Data on the appearance of the Belgian Laenois Shepherd Dog, external norms of the species, characteristic behavior and health, how to look after: walking, diet, training. Puppy price. The Belgian Wirehaired Laekenois or laekenois were very popular in the Belgian court around the 17th and 18th centuries. Many crowned heads have loved and continue to love wire-haired dogs.
Europeans love dogs and every family has its own pet. In Belgium, you can see a wide variety of representatives of the canine world. But, nevertheless, national breeds are especially loved and revered here.
The inhabitants of this small country are convinced that the Laekenois, Grunendali Curverens and other local animals unite the Belgians. Wherever the Belgians moved, people always took with them a piece of their homeland, their dogs. In Belgium, this circumstance is very proud.
Data on the appearance of the breed of the Belgian Shepherd Laenois
At the end of the 19th century, in Belgium, there was a huge population of various Belgian Shepherd Dogs. In 1891, people made the first attempt to at least somehow formalize them as a breed. At the very beginning, eight varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs were described. At the present time, four have survived. Despite the fact that these canines (Malenois, Turverens, Grunendals and Laekenois) are very similar to each other, the differences between them are quite significant.
When the Belgian Shepherd Dog Competitions began to be held, each judge gave preference and balls to those dogs that impressed him more. This position ended with the fact that the people who were in the club quarreled with smithereens. Because of this, an urgent question arose, how can the Belgian Shepherd Dogs be judged further, and what is their future fate?
There was one person, a professor at the Veterinary Academy Adolphe Röhl, who tried to summarize all the available information about the standards of all Belgian shepherd dogs. Adolf was the only person who could judge these shepherd dogs at national shows for a long time. The Belgian dog handlers, despite the fact that they tried very carefully to preserve all the available Belgian Shepherd Dogs, they could not come to a consensus regarding their colors.
There was no single decision on what kind of ideal dog should be. Some said that black is important, like the Groenendael. Others argued that the dogs should have been sand-colored, like the Turveren. The Laekenois owners insisted on their own, pointing to their dogs. So, people "dogged themselves" until the First World War, until 1914.
But, this is the rare case when the war forced the "disputants" to reconcile and nevertheless the standard of these shepherd dogs was written. The most recent, officially approved criteria for these canines, including the Laekenois, were adopted in 1989. This provision on the breed is still valid. Laquenois appeared at the royal palace at Laeken Castle. The first mentions of shepherd dogs with curly hair were found in the annals of 1650. Such dogs were very common. Queen Henrietta loved dogs, and this breed included.
The popularization of many species of canines owes exactly to Her Majesty, Queen of Belgium. By the end of the 19th century, the popularity of Laquenois had skyrocketed. But, after some time, the breed representatives of these shepherds began to meet less and less. They are considered the rarest among the Belgian Shepherd Dogs.
Lakenois, as a breed, is not officially recognized in all countries. For example, in the United States of America and Canada, the Türveren and Groenendael are called the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Americans consider Malinois to be a separate species, and Laekenois in general, as purebred dogs, are not perceived. This is not fair, because the Laquenois are one of the oldest varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dogs. In some sources, there are such references that these dogs are related to English breeds.
The appearance of the Laekenois does not look entirely pedigree. Many will even say what kind of mongrels are they? In fact, these are pedigree, royal dogs. Over a long period of time, they have formed a special wool due to the grazing of sheep in a damp and windy climate. A curly coat with a thick undercoat is considered warmer. It forms a kind of air cushion that perfectly protects against bad weather conditions.
Description of the external standards of the Belgian Shepherd Laenois standard
The Belgian Laenois belongs to the category of moderately large and strong dogs, with a hard coat. Height at the withers in males 62–66 cm and bitches 58–60 cm. Weight in males 26–31 kg and females 20–26 kg.
- Head elegant, long, elongated format. Its lines are beautifully accentuated.
- Muzzle rectangular, wedge-shaped. The bridge of the nose is smooth. The stop is smooth. Refined lips. The jaws open well. The dentition is strong, connected like scissors or pincer-like.
- Nose well developed, black.
