Yochon vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

The Yochon is a “designer dog” – a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bichon Frise. They are not a purebred and are not recognized by purebred dog clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are small, playful, families dogs. Most of them bear the best characteristics of each of their founding breeds, but because they are crossbreeds and most will be multi-generational cross breeds, there are no two dogs alike. Though not recognized by the traditional purebred clubs they are recognized by several hybrid canine clubs. The cross was developed in the United States.

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.

Yochons go by many different names but in general they are toy dogs, weighing in at under 20 pounds, most weighing 6-12 pounds. They have black noses, long tails, and round eyes. Their muzzles are blunt and their skulls are also round. They have fluffy, full coats that can range from tan, to brown to black. They can also be white or cream. Their ears can be either hanging or erect.

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.

1 Children friendliness -yes very good but watch careful that children do not hurt them as they are so small and fragile. 2.Special talents – Loves families and playing 3.Adaptability – adapts well to apartments can play indoors 4.Learning ability – intelligent and independent

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.

Both founding breeds are vulnerable to a few medical conditions. These include: • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – insufficient blood to hind legs, thigh bones causing lameness. • Patellar Luxation – slipped kneecaps can also cause lameness. • Dental Issues – keep teeth brushed and cleaned. • Hypothyroidism – can be treated with medication. • Reverse Sneezing • Allergies • Collapsed Trachea due to small size – be careful with them at all times.

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.

3.Feeding the puppy – do not overfeed. Use a high quality puppy toy breed kibble. Feed 3-4 X day. 2.Feeding the adult – do not overfeed. Use a high quality adult toy breed kibble. Feed at least twice a day. 3.Points for Good Health hearty/general good health and stamina 4. Games and Exercises does not need a lot of exercise . They enjoy obedience and agility trials.

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.