Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix

The Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Belgian Laekenois and the Borzoi. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Belgian Laekenois is known for being lively, alert, and active. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Belgian Laekenois or the Borzoi? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Belgian Laekenois History

The thick-coated Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of the four known Belgian shepherds. His name looks difficult to pronounce, but when heard it’s rather simple: lak-in-wah, in honor of his home, the Belgian village of Laeken. He’s been known by a couple of other names, Laekense and Chien de Berger Belge, but it’s probably best if we stick to lak-in-wah, now that we know how to pronounce it. In Belgium, no distinction is made among the four herding breeds. In the U.S, the Laekenois was only recently admitted to the the American Kennel Club's Miscellaneous Class and is assigned to the Herding Group. This sizable guy stands proudly with his ears erect, at least when photographed, giving some the impression of a fluffy German Shepherd Dog.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club (in French, Club du Chien de Berger Belge) was organized in 1891 specifically to examine the characteristics of native dogs in Belgium. They were interested investigating the consistent type of this native dog that was identical in body and temperament but differing in coat (color, texture and length).

During the early part of the twentieth century, owners and breeders in Belgium argued for the acceptance of additional varieties based on color and regions of origin. The fawn rough-haired varieties were given the name Laekenois (derived from the Belgian town of Laeken). The abilities of these dogs as intelligent and versatile workers soon gained popularity in other countries.

As the years rolled on, the Laekenois was assigned some rather unexpected duties, such as guarding linens drying in the yard, which he carried out with complete dignity. He’s also a veteran of both world wars, having served as a messenger dog. The North Wales Police have trained them to use their natural head-butting impulse to corral criminals.

Borzoi History

The Borzoi is an extremely intelligent Russian-bred sighthound (she tracks her prey visually rather than by scent.) Her name, Borzoi, derives from the Russian word for “swift,” a quality that enables her to chase, pass, and finally hold prey (originally over open terrain in Russia). Today’s Borzoi are mostly house pets and show dogs, but they still possess their keen eyesight and ability to pursue.

As with most hunting dogs, a Borzoi needs plenty of exercise and room to run. When not exercised adequately, Borzoi can become destructive. In Russia, the Borzoi was variously called the Russian Wolfhound, the Russian Greyhound, the Siberian Wolfhound, the Borzaya, the Psowaya Barsaya and the Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya, until Borzoi fanciers finally settled on the present name.

Fun fact: Edward J. Smith, captain of the Titanic, owned a beautiful white male Borzoi named Ben. A photo of the captain and Ben was hung outside his cabin on the ship. Happily for Ben, he was not on the maiden voyage. The opening of the archives of the former Soviet Union reveals that the the earliest sighthound evolved between the Kyrgyzstan, the lower Kazakhstan part of Altai and the Afghan plains. The earliest actual sighthound breeds were the plains Afghan hounds and the Kyrgyz Taigan.

Fast-forward to the late 19th/early 20th century: The Psovoi, as they were known then, were so highly prized by the Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievich that they could not be purchased, only given as gifts by the duke himself, who bred the hounds at his private estate.

The Russian aristocracy were very careful about breeding Borzoi, going so far as to hold hunting trials for the purpose of selecting breeding stock. Only the fastest and most intelligent Borzoi were chosen for breeding.

Fast-forward to the years following the 1917 Russian revolution: Borzoi are on the ropes. They are seen as an artifact of an overthrown aristocracy, a dog whose purpose (hunting wolves) could be accomplished by more efficient means. The breed might have fallen into extinction had it not been for a Soviet soldier named Constantin Esmont, who during this period traveled through the Cossacks making detailed drawings and descriptions of the different Borzoi he encountered. Esmont’s work convinced the Soviet government that borzois were a valuable asset to the hunters who supported the fur industry, and from that time on their breeding was not only sanctioned, but regulated.

Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix Size and Weight

Belgian Laekenois
Height: 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 44 - 66 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years

Borzoi
Height: 26 - 30 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 70 - 100 lb.
Lifespan: 7 - 10 years

Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix Personality

The Belgian Laekenois and the Borzoi might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Belgian Laekenois mixed with the Borzoi might be prone to joint dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Belgian Laekenois Borzoi Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Belgian Laekenois Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in