Belgian Laekenois Dog

Belgian Laekenois

Belgian Laekenois Characteristics: The spirited and watchful Belgian Laekenois is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Herding Dog Group. The Belgian Laekenois, is characterized by its hardy but elegant appearance with a long, finely chiselled head, powerfully muscled body and an alert, inquisitive expression.  Other characteristics include dark brown, medium sized, almond-shaped, slightly slanting eyes; high set, erect, triangular shaped ears; a strong, low hung tail and a brisk, fluid gait. The temperament of the Belgian Laekenois can be described as Protective, Lively, Alert.

The coat type of the Belgian Laekenois is described as medium, rough, wiry coat in red, fawn, gray colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Belgian Laekenois demonstrated the desired traits of a Farm Dog and is known by its nick name the "Belge". The origin of the Belgian Laekenois dog breed was in Belgium where it was developed in the 1800's.

Fast Facts about the Belgian Laekenois: The following facts provide fast information about the Belgian Laekenois breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Herding Dog Group *** Nick name: "Belge" *** Laekenois Origin: Belgium *** Male Height: 22 to 26 inches *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Laekenois Male Weight: 45 to 65 pounds *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Laekenois Coat Type: medium, rough, wiry coat *** Coat Colors: red, fawn, gray colors *** Litter Size: 6 - 10 puppies *** LaekenoisHealth Problems: Hip and elbow dysplasia, Hypothyroidism *** Laekenois Lifespan: 12 - 14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Belgian Laekenois Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding Dog Group: The Belgian Laekenois is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding Dog Group.

Other names for the Belgian Laekenois: The Belgian Laekenois is known by the nickname of the "Belge". Other names for this breed of dog include the Belgian Shepherd, Mechelse Shepherd and Chien de Berger Belge. N.B. The word 'Berger' is an occupational name for a shepherd.

Names of the Belgium Sheepdogs: The names of the four different types of Belgian Sheepdogs are the Malinois, the Tervueren, the Groenendael (Belgian Shepherd) and of course the Laekenois, who are all named according to their Belgian region of origin.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Belgian Laekenois" derives from its country of origin in Belgium and from the grounds of park of Laeken Castle where the first Belgian Laekenois dogs worked.

Belgian Laekenois History and Origin: The country of origin of the Belgian Laekenois breed was in Belgium during the 1800's. Sheepdogs were believed to have descended from the Gray Wolf and the ancient Peat Dog, and have watched over flocks of sheep since antiquity across the continents of Asia and Europe. A descendent of these ancient sheepdogs was the Belgian Laekenois, whose main role was to herd and protect sheep in the pastures of Belgium. The usefulness of the dogs declined in the 1800's with the Industrialization of Belgium and the numbers of sheepdogs fell alarmingly.

The problem was addressed  in 1891 by Professor Adolphe Reul of the Veterinary Institute in Cureghem, that was located just outside Brussels. At this time the Belgian sheepdog breeds were not distinguished from each other and did not have their own names.  Prof. Reul arranged for a meeting of dog owners and shepherds at Cureghem and invited them to bring along their dogs.

Professor Adolphe Reul was able to inspect nearly 100 dogs in an effort to recognise individual breeds. Prof. Reul advised the owners to establish selective breeding programs for dogs of the same coat type, regardless of their hair colors. The first breeder of the red-brown, rough haired Belgian Laekenois was a shepherd named Adrien Janssens who worked around around Antwerp and Boom. The standard for his sheepdog was established and the breed developed by Adrien Janssens was given the name of the Belgian Laekenois, not after its hometown but after the royal park of Laeken Castle where his dogs worked. The Belgian Laekenois was exported to other countries in Europe and to the United States where it continues to grow in popularity.

Belgian Laekenois Modern History: The modern history of the Belgian Laekenois moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog, Farm worker, family companion and as a military and police dog.

Belgian Laekenois Height: The Belgian Laekenois breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 22 to 26 inches. The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less.

Belgian Laekenois Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a Belgian Laekenois male dog is 45 to 65 pounds. The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male.

Belgian Laekenois Coat Type: The coat type of the Belgian Laekenois is described as medium, rough, wiry coat. The term "Wire" refers to coarse hair.

Belgian Laekenois Coat Colors: The colors of the Belgian Laekenois dog breed include red, fawn, gray colors. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors.

Belgian Laekenois Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Belgian Laekenois are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Belgian Laekenois are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the Belgian Laekenois on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

Belgian Laekenois Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 6 - 10 puppies. Belgian Laekenois puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Belgian Laekenois puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Belgian Laekenois Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Spirited, Protective, Lively, Alert and Watchful.

Belgian Laekenois Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Belgian Laekenois requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a sturdy, brisk, fluid gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Belgian Laekenois Diet: A fully grown Belgian Laekenois should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Belgian Laekenois Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Belgian Laekenois breed include Hip and elbow dysplasia, Hypothyroidism. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Belgian Laekenois dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Belgian Laekenois Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Belgian Laekenois breed is 12 - 14 years.

Belgian Laekenois Male Dog Names: Male Laekenois names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Belgian Laekenois breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Belgian Laekenois names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are:  Maxime *** Alex *** Loic *** Arnaud *** Axel *** Pierre *** Romain *** Xavier *** Matteo *** Tanguy.

Belgian Laekenois Female Dog Names: Female Laekenois names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Belgian Laekenois girl dog. Our top choice of good female Belgian Laekenois names are Camille *** Lola *** Lea *** Elise *** Margaux *** Lara *** Juliette *** Eloise *** Leila *** Nina *** Megane.

Fast Facts about the Belgian Laekenois: The following facts provide fast information about the Belgian Laekenois breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding Dog Group *** Laekenois Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Belgium *** History / Date: 1800's *** Male Belgian Laekenois Height: 22 to 26 inches *** Male Belgian Laekenois Weight: 45 to 65 pounds *** Coat Type: medium, rough, wiry coat *** Litter Size: 6 - 10 puppies *** Belgian Laekenois Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Belgian Laekenois Lifespan: 12 - 14 years ***

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