The Laekenois is the rarest and the less popular Belgian Shepherd’s breeds. Probably his better personality doesn’t compensate his rough look. The fact that this breed is still not recognized in the USA, while his cousins, Malinois, Tervueren and Groenendael, have their own standard, doesn’t help either. In the UK these breeds are seen as one breed: the Belgian Shepherd, with four variants.

However, the Laekenois wasn’t always the preterit. At the time of Queen Marie Henriette, the Laekenois was considered the best dog shepherd and no family would refuse his help. In fact, the Laekenois was named after the Château de Laeken, a place where the queen often went.

Nowadays this breed is quite difficult to find. The Laekenois is still a shepherd, but he is also used as a search and rescue dog.  

Belgian Laekenois is a sturdy dog built to work as a shepherd and he has the muscled body that allows him to do the job well done.

The main diference between the Laekenois and the other Belgian shepherds is his coat. His rough look may penalize him in popularity but it sure helps to get the job done outdoors. The wiry coat is short and has a variety of colors from fawn to darker brown.

The tail is long, with dense hair and with a bushy look, but it’s not feathered.

The Laekenois can reach up to 66 cm of height and can weight between 27,5 and 28,5 kg.

Very intelligent and worker, the Laekenois maintains his strong protective instincts. It’s important to keep him busy or to give him a job, since he becomes easily bored and may get destructive. They will try to dominate other dogs and need to be very well socialized with other pets, so he can get along with them. As a shepherd, he tends to herd people and other animal, by biting on the foot.

Of all the Belgian breeds, he is the less inclined to snap.

The Laekenois is very loyal and likes human attention. He is happier sleeping indoor with the family. He is very affectionate but tends to choose his owner.

This breed will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. An average yard or larger areas will suite him the best. They need long daily walks.

This is a very hardy breed that has no major health concerns. Eye problems can occur.

The grooming should be done weakly and during shedding season, which occurs twice a year, the brushing shouldn’t be neglected.