Page 38 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

38 GUIDE T O BREED S

BELGIAN LAEKENOIS

THIS RARE BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG IS DISTINGUISHED BY ITS UNUSUAL COAT AKC

Height range Of the four breeds of Belgian Shepherd Dog, this wiry-coated
22–26 in (56–66 cm) variety was the first to be developed, in the 1880s. The Belgian Laekenois
Weight range is named after the Château de Laeken, near Antwerp, and was once
55–65 lb (25–29 kg)
much favored by the Belgian royal family. Rarely seen, this delightful
Life span Over 10 years dog deserves to be more widely appreciated.
Origin Belgium
Area of darker
shading
Shorter
hair on
High-set, muzzle
erect ears
Head carried high
with alert expression

Body powerful
but not heavy
Round feet
Wiry, reddish
fawn coat

BELGIAN SHEEPDOG

THIS BRIGHT AND ACTIVE DOG LOVES OUTDOOR LIFE AND IS FULL OF CURIOSITY AKC

Height range From 1893, black-coated Belgian Shepherd Dogs were selectively Finely shaped
22–26 in (56–66 cm) bred at a kennel in the village of Groenendael, near Brussels. This muzzle
Weight range handsome variety is now extremely popular. Like most dogs
51–75 lb (23–34 kg)
formerly used for work, the Belgian Sheepdog needs an owner
Life span Over 10 years who understands the importance of early socializing
Origin Belgium and firm but kindly control.
Slightly
sloping rump

Long, straight, Ruff of
black coat longer hair
around neck
Long
feathering
on legs

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