Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is a breed of dog, classified by the FCI as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. The Laekenois is not fully recognized in the United States. However, they can be shown in Britain, along with all three of the closely related breeds which share a heritage with the Laekenois: the Tervuren, the Malinois, and the Groenendael, the last being shown in the U.S. as the Belgian Sheepdog.

History

The Belgian Laekenois originated as a sheep herding dog at the Royal Castle of Laeken. It is considered both the oldest and the most rare of the Belgian Shepherd Dogs. Until the advent of dog shows in the early 1900’s, the four varieties were freely intermixed, in fact, there are only three genes (short/long coat, smooth/wire coat, fawn/black coat) that separate the varieties genetically. Purebred Laekenois occasionally give birth to smooth-coated puppies, which, depending on the pure-bred registry, can be registered as Malinois.

Appearance

Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Laekenois is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family with sharply triangular ears. The Laekenois is recognized by its woolly brown and white coat, intermixed so as to give a tweedy appearance.

Temperament

Intelligent and willing to please, the Belgian Laekenois also has strong protective and territorial instincts. If socialized from an early age, this breed will do quite well with children, making it an excellent pet. Because of the herding instincts, be careful introducing the Laekenois to other small non-canine pets. If correctly socialized, there shouldn’t be a problem with cats. Sometimes this breed can try to dominate other dogs. Firm training should begin at an early age, preferably with an experienced master. This breed is very loyal to the family, and it truly enjoys human companionship. It is important to give this dog a job, because it can become destructive if it is bored. The Laekenois may tend to bond strongly with just one or two family members, and it may tend to chase, circle, and nip at people’s heels, which is typical herding behavior.

Tags: Belgian Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd Dog, dog breed, dog breeds, Laekenois