Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)
The rough-coated, rarest Belgian Shepherd variety: tousled, fawn, and as keen and capable as its cousins.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 60–66 cm · Females 56–62 cm
- Weight
- Males 25–30 kg · Females 20–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–150 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Wire-haired, medium
- Colours
- Fawn
- Bred for
- Herding, Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Belgium
- FCI
- Group 1, no. 15 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 5/5 – Very high |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 5/5 – Very high |
| Easy to train | 5/5 – Very high |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 2/5 – Low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with being alone | 1/5 – Very low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a rare working breed and can wait for a litter
- enjoy training or dog sports
- have experience with herding dogs
Think twice if you …
- are new to dogs
- want a low-energy companion
- cannot provide daily structure and activity
Care
Temperament
The Laekenois is loyal, alert and protective of home and family. It is usually reserved with strangers and needs good socialisation. It is sensitive and responds best to calm, clear handling.
Exercise
Expect to give well over an hour of daily activity with real mental work. Tracking, obedience, herding and agility are all good outlets.
Grooming
The harsh coat sheds less than the long-coated varieties and needs weekly brushing. Occasional hand-tidying keeps it neat; it should not be clipped.
Training
Quick to learn and keen to cooperate when training is fair and rewarding. Early, broad socialisation helps it stay confident rather than suspicious.
Health
Belgian Shepherds are generally robust, but hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and some eye conditions occur in the breed. Breeding dogs are usually hip, elbow and eye screened, so ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Laekenois takes its name from Laeken, near Brussels, where shepherds grazed flocks around the royal castle. Its rough fawn coat set it apart from the other Belgian varieties, and it was also used to guard linen left to bleach in the fields. It remains by far the rarest of the four.
In character it is a true Belgian: fast, alert and eager to work, though often described as a little calmer and more grounded than the Malinois. It bonds closely with its household and keeps a watchful eye on its surroundings. Finding a puppy may take patience, as litters are few.
Did you know?
The Laekenois is named after Laeken, the Brussels district that is home to the Belgian royal palace.