The Laekenois, which had its beginnings in Belgium, was bred centuries ago from a collection of indigenous herding breeds. They were used to protect livestock, specifically cattle and sheep, and at the same time, they formed close bonds with their human families. Through this process, the Belgian shepherd grew into an adept working dog and a vigilant defender of both individuals and possessions.
The Belgian shepherds were classified into four primary varieties during the 1890s, namely the Groenendael (also known as Belgian sheepdog), the Malinois, the Tervuren, and the Laekenois. It is important to mention that although these four types differed in their coats, they had almost identical height and disposition.
The Laekenois gained recognition for its rough, twisted fur. The breed’s name was influenced by the area it originated from, Laeken, as stated by the national breed organization. Besides safeguarding domestic animals, the Laekenois also had an unusual duty of defending hanging sheets in open areas.
Like many other European dogs, the Laekenois and other Belgian shepherd populations were nearly decimated in the wake of World Wars I and II. However, breed enthusiasts diligently worked to keep these Belgian bloodlines alive, and the breed slowly saw a resurgence (though the Laekenois is still very rare).
After being introduced to the United States, the Laekenois, along with other imported dog breeds, began to attract a committed group of breeders, exhibitors, and owners. As a result, the American Belgian Laekenois Association was established in 1995. The breed was included in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service in 1998 and became eligible to participate in the Companion group that same year. It initially belonged to the Miscellaneous group in 2005 but finally obtained full recognition in the Herding group on July 1, 2020.
Belgian Laekenois Care
This distinct and impressive type of dog has a history of being bred for specific tasks. Even though your Laekenois may not have any connection to a sheep pen in Belgium, their mindset remains vigilant and attentive. Failure to provide them with adequate stimulation and interaction may lead to them developing nervous tendencies, causing chaos and being stubborn. In addition to exercise and coaching, you must also commit to a weekly grooming routine for this breed, which takes less time.
Exercise
For the health and mental wellbeing of a Laekenois, exercise is crucial, which should come as no surprise. Allocate approximately two hours of your time daily to attend to this breed’s needs, dividing your focus between physical activities and mental stimulation. Belgian shepherds are known for their high energy levels, implying that you must provide them with a sufficient physical outlet and then exhaust them mentally with training since exercising alone may not suffice.
Engaging in agility training with your Laekenois is an excellent way to exercise. These dogs are highly adept at facing challenges, and participating in dog sports can be a perfect form of workout for both their body and mind. For in-home entertainment, owners can provide puzzle toys and engage in games such as fetch.
Grooming
It is crucial to groom a Laekoenois on a regular basis, but it does not require too much time. Due to its tousled coat that is about 2 1/2 inches long, you need to brush your pet at least once a week to avoid hair tangling and clear off dirt. The coat should not be trimmed because it impairs the double-layered fur, which functions as a natural thermostat for maintaining body temperature.
Regularly brush your Laekenois’ teeth, trim their nails, and monitor their ears for dirt and debris that may cause infection, as with all dogs. Use a cleaning solution specifically intended for the ears to clean them with a cotton ball as required.
Training
Although certain breeds are reputed to have a delayed maturation process that stretches their puppyhood phase to multi-year durations, the Laekenois has a reputation for quickening its maturity when offered learning prospects. They perform outstandingly in obedience education, which should commence as early as six weeks to eight weeks following birth, which establishes a solid foundation for later advanced training.
Engaging in obedience training can reinforce the connection between you and your dominant shepherd while also asserting your role as the pack leader. This is particularly crucial because the Laekenois breed is highly responsible for safeguarding individuals and possessions. If you fail to maintain your leadership position in your dog’s hierarchy, you will no longer have the authority to direct its behaviors and instincts. Once your pup has completed the necessary vaccinations for public interaction, start exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments as soon as possible. This approach will enhance your dog’s flexibility.
Owners of Laekenois frequently claim that their dog becomes more cautious around unfamiliar individuals or other dogs during nighttime. They typically examine unfamiliar facial expressions to determine potential danger, and are ready to defend against invaders. This highlights why early socialization and consistent training is necessary for Laekenois, similar to other Belgian shepherds.
If introduced properly, this breed is compatible with other animals. Due to its ancestry, it doesn’t have a significant inclination to hunt. Nevertheless, because of its herding instinct, these dogs tend to be mouthing, attempting to herd animals and humans. This tendency may lead to aggression if it becomes overexcited and lacks physical activity.
Diet and Nutrition
For Belgian Laekenois dogs, it is essential to provide a diet consisting of excellent quality dog food and limit their intake of treats. Overfeeding with treats or human food can have adverse effects on their long-term health and weight.