- Eyes Belgian Laenois Sheepdogs are set obliquely, small, elongated, black or brown. The eyelids are taut, dark.
- Ears begin their growth high, their size is slightly less than average, the shape is triangular.
- Neck - Moderately long, high fit, widening towards the shoulder blades. The withers stand out slightly. There is no suspension.
- Frame square format, sturdy. The chest is in good volume. Ribs are oval. The back has a straight line, short. The loin is strong. The croup is slightly sloping. The bottom line is not significantly pulled up.
- Tail harmonious placement, average length. At rest, it is lowered with a slightly curved tip.
- Front limbs - sufficiently strong in structure and length, with strong bones and lean muscles. The hind legs are parallel, strong.
- Paws - rounded.
- Coat Belgian Shepherd Laenois hard and dry. The outer hair has a rough and tousled structure. On the body, the hair is about 6 cm. The upper part of the muzzle, forehead and legs are covered with a shorter pile. The guard hair around the eye sockets and on the muzzle should not obscure the outline of the head. Feathers on the tail are not very fluffy.
- Color sometimes fawn with splashes of black hair, in the area of the muzzle and along the tail, slight white marks on the front of the chest and on the legs are permissible.
The characteristic behavior of the Belgian shepherd Laenois
Despite the fact that all Belgian Shepherds have common roots and are "siblings", they still differ from each other. True, this dissimilarity can be felt only by talking to each of the breeds separately.
Belgian Laenois Shepherds are very harmonious, wonderful and devoted friends of man. They have a very tender and even vulnerable soul. Due to their affection for their owners, they are called shepherd dogs. They constantly revolve underfoot to be as close to their master as possible.
Laquenois are excellent guards and wonderful defenders. If even a family friend appears on the territory, then the dogs tirelessly watch outsiders. He will not enter the house without the permission of the owner. With them, not only the owner will be safe, but also their family.
Pets are obedient, hardy and hard at work. Sometimes they can be stubborn, sticking to their own line of behavior. The Belgian Laquenois have a strong character and strong will. They love to play actively, and all their aspirations are aimed at being near their master all the time.
Laenois dog health
These dogs are usually healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain diseases. Not all Laenois will get these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you want a puppy of this breed.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition in which the hip bone is loosely attached to the hip joint. Some dogs have pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. But, you may not notice any signs of discomfort in the dog. Because, the disease develops with age and is determined using X-rays. This flaw is not only genetic, but can also be caused by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injury caused by jumping or falling on smooth floors.
Elbow dysplasia is genetically characteristic of large breed dogs. This is thought to be caused by the different growth rates of the three bones that form the animal's elbow, causing joint weakness. This can lead to painful lameness. Your veterinarian should recommend surgery to correct the problem, or therapeutic treatment to control pain.
In Belgian Shepherds, sometimes there are genetic eye diseases that only make themselves felt with the age of the dog. For example, cataracts or glaucoma. With cataracts, the lens becomes cloudy and degenerates. For a very long time, you may not notice the disease, and it will be sluggishly current. Treatment of the initial forms involves the appointment of external drugs. Neglected stages are successfully treated with surgery.
Glaucoma, a more serious eye condition that almost always leads to complete loss of vision if left untreated. The pet develops intraocular pressure, and all processes of this disease proceed in an irreversible form.
How to care for the Belgian Laenois Shepherd?
- Wool the Laekenois is tough, but there is no need to trim - pulling out dead hair. The Belgians recommend not combing out the Laenois. They believe that the dog should shed naturally, and then put on a new "fur coat". But, if such a pet lives in your apartment, then the wool will fall from it. Naturally, you will find it on carpets, floors, and furniture. Therefore, nothing terrible will happen if you periodically comb it out with a furminator during the period of changing the hairline of your dog. This tool is designed in such a way that you do not need to make "unnecessary gestures". It removes dead hairs much more efficiently and faster than other combs and accessories. In addition, it will not damage dry and coarse Laenois guard hair. This way, your dog will look great and you will be happy without unnecessary cleaning in the apartment. Bathing Laekenois is not often, as the hard structure of the wool is self-cleaning. Even if the dog is very dirty, it is enough for him to dry and shake himself off so that all the dirt falls off. But, at least once every two weeks, they need to be bathed using a typed shampoo. Soak your pet's coat well before lathering. Laekenois has dry hair and needs to be moisturized with a conditioner that is applied after the wash concentrate. After the bath, wrap the dog in a natural towel and wait a little for the excess water to absorb.
