenois' rough coat may obscure these lines. The Belgian Laekenois has triangular prick ears. The tail is left natural. The harsh, tangled, moderately long coat of this breed is his hallmark. There is feathering on the head and muzzle and tail. The color is always fawn and gray, with traces of black and white, particularly in the muzzle and tail.The group of Belgian Shepherd dogs originated in the same region as did the German Shepherd Dog, the Dutch Shepherd and the Briard. They all share in common superior herding ability, guard dog characteristics, and are of similar size and conformation. In European countries where shepherding was a way of life, various breeds were developed to herd, to guard and to drive livestock. In Belgium the Belgian Shepherd Dog was eventually recognized with four variations. Belgian dog fanciers recognized them all as the same breed, sharing the same temperament and working abilities, but with different coats. In the latter decades of the 19th century, Professor A. Reul of the Cureghem Veterinary School organized a group of dog enthusiasts to gather foundation stock for all four variants: specimens were taken from the areas around the Belgian towns of Tervuren, Groenendael, Malines and Laeken. A formal breeding program was established, and the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club was formed in Brussels. A standard was written in 1892, as a common standard with four variations in coat type. Today, Belgium and Europe recognizes the four as one breed, as does Canada. In Australia, New Zealand and America they are considered to be four different breeds. The American Kennel Society recognizes the Groenendael (as the "Belgian Sheepdog"�), the Tervuren and the Malinois. The Laekenois is listed in the Foundation Stock Service and is expected to eventually gain full recognition as well. For now, it remains the rarest of the four. The Belgian Laekenois was originally used to herd livestock and to guard linen as it hung to dry. The breed takes its name from the Royal Castle of Laeken, upon whose pastures it was the herding dog of choice. The Belgian Laekenois is a very active, intelligent dog. It bonds closely with its owner, and needs human companionship. It does best in an environment where it gets plenty of physical exercise. It can live successfully as a house dog, with two long walks per day and several weekly hard play sessions. It becomes very loyal and devoted to family members, including children. The rough coat requires only a weekly brushing or two: it is not prone to tangling, but needs brushing to keep it free of matting and debris such as burrs. Eyes and ears should be kept clean and checked regularly. This breed will only rarely require a bath. The Belgian Laekenois will need a high, secure fence and some room to run unleashed. The Belgian Laekenois is a hardy breed and exhibits few common health problems, other than those generally associated with poor breeding in any dog. Make sure your dog's line of pedigree is clear for hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy. (PRA). An exceptionally healthy breed, it is not unusual to find a Belgian Laekenois living into its middle teens. Like the best herding breeds, the Belgian Laekenois has an active mind. It will need to be involved with daily family activity, and will need to be stimulated with plenty of play, exercise and formal training. These dogs are easily trainable but are independent thinkers, and training must begin early and be consistent and regular, so that obedience becomes routine. This breed is territorial by nature, from centuries of protecting its herds; it makes a vigilant watchdog. The Belgian Laekenois can become an excessive barker if not taught early to stop when commanded to do so. The Belgian Laekenois is by nature wary of strangers, and makes an excellent guard dog. Care should be taken to introduce a visitor slowly to the dog. These dogs are good with children when raised with them, and they are generally good with other pets as well. Owners should keep in mind that the instinct to herd and toward a bossy nature will always be present. Involving your Belgian Laekenois in dog sports and other physical activities will go far to keep it physically and mentally fit, and to increase the bond between you. The Belgian Laekenois excels in herding trials, and agility, frisbee and obedience competitions. It was used routinely as a courier dog in the two world wars, and is still excellent at police work and narcotics work. This breed can also do well as a therapy dog.

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