| We go back to the sheepherder Janssens in Laeken. His male "Vos" and female "Poets" are considered as the founders of the
Laekense shepherds. The name "Laekense shepherd" comes from the Royal domain with castle located in the municipal of "Laeken".
The original dogs did not come from Brussels, but it is assumed that they originated from the region of Boom or from the Northern
Kempen where Janssens was born. It is possible that these dogs were bred in the family Janssens and then came with the sheepherds to Laeken and Zaventem. The region of Boom can put forward that there are some old scripts and some illustrations that represent a dog that resembles to the "Laekense type". The name that people gave to these dogs at that time was "Bleeckhoven biter" Boom lies in the valley of the Rupel, where linen was weaven and were at night it was laid in the "bleeckweiden" ("bleach meadows") to bleach. The guarding of the linen was done by rough hairy shepherds who were well-known for their desire to bite. The pepper and salt colour of the "Laekense" was defined by the "Club du Chien de Berger Belge"in 1899. The yellow and fox-coloured rough-hairy ones were excluded. Coincidentally at the first exhibition in Brussels there were a few pepper- and salt-coloured Laekense shepherds ("Bassoef" and "Mira" who belonged to the café owner Claessens, also owner of the well-known business "Le messager de Louvain"). These dogs had no character and did not make good descendants. It was nevertheless professor REUL who stood for that colour. The colour put in front seemed so unnatural for breeding that no Laekense shepherds would breed according to the standard despite inbreeding and selection. "Basoef" mated with "Mira" gave the male "Boer Sus" who at his turn mated with "Jany" gave birth to "Tony". More did not come from this line. Unfortunately this aggravated just like with the Tervuren a number of breeders who resolutely separated and joined the "Berger Belge Club". To protest they send their dogs to the exhibition held in Rotterdam - Netherland (14th April 1901) where they were overwhelmed by prizes. Finally the cut out colours did make it on the original pepper- and salt-colour and the Laekense is now restored in his formerly old rough hairy fade and red brown colour.... |
| Laekenois Fade reddish, with black hair mainly on the front of the muzzle and tale. A little white is tolerated on the breast and toes. The hair is rough and of a harsh state, which further appears disorderly. The length of the hair is noticeably the same on all parts of the body, about 6 cm. The air around the eyes, and the hair garnishing the muzzle may not be excessive, so that they would resemble to a Barbet or a Briard. The existence of a hard, rough beard and moustache on the muzzle is mandatory. The tail does not form a plume. Medium sized, well-proportioned, intelligent, sturdy, used to live in open air, able to resist the changing seasons and the changing circumstances from the Belgian climate. By his harmony of form and his majestic carriage the Belgian Shepherd gives the impression of elegance and robustness, which is part of the heritage from the very careful selected dogs and working breed. Besides his inborn ability to guard the flock, he is an exceptional watchdog to house and hearth. If necessary he is without any hesitation a determinant defender of his master. He is vigilant and alert; his lively and inquisitive look shows his intelligence. Head The head is finely chiselled, long without exaggeration and lean. The skull and muzzle are approximately the same length, at most, a very slight advantage for the muzzle. This gives the whole head an impression of admirable finishing. Nose The rhinal mirror: black, with well-opened nostrils. Muzzle Average in length, narrowing gradually toward the nose. The upper line of the muzzle is straight; and seen in profile it is parallel to an imaginary line drawn from the skull. The mouth is well split. Lips Thin in texture, well tightened, strongly pigmented, the red of the inside of the lips may not be visible. Cheeks Clean, very flat although well muscled. Dentition The jaw is furnished with strong regular white teeth, who are strongly implanted in a very well developed jawbone. The scissors bite, which means that the incisors from the upper jaw have to glide over the under jaw, without losing contact. A "pincer" bite is permitted and preferred by the herdsmen and cattle driver. Stop Moderate, but clearly marked. Eyebrow bows They don't stick out, the muzzle is well chiselled under the eyes. Skull Medium width in proportion to the length of the head, viewed from the front the skull is rather flat than round, the line over the forehead is not accentuated, and seen in profile, the upper line of the skull is parallel to an imaginary line drawn from the muzzle. Eyes Medium size, neither prominent nor deep set, almond shape, brown in colour, preferable dark, eyelids are black. Their look is direct, lively, intelligent and questioning. Ears High set, triangular, carried well-pricked, both equal in length. The concavity of the ear is well-curved at the base. Neck Slightly arched. Forequarters Solid skeletal structure, lean with strong musculature. Shoulders The should blades are long and sloping, securely and closely attached, forming with the upper arm an angle sufficient to insure the free movement of the elbows. Upper arm-bones They move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Forefeet Long and well-muscled. Middle feet Strong and short, the joints are smooth without any signs of rachitis. Feet Nearly round, the toes are curved and quite compact. The pads are dense and elastic, the nails are dark and strong. Body The body is powerful without heaviness. The length, measured from the point of the shoulder to the end of the hipbone is approximately equal to the height at the withers from a male. With females, the length can go slightly beyond the height of the withers. Breast Seen from the front, the breast is not too broad, without being narrow. Chest Not to broad, but in compensation, deep and inclined, like all the animals that must have a great stamina. The thoracic cage is encircled by ribs that are arched in the upper part. Withers well-defined Lines of the back (Back and Loins): Straight, broad and powerfully muscled. Abdomen Moderately developed, neither hanging nor tucked up. It prolongs, in a harmonious curve, the line under the chest. Croup Very slightly sloped. Broad without exaggeration. Hindquarters Powerful without heaviness, moving in the same plane as the forequarters. The legs are perpendicular to the ground. Thighs Broad and well muscled. The knee joints are located approximately perpendicular under the hips. Legs Long, broad, muscled and good angled in the hocks without exaggerating. The hocks are low placed, broad and muscled. Seen from the rear, they must be perfectly parallel. Middle feet Solid and short. Dewclaws are unwanted. Feet Slightly oval, with the toes curved and compacted, dense and elastic pads. The nails are black and strong. Tail The tail is well set and of medium length, extending to the hocks. At ease, the dog carries it at the level of the hock, with the tip slightly curved toward the rear. In action, the dog raises it higher and accentuates the curve towards the tip, without at any time forming a hook or a deflection. Faults: To long fur, silky, curled, waved or short hair. To long hair around the eyes and the under jaw. Dense hair on the tail. |