Dog Training and Dog Care advice from UK Professionals

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Dog Breed Profile

The Laekenois is the rarest of the four Belgian Shepherd dogs and is also the foundation of the four varieties.

Other Names: Belgian Laekenois, Chein de Berger Belge

K9Obedience Breed Profile

Origin: Belgium

Breed Purpose: The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois was bred to guard the fields of fine linen that had been left out to dry in Antwerp, Belgium.

Kennel Club Dog Group: Pastoral

Height: Bitch 56-61cm., Dog 61-66cm.

Weight: Bitch 24-27kg., Dog 24-29kg.

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Exercise Needs: The Laekenois is a working dog and as such needs long and energetic exercise sessions most of which is off lead. These dogs enjoy canine sports such as Schutzhund, Dog Agility and Dog Obedience trials.

Feeding Needs: The Laekenois is not a demanding dog to feed and has a good appetite. They have no special dietary requirements and thrive on a diet that is natural and home prepared.

Common Ailments: Despite breeders striving to eliminate Epilepsy in the breed it can still occur. This dog is also prone to hip dysplasia but this can be avoided by only choosing puppies from reputable breeders.

Physical Description: The overall appearance of the Laekenois is one of an agile, muscular dog that looks powerful and alert. The head is finely chiselled with the skull and muzzle being roughly of equal length. The eyes are slightly almond shaped, are dark brown in colour and the ears are stiff and erect. They have strong jaws and a scissor bite. The neck is slightly arched and is well muscled going down to a strong body with a deep chest and well sprung ribs. The topline is straight and the body overall is very muscular. The legs are strongly boned and muscular with good angulation to the rear quarters. The tail is of medium length, hanging down when at rest and slightly higher when in motion. The Laekenois has a distinctive coat that is harsh and wiry. The coat is roughly 6cm long. It is dense on the tail and falls in a fringe on the head. The dog looks shaggy and unkempt in appearance. The coat colour is reddish fawn with black markings on the muzzle and tail.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:

This dog is extremely intelligent with high working and protecting instincts. They are used extensively by the police and as guard dogs which is their main occupation today. They can also be loyal companions and have a strong need for human company.

The Laekenois can tolerate children in the family if they have been brought up together. However this is a working dog that has retained all its herding instincts so expect the children to be rounded up if play gets too boisterous.

They do not tolerate being in kennels for long periods and in general do not like other pets in their household, though this is of course a generalisation which can always be overcome by an owner who is dedicated and knowedgeable enough for the task.

Intensive Dog Training and lots of socialising from an early age is imperative to obtain harmony and a strong working bond.

Any owner of the Laekenois needs to be have an extensive knowledge of dog obedience training and a full understanding of this breed’s needs. Any harsh treatment or force from the owner and this dog will quickly become withdrawn and difficult to handle.

For this very reason, the Laekenois is not suitable for a novice dog handler. The Laekenois can sometimes be quite protective or even aggressive at times and needs an owner that understands more than just the basics of dog training.

This is a very demanding dog and is one that is not suitable for apartment dwellers. They can live in an urban situation as long as there is the means to give the dog the exercise it needs.