Furthermore, considering the dental health issues prevalent in this breed, it is recommended to refrain from serving moist food and switch to dry, crispy kibble that can prevent the formation of plaque. Opt for a diet that excludes any food items that your dog is allergic to, and seek advice from your vet to ascertain the appropriate serving sizes depending on their age, weight, and level of physical activity.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If the world were perfect, dog food would be uniform in quality. However, there are countless options available to dog owners, with each one asserting that it is the superior product. It can be quite a challenge for dog owners to sift through these alternatives and find a brand that meets the criteria of being beneficial for their dog, budget-friendly, and appealing to their pet. We have collected guidance from professionals, which could be useful in the process of streamlining your choices.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
Dry kibble or canned wet food are the preferred choices for feeding dogs by the majority. Although these processed foods may not be desirable to us, they are enriched with all the essential nutrients required for maintaining the health of our furry friends. Veterinary specialists have conducted extensive evaluations of high-quality commercial dog foods, ensuring that they meet stringent regulations. What exactly goes into making these dog foods?
Dogs are not strictly carnivorous animals, which sets them apart from cats. Although meat is the primary component of their diet, they can obtain vital nutrients from grains, vegetables, and fruits. These non-meat foods are not merely additives; they are a crucial source of essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber. An excellent dog food will comprise meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables, and high-quality versions of these components appropriate for your dog’s digestive system are found in the best dog foods.
Dog Food Nutrition
It is essential to ensure that your furry companion’s dietary requirements are met by opting for the most suitable dog food. Although many commercial dog food brands are designed to fulfill the basic nutritional needs of dogs, it should be noted that each dog’s nutritional demands may not be precisely identical.
Throughout their lifespan, dogs need various nutrients in varying quantities. For young canines, their nutritional requirements differ from that of adults, hence it is beneficial to give them a puppy formula or an “all life stages” meal. If you’re uncertain about the difference in nutritional necessities for young pups and older dogs, you can refer to the recommended nutrients for dogs as stated in the Merck Veterinary Manual with the appropriate amount based on their weight and age. Nutritional needs vary between large breed and small breed canines, including their young counterparts.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
On the internet, there are lots of untruths and misconceptions about dog nutrition that pertain to dog food. You can tackle this issue by abiding by a single rule: scrutinize your references. Numerous people who have good intentions make statements about dog nutrition without providing conclusive scientific evidence. While doing your inquiry, make sure to verify if reputable sources like veterinarians, experts in canine nutrition, or scientific studies support the data. Furthermore, it’s advisable to approach unverified statements with caution. If something appears unrealistic, chances are it is.
Dog owners often have inquiries about the types of dog food available, such as those containing grains, peas, or animal byproducts. If your dog suffers from a grain allergy, it is advisable to follow your veterinarian’s advice and switch to grain-free dog food. However, grains can be a rich source of nutrients for most dogs, and animal byproducts such as organ meats can also be highly nutritious. It’s worth noting that regulated byproducts exclude certain undesirable components such as hooves, hair, and manure. If you have any concerns about your dog’s food, it’s important to consult your veterinarian.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Deciphering a good dog food from a bad one can be achieved by inspecting the label, although this can be challenging due to the small print and the cumbersome nature of handling large bags of dog food in-store. Moreover, the information presented on labels can be misleading, as the Merck Veterinary Manual highlights. In accordance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dog food labels must disclose eight essential pieces of information, and specific states may enforce their own labeling regulations.
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Product Name
The name of the product provides significant information about the contents of the packaging. The word “beef” indicates that the product must have a minimum of 70 percent beef. Products labeled as “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter” must only contain a minimum of 10 percent beef. If a product is labeled “with beef,” it should have at least 3 percent beef, and “beef flavor” means that the product contains just enough beef to flavor it, which is less than 3 percent. Similarly, other ingredients like “chicken” follow the same rule.
Ingredients
The quality and source of ingredients labeled on dog food packaging are not disclosed, and some manufacturers split up ingredients to make their distribution more even. For example, various types of corn, such as flaked, ground, or kibbled corn, may be listed separately, which reduces corn’s ranking on the ingredient list even though it makes up a significant portion of the food. Meat is also a tricky ingredient as whole meats include a large percentage of water weight, which lowers the overall percentage of meat in the food. In contrast, while meat meal may not sound as appetizing, it contains more meat than whole meats as there is no water weight to factor in.
Although the ingredient list doesn’t indicate the quality of the additives, it reveals the contents of the food, which is crucial for dogs with unique nutritional requirements or sensitivities, as well as for owners who want to provide their dogs with particular fiber, protein, and carbohydrate sources.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a dog owner to determine the most suitable food for your canine. Given that you are the one who interacts with your dog frequently, monitoring their stool quality, activity level, fitness, and appetite is crucial in assessing whether or not the current dog food is satisfactory.
During this process, your veterinarian can be an invaluable asset to you. They possess greater knowledge about pet nutrition than the typical owner and have access to research and resources that owners lack. Your vet can assist you in pinpointing your choices and should be willing to help you locate the solutions to your inquiries regarding your dog’s food.