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Laekenois

The Laekenois is a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog breed. Its rough, wiry fur gives it a distinct rustic appearance. Compared to the other varieties of the Belgian Shepherd, especially when you consider the spirited Malinois, the Laekenois is somewhat more placid and even-tempered. However, this shepherd dog also needs to be physically and mentally stimulated.

Laekenois

© Dogs / stock.adobe.com

Of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd, the Laekenois is the least common.

Table of contents

  1. A Rough-coated Belgian Shepherd
  2. Character: A Vigilant, Intelligent Companion
  3. Care and Occupation: The Right Training for the Laekenois
  4. Care and Nutrition: What Does the Laekenois Need?
  5. Health: Few Breed-specific Diseases Known
  6. Origin: Where Does the Laekenois Come From?
  7. Acquisition: What is the Cost of a Laekenois?
  8. Conclusion: A Life in the Shadows
  9. Laekenois Quick Facts

A Rough-coated Belgian Shepherd

Of the other three varieties of the Belgian Shepherd—Malinois, Tervueren, and Groenendael—the Laekenois differs mainly in its coat. It has fawn rough hair with black shading on the muzzle and tail. The hair length is about six centimetres. The hair should not be curly.

In contrast to the elegant black-haired Groenendael and the short-haired Malinois, the shaggy Laekenois most visibly reflects its heritage as a farm and working dog. Perhaps this is why it is nowadays the rarest representative of the Belgian Shepherd breed. Even in its Belgian homeland, the Laekenois is not very widespread.

The Lively Gaze of the Laekenois

This scruffy canine shares other physical characteristics with its close relatives. Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Laekenois also has a finely boned, almost square body, triangular erect ears, and almond-shaped eyes with an animated expression.

Laekenois with puppy © Cani / stock.adobe.com
As a puppy, the Laekenois should be well-socialized to avoid future problems with its peers or other pets.

Character: A Vigilant, Intelligent Companion

The Laekenois is a loyal, ready-to-work partner. It is always alert and ready to defend, which is why its protective instinct should not be further encouraged. Within the family, it proves to be a friendly, child-loving companion, as long as it’s given enough daily exercise.

An intelligent, active dog like the Laekenois requires both physical and mental tasks. Compared to the enthusiastic, sometimes exuberant or even nervous Malinois, the shaggy Belgian comes across as a bit more relaxed and calm.

Is the Laekenois Suitable for Beginners?

Early socialisation is crucial for all guarding and protective dogs, including the Laekenois. Only if it is accustomed to fellow canines and other pets such as cats from puppyhood will it tolerate them as an adult dog.

When training the sensitive shepherd, empathy and loving consistency are required. Training mistakes can often be met with behavioural issues, making this breed not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Care and Occupation: The Right Training for the Laekenois

The Laekenois enjoys several hours of outdoors activity every day. It appreciates challenging walks, which should be enhanced with scent work or other demanding activities.

This agile four-legged friend is also well-suited for dog sports such as Agility or Obedience. Sporty, dog-experienced people who love spending a lot of time outdoors with their Laekenois are ideal owners for this work-loving dog.

Training as a Service or Working Dog

A great occupation for the trainable Laekenois is also training as a rescue, tracking, or service dog. Belgian Shepherds are disproportionately represented in the military, customs, and police forces.

To meet the needs of this independent, confident herding and shepherd dog, a home with a garden in a rural area is best. Here the loyal companion can guard the house and be allowed to bark occasionally.

Care and Nutrition: What Does the Laekenois Need?

The rough coat of the Laekenois requires little care. It should be brushed about once a week to comb out the loose undercoat and prevent tangles. However, during the moult, this process might become necessary more often.

The Laekenois is not fussy when it comes to its diet. It eats both dry and wet food but can also be barfed. Protein-rich, high-quality food is recommended to satisfy the energy needs of this diligent working dog.

Health: Few Breed-specific Diseases Known

The Laekenois is known as a long-lived dog that is not particularly prone to illness. Nonetheless, breeding can sometimes lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Hereditary eye diseases, epilepsy, as well as cardiomyopathy and other heart diseases can also occur.

What is the Lifespan of the Laekenois?

With proper care, the robust Laekenois can live between twelve to 14 years.

Origin: Where Does the Laekenois Come From?

This herding dog is named after the Laeken Castle, a royal residence near Brussels. The shepherds of the castle park had been breeding this easy-care, sturdy four-legged friend for generations before it received its official name at the end of the 19th century.

Another historical role of the vigilant Belgian was to protect the flax fields. The precious fabrics were laid out in all weathers and guardedly kept by the rough-coated, hardy Laekenois.

Acquisition: What is the Cost of a Laekenois?

The Laekenois is the rarest variety of the Belgian Shepherd breed. Even in its Belgian birthplace, there are hardly any breeders. Those looking to purchase a puppy of this breed type may need to search a bit and possibly undertake a long journey. The cost for a healthy puppy with papers usually ranges from €800 to €2,500.

Due to its scarcity, the Laekenois is rarely found in animal shelters. This fate tends to befall the Malinois more often due to its more frequent occurrence—and the fact that it’s sometimes relinquished by overwhelmed owners.

Conclusion: A Life in the Shadows

Due to its somewhat rougher appearance, the Laekenois stands in the shadow of its more elegant relatives. A pity, indeed, for it too is a fearless guardian, a capable working dog, and a loyal recreational partner.

Even if not as high-strung, and generally a bit calmer in temperament, the intelligent, sensitive herding dog is best suited for experienced owners.

Laekenois Quick Facts

Quick Info:The Laekenois is one of four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog and is bred relatively rarely.
Height at Withers:Up to 66 cm
Weight:25-30 kg
Average Lifespan:12-14 years
Price:From approximately €800
Temperament:Alert, independent, intelligent, ready to work
Fur:Rough, wiry, short
Fur Colour:Fawn with black clouding
Training Effort:High
Care Effort:Medium
Exercise Needs:High
Origin:Belgium

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