Belgian Laekenois: temperament, size, care and health

About the Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois (roughly "LAK-en-wah") is the rough-coated member of the four Belgian herding breeds, and the least common. It stands about 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 65 pounds, with a square, lean body and an alert, upright carriage. The coat is the main difference: it is dry, wiry and slightly tousled, about two inches long, with a fawn color that has a bit of black shading on the muzzle and tail. The hair is shorter on the face, though the breed has a little beard and eyebrows, and the whole look is rustic.

The dogs were herders and guards in the countryside around Brussels, and they are still working dogs at heart. Because of the small numbers, a puppy may require a wait and a search for a breeder.

Temperament and family life

A Laekenois is intelligent, alert and devoted to its family. It tends to be reserved with strangers, protective of home and territory and sharp to changes in its surroundings. Owners describe it as a more independent and hardy dog than some of its relatives, with a tenacity that needs a firm, fair handler.

The breed can live happily with children and other pets when raised with them, though herding behaviors such as nipping and chasing are likely. Strong prey drive can be an issue with cats and small animals. Boredom leads to barking, pacing, digging and destruction, and the breed does not suit a household where the dog is alone most of the day.

Exercise and training

A Laekenois is an athlete and needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally with something to do, such as herding, agility, tracking, obedience or protection sport. A long run is a good start, but the dog also needs mental work.

Training is a pleasure for an experienced handler. The Laekenois learns quickly and can be demanding, so use clear, consistent, reward-based methods and avoid harsh corrections that may create a fearful or defensive dog. Early and ongoing socialization is critical. Teach the dog to settle indoors, provide a secure fence, and be prepared for a lively adolescence.

Grooming and shedding

The wiry coat is the easiest of the four to maintain. Brush it weekly with a comb or slicker brush to remove loose hair and debris, and check for tangles around the face and the britches. The coat sheds lightly through the year, and a hand-stripping or tidying a couple of times a year helps keep it neat, as is done with other wire-coated breeds. Bathing should be occasional, as too much washing softens the texture.

Keep the beard clean after meals, clean the ears, trim the nails and brush the teeth. After outdoor work, check for burrs and ticks.

Health

The Laekenois is considered a hardy breed, but the small gene pool makes careful breeding important. Conditions to watch for include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy and allergies. Responsible breeders test hips, elbows and eyes and are open about pedigrees.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The breed is named for the royal castle of Laeken near Brussels, where the rough-coated sheepdogs were reportedly kept, and it is one of the varieties that Belgian breeders began sorting out of the native sheepdogs in the 1890s. The Laekenois remained a farm dog and stayed rarer than the others, which became more fashionable. The American Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in 2020.

Is the Belgian Laekenois right for you?

A Laekenois suits an experienced, active owner who wants a rugged, loyal working partner and does not mind a low-fuss coat, a long wait for a puppy and a demanding training routine. It is a poor match for a first-time owner, a small apartment, a sedentary home or one where the dog would be alone for long hours.

If you like the Belgian type, compare the short-coated Belgian Malinois, the long-coated Belgian Tervuren and the black Belgian Sheepdog. The Berger Picard is a wiry-coated French cousin in spirit.