Male Height (typical): 58-66 cm. (23-26 inches)
Female Height (typical): 56-61 cm. (22-24 inches)
Size: Small – Medium
Male Weight (typical): 24-29 kg. (55-65 pounds)
Female Weight (typical): 24-29 kg. (55-65 pounds)
Country of Origin: Belgium
Exercise Required: Daily long walks.
Expected Life Span: 10 – 12 Years
Best suited as: Working Dog, Family Pet
Other names: Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Shepherd Laekenois, Chien de Berger Belge
Description – The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd is a medium sized working dog with a fun and energetic personality. The dog was originally bred to help with herding and is also a loyal and gentle companion. The dog is great around children and is very protective of its family. The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd is fiercely territorial and will defend its yard and home from intruders of every size. It is also an intelligent dog that can respond to many different commands after being trained.
Origin & History – This breed is the rarest of the four Belgium Sheepdogs and is one of the two breeds still used primarily for working. All four of these breeds are often referred to as simply Belgium Sheepdogs even though that are distinct upon further observation. To make things even more confusing, all four breeds share a similar breeding pool that includes many of the same foundation dogs in their individual breeds. It is believed that the Laekenois Belgian Shepherd breed started in 1885 and has matured over the years as the use of the dog for policing, bomb detection, couriers and other duties has expanded.
Temperament – This can be a very gentle breed that will come to attention when needed to alert you to an intruder. Their sweet disposition makes them the perfect pet for most families as does their innate desire to please their masters. They are a highly intelligent and social dog that loves the company and interaction a family can provide. They prefer playing with the family to any other activity and will bond quickly with family members they consider to be part of their pack. As part of this pack they will attempt to dominate smaller or older dogs and they should be exposed to new pets slowly to allow for adjustment. They may also try to extend this dominance to small children and should be corrected here as well. The dog craves attention and should not be isolated for long periods of time. If left alone they may act out by chewing furniture and other items.
Exercise & Grooming – The Laekenois Belgian Shepherd has very minimal grooming needs and a gentle brushing a few times a week is sufficient to keep them in great shape. They will also need to have their coats trimmed about twice a year to remove the excess hair. Be careful about bathing and only do this when absolutely needed as it removes the critical oils from the coat that protect the dog from the elements. They are an active pet and require a bit of playtime daily to release this energy. Even though backyard play is great they also need the mental stimulation of interacting with their owners to stay healthy.
Health Concerns – This breed is a very happy and healthy breed with no chronic health concerns. In general they should be checked for skin irritations, especially if they spend a good bit of time out of doors. They also need to have their ears cleaned regularly and should be checked for ticks after any outdoor playtime. Your veterinarian can suggest other preventative measures to keep your Laekenois Belgian Shepherd healthy including booster vaccines to prevent known health issues for this breed. With the right diet and plenty of exercise, this dog should live a long and happy life.
Laekenois Belgian Shepherd Organisations in Australia
No club information listed
Laekenois Belgian Shepherd Organisations in the UK
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) – The Kennel Club
Laekenois Belgian Shepherd Organisations in the US
American Kennel Club – Belgian Laekenois
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) Breed Rescue
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