- Teeth Do not disregard the Laekenois if you want their condition to be always excellent. Cleaning procedures are performed at least once or twice every week. Regular brushing will prevent bleeding gums, tooth loss and odor from your pet's mouth, which are major dental problems. Pressed bones and various toys will also serve as a prophylaxis for diseases of the oral cavity, as well as protect your property from being destroyed by a dog.
- Ears needs to be cleaned, but not often, with plant-based care products. They are buried in the ears of the dog, and after a couple of minutes they are wiped off. Trimming the inside of the auricle can help prevent the accumulation of wax and dirt in the ears.
- Eyes rub only if they are inflamed or contaminated with anti-inflammation agents.
- Claws shorten when they are longer than they should be. The manipulation is carried out so that the claws do not injure the pet's paws. For the procedure, get claws.
- Feeding these canines, regardless of whether it is a ready-made feed or natural food, must be complete and strict in dosage. Many dogs don't know when to stop. No matter how much you give them, they will "sweep away" everything. Some owners do not adhere to the dosage of the portion and believe that if the dog eats, then he is hungry and needs to be fed. Because of this, big problems begin over time. First, excess weight appears, and then an upset stomach, malfunctioning of the heart and soreness of the joints. Be smarter, your excessive love can harm the animal. It is best to consult your veterinarian about feeding your Laekenois. Well, if your dog has already recovered, then consult your veterinarian on how to properly get rid of those extra pounds. Do not forget, if the dog eats natural food, then in addition, he needs to be given daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Dry food does not require supplementation in the dog's diet.
- Walking these dogs should take a lot of time and effort. They need to provide training and how they should think about it.
Belgian Shepherd Laenois training
These dogs are distinguished by strong volitional qualities. They need to be disciplined from early childhood. Belgian Laekenois are easy to control. But, there is one subtlety in working with them. If there are several of them, then there will definitely be a leader in this pack. It can be not only a male, but also a female. Therefore, first you need to find general contact with the leader.
The most important thing in working with Laquenois is not to put pressure on them, and not to force them to anything. If you want to teach your dog anything, think about how you might interest him. It can be a treat, a game, or a casual conversation. If you find contact with your pet, he will "move mountains" for you.
If you received a command "to me", make it so that you are interested in the dog more than the surrounding animals, people and objects. Laquenois is a typical shepherd dog. Its owner needs to constantly think over the ways to train it. This dog will try to do everything in its power for you. But, first you need to understand, love and attract her.
A small puppy that just got into your house becomes torn off from the team, mother, and at first it is hard for him to get used to it. It is very important, on the one hand, to love the dog, and on the other hand, to show firmness to it. In no case should the boy be allowed to do what in later life will be prohibited. Over time, the puppy gets used to this state of affairs, realizing that such a life is not so bad and becomes a real Laenois shepherd.
Interesting facts about the Belgian Laenois shepherd
Lakenois, like all shepherd dogs, feel most comfortable being in a pack. Without exception, all dogs are gregarious animals. In this community, there is a strict hierarchy that may not be visible to an outsider's eye. A person also strives to be in a team, even if it is small. It is difficult for both a dog and a person to survive alone - this circumstance brings us closer together.
These dogs should not look in the eyes. They accept this behavior as a challenge and can attack.
Price Belgian Shepherd Laenois
If you are buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health certificates for both of your puppy's producers. Testing should cover hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand disease (blood disease), and normal eye function. If there are no relevant documents, then it is better to find another kennel, where dog breeding is more responsible. You can check all the documentation on the Belgian Laenois Shepherd Dogs and the authenticity of their health certificates on the corresponding website on the Internet. The price of Laekenois puppies is from $ 1000 to $ 3000.
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