Sweetwater – LAEKEN.DOG

Sweetwater brings young talent to the world of Laekenois, Katie found her love of training animals as she worked with horses, pets in both grooming and vet hospitals. Laeknois, the hidden gem of the dog world, became her breed of choice after a special connection with a Malinois mix. Katie’s girls Sazzy (Hannibal ex Nina) and Nyx (Gosha ex Andes) came from Chiens de Rafale with the goal to preserve the versatile Laekenois.

Katie works with positive methods to maximize the natural talent of her dogs as they excel with complicated tricks and animal acting. She has several movies and many advertisements where her dogs have been featured. Katie has brilliantly captured the essence of the Laekenois with her photography which is found all over social media. Click the logo to connect to Sweetwater’s Instagram

Saz and Nyx have benefited from Katie’s tireless work to add titles to both ends of her girls. Both girls have completed the appropriate health testing. Click on the dogs’ names to link to the Belgian Shepherd Archive for individual full pedigree and health information.

Hoti, Sweetwater What in Blue Blazes de Rafale, Alska ex Sazzy, debuted his first show weekend with 2 Major wins and a Best of Breed over Specials (finished Champions).

Nyx – CH Wild Mountain Nyx Goddess of The Night TKN CGC
Sazzy – CH de Rafale Reve du Debut RN TKE, CGCA, CGCU

Sweetwater What in Blue Blazes de Rafale, February 2025

_{Copyright: Skibinski Photography}

Laekenois The Breed

Laekenois are a Wonderful Breed of Dog. They are not for everyone as they do require a committed investment of time in positive interaction for a lifetime. They do not thrive in life as a Faberge Egg on display. Laekenois enjoy time with their people and can be very demonstrative with them. With Strangers they can be initially reserved.

As a first time dog owner a Laekenois may not be the best choice, unless the breeder is able to connect the proper dog for the household.

Reserved What Does It Mean?

Reserved. re·served /rəˈzərvd/

adjective: reserved

slow to reveal emotion or opinions.

How does this apply to the Laekenois? Just as the definition, they are slow to reveal their connection with strangers. Laekenois should be able to accept a stranger without shyness or fear.

They are capable of warming up and knowing others well. Think of it as a dog who is approaches life as a first date and prefers to not show all of the cards up front. Not rude, Not aggressive, Just Calm and Observing.

Laekenois Guidance

Laekenois are dogs that prefer to please their person. In this context it is important to understand that giving guidance for your expectations for your Laekenois is essential. Knowing what is expected of them is an important feature of their thinking process. They are most comfortable operating this way.

For example, as a habit directing your Laeken maintain a particular spot by the door when people arrive, is a good plan rather than leaving your Laeken to it’s own devices to make a decision about the people on the other side of the door.

Remember the first role of the Laekenois was to guard flax fields alone. They are very capable of sound decision making, You must be sure their decisions line up with what your desires are.