The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is a breed of dog, sometimes classified as a variety of the Belgian Shepherd Dog rather than as a separate breed. “Laekenois” is pronounced /ˈlækɨnwɑː/ lak-in-wah.[1] This breed is not fully recognized in the United States. However, they can be shown in Britain, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe, along with all three of the closely related breeds which share a heritage with the Laekenois: the Tervuren, the Malinois, and the Groenendael, the last being shown in the U.S. as the Belgian Sheepdog.

History

There were only a handful of breeds native to Belgium, four to be exact. In 1891, there was a club that formed for these Belgian dogs. One of them were the Belgian Laekenois and what differentiates them from the rest is their rough, wire coat. Even more rare than the other three breeds, they originated from the Laeken region in the 1800s.

Although they have gained popularity, they still have not become well-known outside of Belgium. They were accepted as a herding group and in the Foundation Stock Service in 1998 but not the AKC.

This sub-breed of the Belgian dogs were utilized in the beginning as a herd dog and a guard dog. They protected flocks and even served as the protectors of laundry. They kept a keen eye out for drying linen. Shortly after they ran messages back and forth during World War I and II. That’s actually when the breed started to see a decline. With its rarity as it is, much effort had to be made by breeders for restoration. That indeed is what they did.

Personality

Considering the many uses these Laekenois dogs were able to do, they were considered very versatile and adaptable to merely any working condition or situation. They dealt with flocks, linen, and served as messenger dogs. These three duties differ in many ways but they are quick learners, so it was no big deal for them. Their intelligence level is high so these attributes are possible.
Besides their dutiful nature, they are very alert and strong. They may feel hesitant with strangers and tend to be cautious but they are affectionate to their families.

Traits

The Belgian Laekenois was separated from the other three dog breeds from Belgium because of its differentiating coat from the others. It was very coarse and rough in a way that separated them from their soft-coated counterparts. The color and length were also different than the other three types of dogs.

The most popular color that is acceptable for a Belgian Laekenois is fawn or other shades of red, and with black staining their tails and muzzles. They appear to be woolly and sometimes have a gray-ish color in their fur.

They are on the larger dogs from 44 to 66 lbs heavy and 22 to 26 inches tall. They are muscular and evenly squared up. They have a well-rounded, hearty body.

Handling

The Laekenois will require a regular brushing and sometimes even a bath to go with it. The typical maintenance of their ears and nails will be necessary as well. These dogs are very low maintenance but since they are dogs with a duty, they will require exercise.

They excel at agility training because of their intelligence level and strong desire to be obedient. They are active and definitely want to let off some energy whenever they can. They will require socialization from puppyhood for the benefit of interaction with other dogs and people.

Health

There aren’t too many noteworthy health problems among this breed. They are typically healthy dogs and have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years of happy working and loving. They are good dogs to consider if you are within the area to find one.