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Belgian Shepherd Dog Laekenois

Belgian Shepherd Dog Laekenois

Medium sized and square in outline, the Belgian Laekenois has a harsh and wiry rough coat that is reddish fawn in colour with black shading on the muzzle and tail. Giving the overall impression of an athletic and elegant dog, the Laekenois variety of Belgian Shepherd are a loyal companion that loves to protect their family.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 12-14 years
Weight: 27.5 - 28.5kg
Height: 61-66cm for males, and 56-61 for females
Colours: Reddish fawn in colour with black shading on the muzzle and tail
Size: Medium
Kennel Club Groups: Pastoral

Ratings

Family-friendly: 4/5
Exercise needs: 4/5
Easy to train: 3/5
Tolerates being alone: 2/5
Likes other pets: 4/5
Energy level: 4/5
Grooming needs: 3/5
Shedding: 3/5

Personality

Intelligent and attentive, although wary of strangers or suspicious behaviour, the Laekenois is everything a herding and guarding dog should be. Willing to take direction from a handler but also able to make decisions for themselves, the Laekenois requires a dedicated owner with whom to form a solid partnership. Affectionate and loyal to close family, the Laekenois takes time to warm to strangers and is not particularly tolerant or forgiving of heavy or rough handling. They frequently seem to be the ‘softest’or the least intense of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds - but then everything is relative!

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Belgium

There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherd and these were originally just variations in coat type, being bred for their ability to herd and guard, they were considered one breed. 
Now the four types, the Laekenois, Groenendael, Tervuren and Malinois are classified separately as breeds in their own right, although this took some time, with the Belgian Kennel Club only recognising three types initially (the Groenendael, Tervuren and the Malinois) in 1897. The Laekenois wasn’t recognised until much later. 
The Laekenois owes its existence and recognition as a separate type of Belgian Shepherd in the main to breed supporters in the Netherlands and France rather than in Belgium, although being the favourite breed of Queen Henrietta of Belgium did help! 

Did You Know

The Laekenois is named after the Belgian Chateau de Laeken, which was often visited by Queen Henrietta of Belgium who was a devotee of the breed. The Laekenois is the rarest of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds.

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