General Information

Dog NameBelgian Laekenois
Other NamesBelgian Laekenois
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeShepherd
GroupHerding Group
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginBelgium

Physical And Size

Min Life Span10
Max Life Span12
Min Ideal Weight for male24
Max Ideal Weight for male24
Min Ideal Weight for female19
Max Ideal Weight for male24

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentAffectionate, Smart, Alert
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Apartment FriendlyMedium
Senior Citizens FriendlyMedium
Service DogMedium
Search and Rescue DogMedium
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginBelgium
Nicknames and Other NamesBelgian Laekenois 
Belgian Shepherd Dog
Chien de Berger Belge
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeShepherd
GroupHerding Group
Bred ForHerding and protecting flocks
SizeMedium-Sized
Recognized ByAKC, UKC, FCI, ANKC, CKC, KC, NZKC
Life Span10-12 Years
Ideal WeightMale: 55-66 pounds
Female: 44-55 pounds
Ideal HeightMale: 24-26 inches
Female: 22-24 inches
Fur TypeMedium, Rough
Common ColorsFawn
Fawn Sable
Red Sable
Mahogany
Red
MarkingsBlack Mask
AvailabilityAvailable
Achievements2013 Best of Breed
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarUsed as a messenger in World War II
Most Similar ToBelgian Sheepdog

An elegant, well-proportioned, natural and medium-sized square dogs, Belgian Laekenois is a herding dog originated in Laeke and is the rarest of four Belgian herding dogs.

With its long head with prick ears and a square body, these herding dogs are known to be very protective towards their family. His expression clearly resembles “I’m ready for anything” kind of personality.

Origin And History

The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest and least known among the four Belgian Shepherds. It dates back to the middle age where they were bred to herd and protect flocks of sheep and field where crops were for the use of Linen industry.

In 1981, a professor at Belgium School of Veterinary Science, Adolphe Reul gathered more than hundred Belgian Shepherds. He decided to establish a breed standard for the Belgian Breed. He told the owners to breed their dogs who have the same coat.

Is Belgian Laekenois Child-Friendly?

Being bred as herding dogs, children are not so safe around these dogs. Because of their herding instinct, they might chase and push the small children. Belgian Laekenois tend to bully the children and if left unchecked, such behaviors can be dangerous for kids as well as for adults.

Early socialization is a must for Belgian Laekenois and must be taught on how to treat a child. However, you should also teach your children not to bother him too much.

Temperament And Personality

Since Belgian Laekenois are herding dogs, they naturally display characteristics of guarding behaviors with both people and animals. It has a pack mentality, which makes him always wanting to sit on the top as a leader and will also dominate the animals, people including their owners to be recognized as the leader of the pack.

They are great watchdogs and are very possessive towards their family. They are not so friendly, approachable and outgoing dogs. Belgian Laekenois are aggressive and should be trained and socialize from an early age to make reliable companions.

Belgian Laekonis are herding dogs.
Belgian Laekonois Herding Sheep. Image Source- Pinterest

Trainability

Training a Belgian Laekenois can be the hardest thing for you as they are very stubborn and independent dogs. The alpha personality of them makes them the strong-headed dog. Even though he is an active dog, he doesn’t want to be trained under anyone. He thinks that he is the alpha and he is dominant.

They should be trained as early as possible as they can become dangerously dominant towards everyone if not trained consistently. They must be sent to obedience classes in an age of 6-8 months and training techniques such as physical punishments, loud scolding may increase Laekenois’s tendency of aggression.

Facts About Belgian Laekenois

  • Laekenois is pronounced as LAK-in-wah.
  • Belgian Laekenois is one of the four breeds of Belgian Sheepdogs including, Malinois, Tervuren, and Groenendael.
  • The Belgian Laekenois should be socialized early to prevent them from shyness.

Common Health Issues Found In Belgian Laekenois

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesEpilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Atrophy, Bloat, Elbow Dysplasia, Allergies
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus
SheddingModerate
DroolingLow
GroomingAverage
Weight Gain PotentialLow to Average
Separation AnxietyLow to Moderate Chance
AllergiesSkin and food allergies
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 20%
Fat: 6%
Gulcosmine
Multivitamins

These dogs don’t have serious health issues however, they can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, retinal atrophy and gastric. These dogs have sensitive skin so, they need to be brushed regularly to keep them away from dirt and skin problems.

Color Patterns

  • Fawn
  • Mahogany
  • Red
  • Black And Tan
  • Fawn Sable
  • Red Sable

Belgian Laekenois Puppies

To buy a Belgian Laekenois puppy from breeders can cost somewhere up to $1,500-$2,000.

Which Dog Breed Are They Similar To?

To conclude, training this aggressive and strong-willed of his own, Belgian Laekenois can be a great thing to keep him as a family dog.

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