Hi there,

Just wondered if anybody here owns or has owned a Laekenois in the past? Just curiosity as I've never met a Laekenois owner (I've met owners of the other variants) and I mainly wanted to ask what are they like? (Actually the main thing that piqued my curiosity was I wondered what their coats feel like- are they actually wire haired or are they just curly like a poodle?) Are they any different in temperament to the other belgians? Also am I right in thinking it's pronounced "Lak-in-wah"?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

I always thought it was Lak-en-wah or even Lake-en-wah.

As for the coat the ones I knew did not have a wiry terrier feeling type coat, more like that of an Otterhound, or PBGV.

I own a Terv - like you, have met all the variants :P but never a Laekenois.

Personally their appearance doesn't do anything for me....:)

Lindsay
x

yep Lak-en- Wah is the correct pronounciation . The coat should feel harsh, wry and dry to the touch and should never be curly - length of coat around 6cms on all parts of the body with hair around the eyes but not so much as to obscure them. The muzzle hair should not make the head appear sqaure or heavy - they should still look like BSD i.e elegantt. There are very few in this country and even fewer that are really correct ( I can only think of one at present !).

In temperament they should be just like the other varieties i.e like a good champagne  - sparkling, and  effervescent :) - a little reserved towards strangers but NEVER nervous or aggressive. However in my experience there are distinct differences in character between the varieties - the Groenendael being more laid back and IMO easier to live with - the Tervueren 'fizzier' and the Malinois really needing a job of work to do. I have never lived with a Laekenois but those I know of have been similar to Groens in temperament.

We desperately need more folk to become interesed in this variety - although even on the continent they are not popular - there is a beautiful bitch being campaigned around the shows at the moment - take a look next time you're around the Belgian rings !

Yvonne

It's funny as I've only ever heard it pronounced as Lake-en-wah by the odd owner and at shows.  I love the look of them, really unusual.

There are very few in this country and even fewer that are really correct ( I can only think of one at present !).

Let's hope she manages to get pregnant soon and produce some more, she really is lovely. Did you see those two from abroad at Crufts though? They really made me go WOW!

I've seen some stunners abroad & they had good temperaments as well

Let's hope she manages to get pregnant soon and produce some more

LOL ....there is a waiting list as long as your arm for one of her pups !! - a good sign that new people are becoming interested perhaps ?

Yvonne

Quite possibly. :)

My freind has them.  I think she has 5. A couple she bred and a few imports.  She does Discover dogs.

They have wirey coats like terriers and it is hand stripped but left longer and untidy like.

I find all of them are a bit untrusting in nature to be honest.

My freind I think was one of the 1st to have them in the UK..

Sounds about right, as the standard says:
Temperament
Wary, neither timid, nervous nor aggressive.

Nina?

Ninas the one. Been very dedicated to them. She hasn't had it easy neither.

I was a bit frighten of the 2 imports but the 2 pups were fine. They had been socialised.

From what I have seen of ALL the Belgians, imports can certainly be a problem as it must be very, very difficult to make sure that whoever keeps the pup until old enough to come in with a pets passport scheme does all the relevant socialising, and therefore many have been shy etc upon arrival.

Marianne - I can second that !!! - they are SUCH a complex breed and need so much input when young - worth it though

yvonne

I have found Salukis to be the same also. Do you all find that?

One of the nicest people I know!  Love her dogs too.

Sarah.