Belgian Laekenois Canaan Dog Mix

The Belgian Laekenois Canaan Dog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Belgian Laekenois and the Canaan Dog. 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 Canaan Dog? 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Belgian Laekenois Canaan Dog Mix puppies for sale.

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Belgian Laekenois Canaan Dog 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.

Canaan Dog History

The Canaan Dog was recognized as purebred by the AKC in 1997, and she holds the title of National Dog of Israel. She originated in the Middle East and has lived there for many thousands of years. During Biblical times, she served as a herder and guard dog for nomadic peoples. Although purebred, the Canaan Dog also belongs to a canine subset called Pariah Dogs. More than just a stray, a pariah dog is genetically unique. They are free-ranging and sometimes feral dogs that exist by following human encampments, usually in developing countries, and living on anything left behind.

For some years, experts have sought to capture, recognize, register and breed these beautiful outsiders, before interbreeding with purebred and other mixed-breed dogs causes their extinction.

Fun fact: Archaeologists in Israel unearthed some 700 specimens of a dog very likely to be the Canaan of today. They speculate that the dogs were held sacred by their people.

Fast-forward to the early 1930s, in what was then Palestine. A Jewish defense organization, the Haganah, approached canine authority Dr. Rudolphina Menzel with a request to develop a dog that could both guard settlements and serve in battle. Dr. Menzel immediately thought of the strong, intelligent ferals she had seen across the desert, and she began to gather up both adults and puppies and introduce them to a more domestic existence. She knew that because these dogs had survived as ferals, they would be smart, strong, fast, and supremely intelligent.
Dr. Menzel was right. The Canaan Dog proved not only highly intelligent but also easy to train. In addition to serving the military and acting as guard dogs, Canaan dogs became herders, messengers, and service dogs for the Red Cross. During World War II, the dogs were used as mine detectors, outperforming the traditional methods used to locate and neutralize mines.

Dr. Menzel established a kennel where she collected and trained about 400 Canaan Dogs, then selectively bred them. The lines she established are examples of the Canaan Dog of today.
Later in her life, while working with the Institute for Orientation and Mobility of the Blind in the Middle East, Dr. Menzel again called on her Canaan Dogs to serve as guides for blind children. In addition, Canaan Dogs assisted as police dogs and in search-and-rescue operations. Dr. Menzel’s successors continue to search the desert for examples of the ancient dog that can contribute to the gene pool.

The Canaan Dog was recognized by the Palestine Kennel Club in the 1940s; by the Israel Kennel Club in 1953; by the Kennel Club of London in 1971; and by the American Kennel Club in 1997.

Belgian Laekenois Canaan Dog Mix Size and Weight

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

Canaan Dog
Height: 19 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Belgian Laekenois Canaan Dog Mix Personality

The Belgian Laekenois and the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog might be prone to joint dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Belgian Laekenois Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog 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