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The Belgian Laekenois is a member of the herding group, and one of four dogs that are native to Belgium (the Belgian Malinois, Sheepdog, and Tervuren being the others). It also happens to be the rarest dog amongst this group of four. [1] Although it shares some characteristics with other dogs, the Belgian Laekenois does have some unique characteristics as well. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog is a Belgian Laekenois.
Steps
Looking at the Body Structure
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Notice the dog's size. Male Belgian Laekenois can be anywhere from 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) tall, while females are a little smaller, and can be anywhere from 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) inches tall. Belgian Laekenois generally weigh anywhere from 55–65 pounds (25–29 kg). [2]
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Examine the dog's head. A Belgian Laekenois' head has a strong appearance overall. Both the skull and the muzzle should be around the same size, and the head overall should be in proportion with the rest of the body with regards to size. [3]
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Take note of the dog's ears. A Belgian Laekenois should overall have stiff, erect, and triangular-shaped ears. The ear base should not be below the center of the eye. [4]
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Look at the dog's eyes. Belgian Laekenois have slightly almond-shaped eyes, that should be brown (dark brown, preferably). They also do not protrude. [5]
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Notice the dog's nose. Belgian Laekenois usually have a black, non-spotted, and non-discolored nose. [6]
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Examine the dog's tail. The Belgian Laekenois typically carries its tail low when at rest, with the tip bent back. It may raise its tail when not at rest, with a slight curve that’s more prominent at the tip (it does not, however, form a hook shape). [7]
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Take note of the dog’s overall body structure. Belgian Laekenois overall have an elegant and well-balanced appearance. Their gait is relatively smooth and easy, and they tend to often walk in a circle, as opposed to a straight line. [8]Advertisement
Examining the Dog's Coat
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Understand the possible colors a Belgian Laekenois can be. There are many possible colors that Belgian Laekenois may be, including any shade of red, as well as various fawn and gray colors. [9]
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Look for traces of black and/or white coloring on the dog. On Belgian Laekenois, you may notice various degrees of black color appearing, mainly on the muzzle and/or the tail. You may also notice small white patches on the tips of the toes and/or the chest. [10]
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See if the dog has a "beard" on the muzzle. This is something that all Belgian Laekenois have. [11]
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Notice how the coat looks and feels. A Belgian Laekenois' coat should have a rough, coarse texture, and appear relatively messy and disorderly. [12]Advertisement
Noticing the Dog's Temperament
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See if the dog is affectionate towards those they know well. Although Belgian Laekenois can be unsure around strangers, when they know someone well (such as their owner), they are known to be affectionate towards them. [15]
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Notice whether or not the dog is easy to train. Belgian Laekenois are intelligent dogs and relatively easy to train. [16]
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Look for curiosity. Belgian Laekenois are curious dogs, and they can often be found looking around and exploring. [17]
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Figure out whether the dog is energetic. Belgian Laekenois are energetic dogs who love to be active and do things such as playing games of fetch with their owners. [18]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Tips
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If you’re wondering whether or not your dog is a Belgian Laekenois, consider a dog DNA test, which can help confirm your dog's breed.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-laekenois/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-laekenois/
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/belgian-laekenois/
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BelgianLaekenois.pdf
- ↑ https://thepuppyplace.org/the-affectionate-and-intelligent-belgian-laekenois.html
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/belgian-laekenois-sheepdog-temperament/
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/belgian-laekenois-sheepdog-temperament/
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/belgian-laekenois-sheepdog-temperament/