Imagine a bubbling pot of melted chocolate, rich and creamy, wafting with an irresistible aroma. Now, imagine a bar of gold, shimmering with raw beauty and unmatched value. Combine them both and no, we won’t be baking a golden chocolate cake! We will be defining a breed of dog. You read it right, a dog! If chocolate paints a picture of Belgian delicacy and gold of rare value, a Belgian Laekenois is just the right blend of both. Considered one of Belgium’s prized possessions, the Belgian Laekenois (pronounced “Lack-in-wah”) carries with him a story worth telling!
Known for their noble affiliations, these dogs have had their fair share of aristocratic companionship. Belgian Laekenois dogs served as noble companions during royal hunts in the early 18th century and later became renowned sheepdogs. Rooting for the underdog has never been more accurate than when speaking of this breed’s heroic acts. During World War I and II, the Belgian Laekenois served as messenger dogs and were also used for pulling ambulance carts and machine guns. These dogs are celebrated not just for their courage, but also for their supreme intelligence and unfailing loyalty.
So, are these superb dogs friendly creatures or just withdrawn royal bodyguards? Let’s delve deeper into their personality.
To answer in a nutshell, yes, Belgian Laekenois dogs are friendly. They are remarkably loyal and loving towards their human family. These dogs carry a heart as golden as their history. They are known to form tight bonds with their families, dauntlessly protective yet playful and gentle with children. They brim with energetic enthusiasm for life which, combined with their curiosity and intelligence, makes them an entertaining addition to any household.
However, every coin has two sides, and so does the personality of a Belgian Laekenois. Their protective nature also gives them a firm and vigilant disposition. They can be aloof and wary of strangers. Timidity or aggressiveness isn’t typical for this breed, but without proper socialization, these issues can arise.
So, here is a piece of advice. Start socializing your Belgian Laekenois puppy as early as possible. While they’re young, expose them to different people, settings, and situations. Remember that you are their guide. The more you help them explore the world under your guidance, the more adaptable and welcoming they will be.
It’s also crucial to understand that these high-energy dogs require plenty of exercises. An idle Belgian Laekenois is a bored Belgian Laekenois, and a bored one can be destructive. Make sure you are able to provide your Belgian Laekenois with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
As for training, this breed is as bright as a new penny. They can pick up new tricks and commands much quicker than many breeds but remember their independent streak. Training should be fun, consistent and filled with loads of praises and treats. This helps in strengthening the bond between you and your furry companion, and is an excellent way to channelize their energy positively.
Now, does the Belgian Laekenois sound like the perfect pet for your family? If you adore a dog with an exuberant personality and a heart filled with loyalty, the answer would be a resounding ‘Yes’. However, this breed is not suited for everyone. They require a committed owner ready to cater to their emotional and physical needs.
In the end, owning a Belgian Laekenois is like owning a rare jewel and an ultimate chocolate delight all at once. You get the rarity of a sparkling gem and the comfort of a sweet treat. They are like a gripping novel with a thrilling storyline – always keeping you engrossed, giving you bouts of laughter, sometimes testing you, but in the end always leaving you with a sense of exultant satisfaction.
With this beautiful breed, you will embark on an adventurous journey filled with rich life lessons. You will discover trust in their protective gaze, joy in their playful bounds, dedication in their diligent training, and profound love in their affectionate nudges.
So, is a Belgian Laekenois a friendly dog? As long as you cater to their needs, respect their space and shower them with love, they’ll indeed be more than just a friendly dog. They’ll be a loving companion, a protective guardian, a delightful entertainer, and your loyal friend till the end.
