The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest and newly recognized dog breed. Out of four Belgian Sheepdogs (Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Groenendael, Belgian Malinois, and Belgian Tervuren), it is the least popular and rarest. It is typically used in various important tasks, i.e., herding, bomb and drug detection search and rescue, and a therapy dog.
This dog is medium-sized, having a sturdy, well proportioned, and square-shaped body. The coat’s hair is medium, wiry, and less dense. It is known to be a very protective dog, plus its intelligence is remarkable. Moreover, it is affectionate and friendly with its own people, but it cannot be very nice to strangers.
Belgian Laekenois History
This rare dog breed originates from Belgium from the town of Laeken, where it was utilized to guard flocks. Hence it was named after these two names. The Laekenois likely is the rarest of the four varieties of the Belgian sheepdogs. In the documented history, this dog breed is not well known before 1891.
This unique dog breed is versatile with different talents, including police work such as bomb/narcotic detection, search and rescue. This intelligent dog’s other tasks are agility, tracking, herding, sled, and cart pulling. Else it can be a very effective guide for the blind person and assistant to the disabled.
Belgian Laekenois Characteristics
The Belgian Laekenois has a sturdy, well-proportioned body with a mediumly thick wiry coat. Its feet are round and catlike, and its dark eyes represent intelligence and alertness. Long ears, a short muzzle with a black nose, and a smooth gait give this dog an elegant look. Its talents, skills, high energy levels, and affectionate nature make it a perfect choice for you.
How Big to Belgian Laekenois Get
The modern canine Belgian Laekenois, once fully matured, can have a maximum length of 24 – 26 inches in males’ case. In contrast, an adult female Belgian Laekenois is 22 – 24 inches in height. The average weight of this dog breed of both male and female ranges between 55 to 65 pounds (24 – 29 kg).
How Long Does Belgian Laekenois Live
Belgian Laekenois has the life expectancy that the dogs generally have, i.e., 12-14 years. You must also know that this average life span is the estimate under normal circumstances. If your pup is having any health issues, then the aging process can speed up. You can steer clear of this situation by taking care of your pup’s health and always check for the disease symptoms and rush for treatment.
How Much Does a Belgian Laekenois Cost
The rarity of these dogs makes it a little pricey. On average, you can find a Belgian Laekenois puppy for approximately $1700 to $2500. However, if you don’t want a puppy with an elite lifeline, it can be available at a comparatively lower price.
Belgian Laekenois Temperament/Personality
This modern unique dog breed loves to please you with its protective, loveable, and territorial instinct. It makes a great pet, but being a working dog can’t remain idle and always want a thing to do. Though not aggressive with the family, but they are not too welcoming to strangers.
A young age training and socializing of your Belgian Laekenois will work a lot on this inquisitive dog. It will be your excellent companion dogs that will also be compassionate to the children. Don’t ever forget its herding instincts, and be careful while introducing it to small pets other than dogs.
It is noticed about Belgian Laekenois that its attempt to dominate other dogs, so training is also required in this respect. Leaving it alone or idle can result in its destructive behavior so avoid it by giving some company and task to your canine.
Caring for Belgian Laekenois
This intelligent and rare breed of the dog seems to be circling or nipping at people’s heels. It is because of their herding instincts, but this is not an issue. All it wants is your love, attention, and care. Read on to see how you can take very good care of your Belgian Laekenois.
Belgian Laekenois Nutrition
Belgian Laekenois is a sheepdog that would work extremely hard from dawn to dusk. So its nutritional requirement must be greater as compared to other dog breeds, but it is not! This dog can handle being fed less than similar dogs their size. It can fill with 2 and a half cups of dry dog food within a day.
How to Groom a Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois grooming is easy as its coat is less dense with short, wiry hair. It is almost available in a darker color, so quick bathing will not be required as the dog will not appear dirty for longer. You can get the coat trimmed at least two times a year to remove dead hair. Nails trimming, ears cleanliness, and frequent tooth brushing is also a basic part of Belgian Laekenois regular grooming.
