Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 10 and 12 years. An appropriate diet, maintaining a stable weight, regular activity without excess during growth, and annual veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Laekenois is a solid, hardy dog and suited to work. Its double, dense coat provides good protection against ordinary climatic conditions. This robustness does not dispense with careful selection of breeding stock nor with monitoring of the joints in this active, large-sized dog.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to locomotion, digestion and recovery after exertion. Any persistent lameness, abdominal distension, unusual agitation or sudden drop in condition requires prompt veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia: This joint abnormality can promote pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs and controlled growth reduce the risks.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: As in other large, active dogs, this syndrome is an emergency; splitting meals and avoiding exertion around feeding time are useful precautions.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its undercoat and harsh outer coat provide it with adequate protection against cold and bad weather. It also tolerates moderate heat, but intense exertion must be avoided during very hot spells. A dry shelter, shade and fresh water must always remain accessible.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its athletic silhouette must remain lean and muscular. The ration is adjusted according to weight, age, activity level and body condition, then is reassessed regularly. Treats are included in the daily energy intake in order to limit excess weight and pressure on the joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and gait checked during growth.
- Maintain a lean and muscular weight to protect the joints.
- Inspect and clean the ears and eyes with suitable products.
- Brush the coat every week and more often during shedding periods.
- Consult urgently in case of a swollen belly, agitation or unproductive attempts to vomit.
Vaccination
Belgian Laekenois vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Belgian Laekenois need? Like all dogs, Belgian Laekenoiss should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Belgian Laekenois vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Belgian Laekenois booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Belgian Laekenois need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Belgian Laekenois
Before breeding, screening for hip dysplasia and, ideally, elbow dysplasia is recommended. Regular clinical examination of the eyes, ears, dentition, heart and locomotor system completes preventive monitoring, with vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments adapted to the lifestyle.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
