[2024] Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Dog Overview

The Belgian Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized, square dog that is attractive and well-proportioned.

The Belgian Sheepherders’ dog offers the impression of beautiful solidity due to his stately carriage and symmetry of shape.

He is a hardy individual, used to live outside and equipped to withstand harsh weather and the regular climatic changes that characterize the Belgian climate.

He is a proud representation of the herding breeds, with his elegance and expression indicating considerable character strength.

The Belgian Shepherd Dog was created in Belgium as a sheep herding dog.

He is vivacious and incredibly quick. He has a natural desire to be on the move.

The Belgian was created to be a long-distance runner. He must be able to wander about and tend to the flock all day, as well as protect it from intruders.

He is a superb watchdog and a fierce and fearless protector of his master and family, in addition to his inborn aptitude as a flock guardian.

He is observant and attentive to his owner’s commands. He is observant, perceptive, and curious.

He is very loyal to people he knows and loves, but he is reserved with strangers.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Highlights

The Belgian Shepherd Laekenois is known to listen to commands and obey its owner. Expect fewer repetitions when training this breed.

Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with hair in their cars and homes.

This is a working dog that is accustomed to an active outdoor life. As such it needs a lot of exercise, including a long daily walk. In addition, it will greatly benefit being off the leash as much as possible in a safe area.

The Belgian Laekenois will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average size yard. This breed prefers cool climates, but adapts well to others. It can live outdoors but would much rather be with his people.

This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 4 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 5 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 5 Star
VOCALITY 5 Star

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
Height: Male: 24-26 inches (61–66 cm) Female: 22–24 inches (56–61 cm)
Weight: Male: 55–66 pounds (25–30 kg) Female: 44–55 pounds (20–25 kg)
Life Span: 10-12 years
Type: Purebred
AREA OF ORIGIN: Belgium
DATE OF ORIGIN:
OTHER NAMES: Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laeken), Chien de Berger Belge
Temperament: Active, Alert, Energetic, Lively, Protective, Watchful
Activities:
Color: Fawn, Red, Mahogany, Black and White
Litter Size: 6-10 puppies
Puppy Prices: Between $1700.00 – $2500.00

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Health:

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed.

To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

The Kennel Club’s Assured Breeders must use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice. All other breeders are strongly advised to also use these.

Hip dysplasia screening scheme (BVA/KC)
Eye screening scheme (BVA/KC/ISDS)

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Grooming:

The Laekenois has a harsh, wiry coat that should not be curly. The coat length is about 6cm.

Fairly low-maintenance, the coat will need grooming about once a week.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Exercise:

The Laekenois dog needs two hours-plus of daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Highly trainable, he can excel at agility, obedience and other canine sports.

They are very active dogs and should not be considered as pets if they are to be left alone all day.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Training:

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Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Food and Nutrition:

The Laekenois dog needs two hours-plus of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Highly trainable, he can excel at agility, obedience and other canine sport.

They are very active dogs and should not be considered as pets if they are to be left alone all day.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Temperament and Personality:

As a pet, he is a devoted companion; he does not like to be separated from his family, preferring to join in with all activities.

Affectionate with his loved ones, he is naturally protective of his home and family – an instinct that appears naturally and does not need to be encouraged.

Early socialisation is vital with all dogs with guarding tendencies, including the Laekenois dog, especially as he can be quarrelsome with other dogs if lacking positive, early experiences.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Care/Upkeep:

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Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Relationship with Children and Other Pets

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Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Buddy	Bella
02	Max	Daisy
03	Toby	Coco
04	Jack	Luna
05	Cody	Maggie
06	Rocky	Ellie
07	Henry	Chloe
08	Gus	Stella
09	Teddy	Zoey
10	Sam	Penny

All About Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

Sheepdogs of this breed have been around since the Middle Ages in Belgium. There are four variants of the breed, all with the identical physical characteristics and just differing in coat and color.

Their physical attributes equip them to be excellent herding dogs: they are agile, fast and lightly built yet robust, but the breed has shown its versatility as a service dog, widely used by the police and armed forces. They have an appetite for work, being watchful, wary and highly intelligent.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois History:

The Belgian Laekenois was developed as a sheepdog in the Royal Castle of Laeken.

his breed is employed to guard linen that is placed in fields to dry, in addition to its job as a herding dog.

The Laekenois was used as a messenger dog during the First and Second World Wars. The Belgian Shepherd Dog Laekenois is the oldest and rarest of the Belgian Shepherd Dogs.

The four types were freely intermixed until the early 1900s, when dog exhibitions became popular.

In truth, the four varieties are genetically separated by only three genes (short/long coat, smooth/wire coat, and fawn/black coat).

Purebred Smooth-coated puppies are infrequently born to Laekenois, and depending on the pure-bred registry, they can be registered as Malinois.

The American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class currently assigns the Laekenois to the Herding Group.

Where to Adopt Belgian Shepherd Laekenois:

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Belgian Sheepdog in need of adoption and or fostering.

There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don’t see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Belgian Sheepdog rescue.

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Club of America Rescue

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

Before you decide whether the Beauceron is the right dog for you, do plenty of research.

Talk to other Beauceron owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons:

Belgian Shepherd Laekenois Fun Facts:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How much does a Belgian Shepherd Laekenois cost?

Belgian Laekenois is still a somewhat rare breed in the United States. In general, the average price of a Belgian Shepherd Laekenois pup will be between $1700.00 – $2500.00 depending on the pedigree of the puppy and where the breeder resides.

What is the maintenance needed for this breed?

Infrequent grooming is required to maintain upkeep.