Belgian Laekenois Activity Levels
The herding nature of Belgian Laekenois makes it a highly active dog that needs at least 60 hours of vigorous exercise daily. It has energy sparks inside, and it is almost impossible for it to keep without doing stuff. You are recommended to provide it with toys; otherwise, it will chew your couches and scratch your furniture, considering it an activity!
Caring for Belgian Laekenois
Your Belgian Laekenois puppy will never cease pleasing you, so you also must give it 100 percent love and care. Physical care includes regular combing, bathing, nail clipping, teeth brushing, and nail trimming. Physical care is crucial to keep your dog in good hygienic conditions, so never ignore it.
Your emotional care is also essential for your pup to be your best and obedient guy. It includes giving it your company and understanding what he wants to ask with its eyes. Behavioral care is also another important factor that includes good training of your doggy in its early years.
Belgian Laekenois Health
An overall analysis suggests that Belgian Laekenois is a healthy dog breed. Still, it can be prone to health issues as it is not immune, of course. These health issues include Hypothyroidism and Hip and Elbow Dysplasia.
If you feed them properly with adequate calorie intake and give them enough daily exercise, then the chances of having any health issues can be alleviated.
Breeds Similar to Belgian Laekenois
Best Dog Food For Belgian Laekenois
The best dog food for Belgian Laekenois is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for its perfect balance of protein and fiber. This lip-smacking diet contains potatoes, oatmeal, flaxseed, pea, alfalfa, and so on. This omega-rich adult dog food comes in five food bags of different weights.
- This high protein and antioxidant-rich diet combine L-carnitine for proper muscle development.
- This chicken recipe includes chondroitin, which is instrumental for mobility and bone health.
- This vitamin-filled diet is free of corn, grain, soy product, and other artificial ingredients.
Best Puppy Food For Belgian Laekenois
The best puppy food for Belgian Laekenois is Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food, as it doesn’t cause any harm to the little stomach of the puppy. There is no filler in this commercial diet, and it comes in only two food bags weighing 8 lb and 16.5 lb. This nutrient-rich puppy food has around 28% of the protein in it.
- This high-quality meal has phosphorus supplements for oral health.
- This recipe includes DHA and acts just like mother’s milk to the puppies.
- This vet-recommended diet provides balanced and wholesome nutrition to the puppies helping them in their overall growth.
Best Dog Bed For Belgian Laekenois
The best dog bed for Belgian Laekenois is FurHaven Plush Ball Pillow Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This faux bed surrounds the dog with raised walls when the dog sits on it with its entire body weight. This small and cozy slumber zone is constructed with recycled fillers, and it comes with a zippable cover.
- This refillable shredded foam bed can be machine washed, and it is pretty convenient for novice parents.
- This flexible dog bed has insulating material in its filling, and it keeps the bed warm on cold winter nights.
- This long-lasting dog bed is completely chewing resistant.
Best Dog Crate For Belgian Laekenois
The best dog crate for Belgian Laekenois is Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate. This heavy-duty army green crate is pretty lightweight, and as a result, owners can carry it anywhere. This extraordinary crate is well ventilated and discourages any chance of your dog’s claustrophobia.
- This strong steel crate contains a base, which is water-resistant.
- The corners have been rounded for safety purposes, and there are corner stabilizers added to it.
- This convenient dog crate has two doors adjacent to each other and one on top.
Best Dog Harness For Belgian Laekenois
The best dog harness for Belgian Laekenois is OneTigris Tactical Vest Nylon Front Clip Dog Harness. This flexible and super convenient everyday harness complements the coat color of your Belgian Laekenois with its ranger green, coyote brown, and black color. This comfortable and soft harness features MOLLE webbing.
- This adjustable harness has soft interior padding, and as a result, it disperses the strain equally in the chest area.
- With its two sizes, the harness can cover chest girth up to 42 inches.
- This harness is suitable for dogs weighing up to 90 pounds.
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