New Dog World: Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Dog Breed: Rare Loyal Sheepdog

Monday 31 March 2014

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Dog Breed: Rare Loyal Sheepdog

Breed: Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

AKC Breed Group: Miscellaneous

Other Registries: ANKC (Working); CKC (Herding); FCI (Sheepdogs); KC (Pastoral); UKC (Herding)

Weight: 55-65 lbs

Height: Male: 24-26; Female: 22-24 inches

Color: Fawn, Mahogany; with Black Overlap. There is Black Shading on the Muzzle and Tail

Origin: Belgium

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Overview

This dog breed originated in Belgium. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois was developed for the herding and guarding sheep. The Laekenois is one of four breeds of Belgian Shepherds and is considered the rarest. This is the only Belgian Shepherd breed not recognized in the United States by the AKC.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Characteristics

This dog breed is medium sized, squarely-built and has a somewhat un-kept appearance. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois is sturdy, hardy, agile, and athletic. The most distinguishing feature of this breed is their rough and wiry coat. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois excels at herding, search and rescue, tracking, police work and sledding.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Temperament

This dog breed requires an experienced dog owner. The Belgian Shepherd is extremely loyal, vigilant and protective. These dogs thrive on human companionship and if left alone for extended periods, the Belgian Shepherd Laekenois may become destructive. This breed typically bonds with a single member of the family. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois generally gets on well with children and the dogs they were raised with, but not with cats and other household pets. They are wary of strangers and will guard and protect their family, property, and territory.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Care

This dog breed requires daily combing to prevent matting of the coat. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois should be professional clipped at least twice yearly. To preserve the natural oils of the coat, this breed should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois breed is prone to eye problems, skin allergies and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Coat

The coat of the Belgian Shepherd Laekenois is water-resistant, rough, and wooly shaggy. The head and muzzle are fringed and there is dense, bushy hair on the tail.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Training

This dog breed tends to be both demanding and dominant and requires firm handling. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois will benefit from early, intensive and ongoing socialization and obedience training. This breed does not respond well to harsh or heavy-handed methods and training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, consistency and reward.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Activity

This dog breed requires an above average amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation. The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois are not recommended for city or apartment living. These dogs do best in a rural setting where they have a job to do and ample room to roam and run.