Belgian Shepherd Laekenois

There are four varieties of Belgian Shepherds: Laekenois, Groenendael, Tervuren, and Malinois, with the Laekenois dog being the rarest of the group. They are distinguished by their coats which vary in color, texture, and length. A Laekenois’ regal look can be attributed to Queen Henrietta of Belgium, who was a devoted fan of the breed. Hardworking guard dogs, they protected flocks and even linens line-drying in fields. Throughout both World Wars, they were used as messenger dogs.

Fitness fanatics who enjoy being active will love having a dog that can match their energy—one that might even participate in dog sports if given the opportunity. Think of Belgian Laekenois as the academics of the dog world–they have an almost limitless capacity and need to learn, so an owner who can cater to this is best.

Lace up your running shoes and get your fitness tracker ready because Belgian Laekenois love exercise, and require daily physical activity. They also do well with games and puzzles to exhaust their minds. You cannot take shortcuts with this breed; they will become loud, destructive, and unhappy if their exercise needs aren’t met.

While these majestic dogs love being inside, they prefer to spend a good portion of their time outside, exercising and training. More rural or suburban areas are preferable to city life, where loud noises and constant stimulation might overwhelm them.

They are easy to groom and should be brushed every few days. Check their bodies for cuts, scrapes, and parasites regularly, and look in between their paw pads for irritation.

Lightening-fast learners with a keen intuition, Belgian Laekenois are super easy to train, although they can also teach themselves bad habits just as easily. They have strong herding and guarding instincts, so owners who can make training or dog sports a hobby are best. They need to be socialized with other animals, livestock, household pets, and children to be successful.

If your family is prepared to dedicate adequate time and attention to training and exercise to the Belgian Laekenois, they can succeed as family dogs. They do best with families that have no children or older children.

The cost of a Belgian Laekenois from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.