Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois is a variety of the Belgian Shepherd dog and originates from the Laeken region of Belgium. 

1. Belgian Shepherd - Source: Pixabay

Originally bred as a working dog, it earned its keep as a herder and guardian of sheep at the Royal Castle of Laeken, solidifying its esteemed status. 

During both World Wars, the breed served as a messenger dog, delivering vital communications with intelligence and loyalty. Despite its noble heritage, the Belgian Laekenois faced a decline in population over time, leading to its rarity. 

Since October 2019, the American Belgian Laekenois Association has been the official AKC Breed Club for this breed. However, in a notable turn of events, the breed gained recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in July 2020.

The Belgian Laekenois is a loyal and intelligent breed, known for its watchful nature and eagerness to please. 

They're great at learning tricks and obeying commands, especially with positive training methods. Lending to their working ancestry and intelligence, they excel in dog sports.

• Belgian Laekenois Temperament

While they don't need tons of exercise, they do enjoy playtime and mental challenges. Because they have herding instincts, they might try to nip or chase during play, so it's important to teach them not to do this, especially around kids. 

This dog breed forms strong bonds with their families. They don't like being left alone for too long and may develop separation anxiety. However, they may get wary of strangers. Due to their guarding instincts, they may also get protective of their owners.

They can adapt to different living situations but do best with lots of love, attention, and opportunities for activity. Early socialization is important to ensure they're friendly and well-behaved around people and other pets. 

With a noble and expressive face, the Belgian Laekenois possesses dark, almond-shaped eyes that convey intelligence and curiosity. 

• Size

Falling within the medium to large size category, the Belgian Laekenois possesses a sturdy and well-proportioned build. 

Males typically stand between 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 22 to 24 inches. Average Belgian Laekenois puppies weigh around 38 pounds.

• Coat Colors

The typical Belgian Laekenois colors include red, fawn, and mahogany with a black mask.

The outer coat type is rough and tousled and of medium length. While the breed standard specifies a fawn-colored coat with a black overlay, variations may include shades of gray or reddish-brown. 

1. Mahogany Belgian Laekenois- Source: americankennelclub
2. Fawn Belgian Laekenois- Source: sheldon.the.belgian
3. Red Belgian Laekenois- Source: Pinterest

This unique coat pattern adds to the breed's allure, giving each individual a distinct and captivating appearance.

Based on physical appearance here's a comparison table between the Belgian Laekenois and the Belgian Malinois:

1. Belgian Malinois- Source: Pixabay

In Belgian Laekenois, males typically are larger and have a more muscular build, standing between 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 22 to 24 inches. Males may also display broader shoulders. 

There are no notable differences between the temperament and personalities of males and females.

Ensuring optimal nutrition for your Belgian Laekenois is crucial for their health and well-being. 

Belgian Laekenois puppies need a high-protein, high-fat diet with DHA for brain development and balanced calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Adults require a balanced diet with moderate protein and fat, including healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Seniors need a lower-calorie diet rich in fiber, glucosamine, chondroitin for joint health, and antioxidants to support the immune system.

Additionally, provide access to fresh water at all times to support hydration and digestion. Consult your veterinarian for a customized feeding plan tailored to your dog's needs, ensuring they get the nutrients for a healthy life.

Like all breeds, Belgian Laekenois may be prone to certain health issues, including:

• Epilepsy: Belgian Laekenois, like many other breeds, may be susceptible to epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures can vary in severity and frequency, impacting the dog's quality of life. 
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye disorder that affects the retina, leading to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. Symptoms often start with night blindness and progress over time. While there is no cure for PRA, early detection through regular eye exams can help slow its progression and preserve the dog's remaining vision.
• Degenerative Pannus: Degenerative pannus, also known as chronic superficial keratitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the cornea of the eye. It typically manifests as a pink or grayish film over the cornea and can lead to discomfort and vision impairment if left untreated. 
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder caused by an underactive thyroid gland, resulting in a decreased production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in Belgian Laekenois, causing abnormal wear of the elbow joint cartilage, leading to pain and lameness. Factors like genetics and rapid growth contribute to its development. 

Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can help mitigate these risks.

For proper care of the Belgian Laekenois shedding, regular brushing is essential to keep their coarse and wiry coat from tangling.

Use a slicker brush or a grooming rake to remove loose hair and debris, paying particular attention to areas prone to tangles, such as behind the ears and under the legs. 

Aim to brush your Laekenois at least once a week, or more frequently during shedding seasons. While baths are not needed frequently, occasional baths with a gentle dog shampoo can help keep their coat clean and smelling fresh. 

Additionally, trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and potential discomfort. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their overall health and promptly address potential issues. 

Finding a specific rescue house for this breed may be hard since this is a rare variation of the Belgian Shepherd. However, if you’re considering adoption, you can check in with any rescue organization for Belgian Malinois or Belgian Sheepdog.

MalinoisRescue.org

Texas Belgian Malinois Rescue

It may also be difficult to come across a Belgian Laekenois seller, but you may be able to find them at any Belgian Shepherd breeders.

GreenFieldPuppies.com

MarketPlace.AKC.org

• Belgian Laekenois is the rarest among the four Belgian Shepherd varieties.
• Famous Belgian Laekenois owners include Queen Elisabeth of Belgium.

1. Queen Elizabeth with her dog 1939- Source: Pinterest

Belgian Laekenois is well-suited for active individuals or families with experience handling energetic and intelligent breeds.