Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois is a versatile and intelligent breed known for its loyalty and rugged appearance. They are from Belgium and have a sturdy build and a distinctive fawn coat with a black overlay. Their alert nature and eagerness to learn make them excellent watchdogs and trainable companions. Whether herding livestock or being a devoted family pet, they exhibit a balanced temperament, combining affection with a protective instinct.

written by

Harper Jefcoat

Source: AKC

Breed Group

Purebred

Height

24–26 inches

Weight

55–65 pounds

Life Span

12–14 years

Average Cost

$1700 to $2500

Color

Fawn, Red, Mahogany

AKC Group

Not Recognized

All About Breed

Get to know the Belgian Laekenois, from its origins, and characteristics to its grooming and health, to determine if it’ll be the right pet for you:

Belgian Laekenois History/Origin

The Belgian Laekenois is a variety of the Belgian Shepherd and originates from the Laeken region of Belgium.

Belgian Shepherd – Source: Pixabay

Originally bred as a working dog, it earned its keep as a herder and guardian of sheep at the Royal Castle of Laeken, solidifying its esteemed status.

During both World Wars, the breed served as a messenger dog, delivering vital communications with intelligence and loyalty. Despite its noble heritage, the Belgian Laekenois faced a decline in population over time, leading to its rarity.

Since October 2019, the American Belgian Laekenois Association has been the official AKC Breed Club for this breed. However, in a notable turn of events, the breed gained recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in July 2020 under Herding Group.

Belgian Laekenois Personality

The Belgian Laekenois is one of the dog breeds that are loyal and intelligent , known for its watchful nature and eagerness to please.

They’re great at learning tricks and obeying commands, especially with positive training methods. Lending to their working ancestry and intelligence, they excel in dog sports.

Belgian Laekenois Temperament

While they don’t need tons of exercise, they do enjoy playtime and mental challenges. Because they have herding instincts, they might try to nip or chase during play, so it’s important to teach them not to do this, especially around kids.

This purebred dog breed forms strong bonds with their families. They don’t like being left alone for too long and may develop separation anxiety. However, they may get wary of strangers. Due to their guarding instincts, they may also get protective of their owners.

They can adapt to different living situations but do best with lots of love, attention, and opportunities for activity. Early socialization is important to ensure they’re friendly and well-behaved around people and other pets.

Belgian Laekenois Physical Appearance

With a noble and expressive face, the Belgian Laekenois possesses dark, almond-shaped eyes that convey intelligence and curiosity.

Size

Falling within the medium to large size category, the Belgian Laekenois possesses a sturdy and well-proportioned build.

Males typically stand between 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 22 to 24 inches. Average Belgian Laekenois puppies weigh around 38 pounds.

Coat Colors

The typical Belgian Laekenois colors include red, fawn, and mahogany with a black mask.

The outer coat type is rough and tousled and of medium length. While the breed standard specifies a fawn-colored coat with a black overlay, variations may include shades of gray or reddish-brown.

Mahogany Belgian Laekenois- Source: americankennelclub
Fawn Belgian Laekenois- Source: sheldon.the.belgian
Red Belgian Laekenois- Source: Pinterest

This unique coat pattern adds to the breed’s allure, giving each individual a distinct and captivating appearance.

Based on physical appearance here’s a comparison table between the Belgian Laekenois and the Belgian Malinois:

Feature	Belgian Laekenois	Belgian Malinois
Coat Type	Rough, wiry, and curly	Short, straight, and dense
Coat Color	Fawn to mahogany with black shading	Fawn, mahogany, red, or black, with a black mask
Grooming Needs	Moderate – regular brushing and occasional trimming	Low to moderate – regular brushing
Temperament	Loyal, protective, affectionate	Energetic, intelligent, protective
Energy Level	High	Very high
Trainability	High – respond well to consistent training	Very high – highly trainable and eager to work
Exercise Needs	High – requires daily physical and mental stimulation	Very high – needs vigorous daily exercise

Belgian Malinois- Source: Pixabay

Belgian Laekenois Gender Differences

In Belgian Laekenois, males typically are larger and have a more muscular build, standing between 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 22 to 24 inches. Males may also display broader shoulders.

There are no notable differences between the temperament and personalities of males and females.

Belgian Laekenois Feed/Nutrition

Ensuring optimal nutrition for your Belgian Laekenois is crucial for their health and well-being.

Belgian Laekenois puppies need a high-protein, high-fat diet with DHA for brain development and balanced calcium and phosphorus for bone growth.
Adults need a balanced diet with moderate protein and fat. This should include essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Strawberries can be a healthy treat in moderation. Seniors need a lower-calorie diet rich in fiber, glucosamine, chondroitin for joint health, and antioxidants to support the immune system.

Additionally, provide access to fresh water at all times to support hydration and digestion. Consult your veterinarian for a customized feeding plan tailored to your dog’s needs, ensuring they get the nutrients for a healthy life.

Belgian Laekenois Health Issues

Like all breeds, Belgian Laekenois may be prone to certain health issues, including:

Epilepsy: Belgian Laekenois, like many other breeds, may be susceptible to epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures can vary in severity and frequency, impacting the dog’s quality of life.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye disorder that affects the retina, leading to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. Symptoms often start with night blindness and progress over time. While there is no cure for PRA, early detection through regular eye exams can help slow its progression and preserve the dog’s remaining vision.
Degenerative Pannus: Degenerative pannus, also known as chronic superficial keratitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the cornea of the eye. It typically manifests as a pink or grayish film over the cornea and can lead to discomfort and vision impairment if left untreated.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder caused by an underactive thyroid gland, resulting in a decreased production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in Belgian Laekenois, causing abnormal wear of the elbow joint cartilage, leading to pain and lameness. Factors like genetics and rapid growth contribute to its development.

Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can help mitigate these risks.

Belgian Laekenois Care and Grooming

For proper care of the Belgian Laekenois shedding, regular brushing is essential to keep their coarse and wiry coat from tangling.

Use a slicker brush or a grooming rake to remove loose hair and debris, paying particular attention to areas prone to tangles, such as behind the ears and under the legs.

Aim to brush your Laekenois at least once a week, or more frequently during shedding seasons. While baths are not needed frequently, occasional baths with a gentle dog shampoo can help keep their coat clean and smelling fresh.

Additionally, trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and potential discomfort. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their overall health and promptly address potential issues. Crate training your dog also provides them with a safe and comfortable space, while helping with house training.

Belgian Laekenois Rescue Groups

Finding a specific rescue house for this breed may be hard since this is a rare variation of the Belgian Shepherd. However, if you’re considering adoption, you can check in with any rescue organization for Belgian Malinois or Belgian Sheepdog.

MalinoisRescue.org

Texas Belgian Malinois Rescue

Belgian Laekenois Price

The price of a Belgian Laekenois typically ranges from $1,700 to $2,500, depending on the breeder and the dog’s pedigree.

It may also be difficult to come across a Belgian Laekenois seller, but you may be able to find them at any Belgian Shepherd breeders.

GreenFieldPuppies.com

MarketPlace.AKC.org

Interesting Facts

Belgian Laekenois is the rarest among the four Belgian Shepherd varieties.
Famous Belgian Laekenois owners include Queen Elisabeth of Belgium.

Queen Elizabeth with her dog 1939- Source: Pinterest

Best For

Belgian Laekenois is well-suited for active individuals or families with experience handling energetic and intelligent breeds.

Top Names

Male Belgian Laekenois Names	Female Belgian Laekenois Names
Atlas	Elodie
Thorin	Amelie
Dries	Celestine
Loki	Fleur
Emile	Isabeau

Pet Ratings

Adaptability

They are not the best dogs for first-timers but not the worst as well. They are known to be friendly and easy to train, which can make them a great pick for first-timers. The downside is that they require a lot of attention and grooming, which first-time pet owners may not have the time, training, or patience for.

Friendliness

They are known for being quiet, calm dogs that make loyal and loving companions. One of the things that makes them such great pets is their behavior. They are naturally suspicious of people they don't know, but with proper socialization, they can learn to be friendly and outgoing around new people.

Health and Grooming Needs

Some breeds of dogs such as this one, are more likely to have certain health problems. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will have those diseases, but they are more likely to. If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed.

Trainability

Dogs that are easy to train learn new things quickly. They quickly learn that if they have to do something when you say a word or sound, they will get a reward. Other dogs need more time and patience to learn this. But most breeds of dog are intelligent. This means that you can use rewards and games to teach them what you want them to do.

Exercise Needs

Many people choose to get a dog based on their exercise needs. If you live an active lifestyle and are looking for a dog that can keep up with you, there are a few breeds that might be a good fit. This breed is one of them as it also requires extensive exercise and likes to stay active.

Key Takeaways

Loyal Companion: Known for their unwavering loyalty, Belgian Laekenois form strong bonds with their families and are devoted companions.

Intelligent and Trainable: Highly intelligent, they excel in training and obedience tasks.

Active Lifestyle: Belgian Laekenois need exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization, making them perfect for active individuals or families.

Grooming and Health: Regular grooming and awareness of health issues like epilepsy and hip dysplasia are essential for Belgian Laekenois.

Rare and Special: Being the rarest among Belgian Shepherds, owning a Belgian Laekenois is a unique and fulfilling experience, demanding commitment and care.

Health Considerations: Like all breeds, they may face health issues, requiring regular vet check-ups and proper care.

Is a Belgian Laekenois the same as a Belgian Malinois?

No, a Belgian Laekenois and a Belgian Malinois are not the same breed. While they both hail from Belgium and are part of the Belgian Shepherd family, they have distinct characteristics and appearances. The Belgian Laekenois is known for its fawn-colored coat with a black overlay, while the Belgian Malinois typically has a short, fawn-colored coat.

What is good about the Belgian Laekenois?

Belgian Laekenois are valued for their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility. They make excellent watchdogs and are highly trainable, excelling in various roles such as herding, guarding, and serving as devoted family pets.

How big is a Belgian Laekenois?

Belgian Laekenois are medium to large-sized dogs, with males typically standing between 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, and females ranging from 22 to 24 inches.

How many Belgian Laekenois are in the US?

There are approximately 200 Belgian Laekenois in the United States. Worldwide, there may be only 1000 Belgian Laekenois alive, making them an extremely rare pet breed.

Do Belgian Laekenois shed?

Belgian Laekenois are moderate shedders. While they don't shed excessively, they do shed some hair throughout the year. Regular grooming can help minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy.

What is the use of the Belgian Laekenois?

The Belgian Laekenois has traditionally been used as a herding dog and guard dog, known for its ability to protect livestock and property. Its intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic also make it suitable for various dog sports and activities.

Is the Belgian Laekenois rare?

Yes, the Belgian Laekenois is considered rare, especially compared to other Belgian Shepherd varieties like the Malinois. Their unique coat and less widespread recognition contribute to their rarity.

Are Belgian Laekenois good guard dogs?

Yes, Belgian Laekenois are excellent guard dogs. They are naturally protective, alert, and loyal, making them effective at guarding homes and properties. Their strong protective instincts, combined with their intelligence and trainability, make them well-suited for this role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and expert author at ThePetWorld.org. With a deep-seated passion for animals, Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to his writings. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he aims to help pet owners understand and care for their furry friends better.