Norwegian Lundehund vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

The Laekenois, from a variety of 4 Belgian Shepherds, and one of the rarest, is a working- or herding breed of dog which originated in Belgium. It is believed to have been around since the Middle Ages. The intelligent dog was also used for sending messages during the 1st World War. In most countries, all 4 of the dogs are considered the same breed with different varieties in coat types, but there are some instances where they are recognized as separate breeds.

An interesting aspect of these dogs is that until the advent of dog shows in the 1900s, the 4 varieties were intermixed, and today purebred Laekenois can sometimes give birth to smooth-coated puppies which can be registered as Malinois.

The Norwegian Lundehund hails from the island of Vaeroy, Norway and was created for the purpose of puffin hunting.

Now that these puffins are a protected species, the dog is no longer used for hunting and has become a companion dog.

The breed decreased in numbers during- and after World War II because the islands where he came from had an outbreak of distemper. It was in 1963 that another outbreak occurred and the dogs were almost wiped out. A breeding program saw their numbers being built up.

It was in 2011 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Temperament

The Laekenois is a highly talented dog, highly energetic and extremely intelligent. He will make a superb family pet with owners who are firm and fair with him. The dog is bright, obedient, protective and somewhat territorial. He’ll guard what he believes is his as he is instinctively protective.

He will get on well with children in the home, and he can also be socialized to get on well with other pets in the home. Of course, the way an owner treats the dog, and any other dog for that matter, brings out different temperaments in a dog. To get the best from him he should be trained and socialized from an early age. He will need plenty of exercise if you don’t want him becoming destructive from sheer boredom.

Looks

The body is well proportioned, muscular and sturdy. He has an alert, intelligent face with erect ears, bright brown eyes and the nose black. The hair is dense on the long tail, but with no feathering like with the other breeds. The most common color is fawn with a reddish undertone. The chest is deep and the legs strong and straight. The Laekenois's medium length rough, wire coat can include colors from fawn to brownish and black in between.

As a spitz-type dog, with the Lundehund you’ll recognize the typical spitz-dog characteristics – the erect ears and the tail that curves over the back.

He is a small to medium sized dog standing at 30 – 40cm and weighing 6 – 9kg. He is an active dog and is as agile as a fox.

He has a dense double coat which is white, reddish/tan with some black tips. He is a dog which sheds constantly.

Strangely this dog has 6 toes and his rear pads have elongated foot pads which have helped the dog be able to climb over rocks. He also has a flexible type of neck that is capable of craning back so that the head touches the spine. The dog has some unique features and wriggling in and out of small spaces is another of his characteristics. In fact he can do things that you would not imagine a dog could do.

Temperament:

When you have a Lundehund in your life you’ll agree he has a happy, amicable personality. He is non-aggressive.

He will require training and socialization as he is an independent dog who can be obstinate. He is quite aloof with strangers too and once he starts barking at them he tends to want to continue. Training him will put an end to that irritating behavior. He is a loving, loyal dog, enjoying the company of his human family.

The Belgian Laekenois is an energetic herding breed dog, and even though he will do well in an apartment if he is sufficiently exercised, big gardens and farms would be first choice for him. Wherever you offer him a home, make sure to exercise him regularly and give him plenty of attention, as he loves his human family.

He’ll make an exceptional watchdog and because he is so intelligent, he learns easily, responding readily to his owner’s instruction. He’ll protect his human family with his life. Social, lively, attractive and bright, anybody who has owned a Laekenois will vouch for his loyalty and devotion, making him a splendid pet.

The Norwegian Lundehund isn’t your everyday dog and in fact he is known as a primitive breed. Perhaps he wouldn’t be the best dog to have if you’re a first-time dog owners as training is quite difficult too.

People who are willing to take a chance on him say that with training and socialization he can become a loving canine companion.

The lifespan of the Belgian Laekenois is between 10 and 14 years of age, and he is a pretty robust breed, not prone to getting sick easily. However, as with most other dog breeds, he is predisposed to some concerning health conditions.

Epilepsy

A frightening health issue in Belgian Shepherds is inherited epilepsy. It occurs in all four varieties. Your dog will have uncontrollable shaking that can last a few minutes. There are many causes of seizures but it is mostly an inherited disorder.

Eye disorders

The most common eye disease is cataracts.

Hip Dysplasia

This is an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly. He may even have difficulty getting up from lying down.

The Lundehund is prone to digestive disorders but even so he has got a good chance of living to be 11, 12, 13 or 14 years of age with good care.

He is however, one of these dogs prone to health problems of which chronic intestinal disease is one. Its the kind of illness that can recur because it is resistant to treatment.

Experts on these dogs say that they should have a fecal test done every 6 months or so, saying that one thing a bit negative with this dog breed is that you may well be forking out quite a bit on chronic veterinary care.

Grooming

The long, double coat of your Laekenois will need to be trimmed about twice a year otherwise he could look dirty and unkempt. Certainly with the coat he has, you will need to brush him at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Feeding

He is a well muscled, athletic, energetic dog and his food, whether home-made or commercially manufactured, needs to be a high-quality food high in protein and packed full of minerals and vitamins. If you’re not sure about food type, speak to your vet, because as a dog expert, they will advise you on food appropriate to this dog breed and his energy needs. Whether you own a male or female Laekenois, feeding should be such that weight for an adult is maintained around 25–30kg.

Diet:

Like any other dog, the Norwegian Lundehund will do well on the best quality food. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, check the ingredients on the packaging. Lots of these lower quality foods are made from ingredients that are toxic for your pet, so buy a good quality one.

Buy food according to your dog’s age and activity levels. To make his meals more interesting, add in some delicious home prepared food for him. Stay away from spicy, exotic foods and go for something like boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Some raw meat added to the kibble from time to time can also do wonders for your pet as he requires a high-protein diet. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Other ‘caring’ things to do to make sure your pet has a quality lifestyle is -

Brush his hair twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder. Not only does it keep the coat nice and shiny, it builds up a bond between you and your pet.

Check his ears and eyes regularly to make sure they are free from infection.

Clip his nails when they get long as your pet can hurt himself if the nails hook onto things.

Whenever he is ill, get him to the vet for a check-up.

Make sure he has a nice safe, dry, warm, snug place to sleep.

Keep him well exercised. A dog that is put into the backyard and more or less forgotten will be most miserable. Why get a pet if you don’t want to make him a 100% part of the family?