THE BELGIAN LAEKENOIS
BY SONJA J . OSTROM , VICE-PRESIDENT , AMERICAN BELGIAN LAEKENOIS ASSOCIATION , JUDGES EDUCATION CHAIR , AKC AND UKC JUDGE
The Belgian Laekenois ( Lack-in-wah ) is the fourth variety / breed of the Belgian Shepherds . It is the oldest of the four varieties and generally accepted to be in the background of the Bouvier and Dutch Shepherd , and perhaps the Briard and Berger Picard . The Belgian Shepherd Dogs were native to Belgium , and each variety was named after the towns where they were favored ; hence , Belgian Laekenois , Belgian Malinois , Belgian Groenendael ( Belgian Sheepdog in the US ) and Belgian Tervuren .
All four AKC breed standards are fairly similar with variations only in slight size differences , dentition and , of course , the most visible , the coat type and color . Most countries show the Belgians as one breed with varieties . The US considers them separate breeds . The Belgians were shown as one breed until 1959 when the breed was split into separate breeds . The Laekenois was re-introduced into AKC through the FSS program and finally recognized in the Miscellaneous Class on June 30 , 2011 . The Belgian Laekenois has a very small gene pool worldwide and has been close to extinction on several occasions . A small group of American Laekenois enthusiasts have imported Laekens to the US from all over the world and believe that AKC recognition will be a big step in the survival of this breed .
Belgian breed type is very important to the Belgian Laekenois , although this tousled , shaggy , rough looking dog often more resembles a teddy bear rather than one of the elegant Belgians . Breed type can first be recognized by looking at the overall outline of the Laeken . Then , getting into and under the coat , you will find a Belgian : square , well-balanced and , yes , elegant . They are alert and full of life , giving an impression of depth and solidity , without bulkiness . Don ’ t be deceived by the “ teddy bear ” look ; they are anything but . Although delightful family companions , they are hard , working dogs and should be in top condition and given a job and a purpose in life . to mind and are pictured with this article : ��UGRCh . UAG1 URO1 Can . Ch . Winjammer ’ s Wired to Win , CM , BN , RE , PT , HSAs , NA , NAJ , MXP5 , MXPS , MJPB , PAX , NFP , CGC , ASCA , RN , NADAC , NAC . “ Fame ,” owned by Kelly Goodman , is a UKC Group Winner , BOW 2006 Canadian Specialty , BOS 2008 Canadian Specialty , AKC Eukanuba Honor Roll , Eukanuba Agility Invitee 2012 and 2013 , AKC No . 1 Preferred Agility Belgian Laekenois 2012 and 2013 , and HIT Belgian Laekenois ABLA National Specialty 2014 . ��URO3 UCD Winjammer Wired to D ’ Eroudur , CD , BN , RAE , HSA-s , STD-s , STD-d , JHD , OA , OAJ , OAP , AJP , OF , XFP , AD , SSA , SS , SR , CGCA , TDI , RATM . “ Dyna ,” owned by Sharrii Hunt , is a National Specialty Grand Sweepstakes Winner , the first Laekenois at achieve a barn hunt title , Agility Novice Standard and Jumpers With Weaves , and ambassador for breed and therapy dog .
One Important Thing Judges Should Know
In the Ring : Most Laekens are owner-handled , and many exhibitors have not been in a ring before . Please have a direct , confident approach without hesitation and from the front . Dogs will be focused on the handler , so make sure they know you are there . Dogs can be reserved and aloof , but not fearful . Never accept questionable temperament .
Dog Numbers and AKC Full Recognition
We currently have 222 Belgian Laekenois registered with the AKC . After we increase that number , we feel we are on the back stretch to AKC full recognition and , hopefully soon , will advance to the Herding Group .
FAR LEFT : SONJA OSTROM ; LEFT : KELLY GOODMAN
The Big Difference
The coat should be rough , coarse and disorderly , approximately 2 1 ⁄ 2 inches long with a beard on the muzzle and can range in color from all shades of red or fawn to gray with blackening on muzzle and tail . Important : The coat should not be sculpted , trimmed , filled with product or dyed ! The coat must be wiry — not soft or silky . Please do not reward trimming and sculpting .
Many of our Laeken exhibitors are highly involved in performance events , including herding , agility , tracking , barn hunts , nosework , obedience and rally , and most events that keep our Belgians busy . You name it , we do it ! We have agility and herding Champions . Two super Belgian Laekenois come
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