The Belgian Laekenois (pronounced “Lak-in-wah”) is a type of sheepdog that has been helping people of the region since the Middle Ages. However, only in 1891 did people set apart this dog breed from other sheepdogs from Belgium – Malinois, Tervuren, and Groenendael. The Belgian Laekenois differs from the other 3 by the coat type and color. The Laekenois has a wiry and harsh coat type. But, all three breeds are quite similar regarding their temperament. All of them are intelligent, vigilant, and alert.

1. Size

The Belgian Laekenois is a medium to large dog. Females are slightly smaller than males. The standard measures for the breed are:

• Male height: 24 to 26 inches (60 to 66 cm)
• Male weight: 55 to 65 pounds (24 to 30 kg)
• Female height: 22 to 24 inches (55 to 60 cm)
• Female weight: 55 to 65 pounds (24 to 30 kg)

The general appearance of the Laekenois is that of a well-balanced and muscular dog. They are proportionate without any exaggerations. The ears are triangular and as such a very distinctive feature of all four types of Belgian sheepdogs. The tail is of medium length, strong at the base.

2. Color

According to the Royal Kennel Club, the Laekenois coat color is reddish fawn. They have black shading on the muzzle and tail. The specific breed-standard coat colors are:

• Fawn
• Mahogany
• Fawn sable
• Red 
• Red sable 

Apart from these breed-standard coat colors, the Laekenois can also be black & tan, cream, and cream sable. The only breed-standard mask is a black mask.

3. Social Traits

The Belgian Laekenois is an affectionate dog breed. They love to show their love to the owners and family members. However, while they are affectionate towards their close circle, they can be reserved for those outside of it. The Laekenois is not an aggressive dog but can show signs of wariness toward strange people or dogs. With proper socialization that starts from puppyhood, we can try to lower this reservedness. 

The Belgian Laekenois is affectionate to family members, but reserved to strangers

Generally speaking, Laekenois goes well with other animals, including small animals such as cats. Their prey drive is not as high as in some other dog breeds, but it varies from dog to dog. That means there is a possibility that your Laekenois ends up chasing all the small animals, but it is highly unlikely. Unless you purposely teach them to chase small animals, of course. 

Good with children: yes

Good with other dogs: reserved towards them

Good with small animals: yes 

4. Trainability

One of the wonderful things about all Belgian sheepdogs is their high trainability. Even though the Belgian Malinois is the most famous, other Belgian sheepdogs are very smart and quick to learn commands too. That includes the Belgian Laekenois. 

The Belgian Laekenois is highly trainable and can quickly learn commands

They love to learn and work, so using work as a form of training will pay off. You can offer them rewards such as treats or simply their favorite toy or game. Don’t forget to make sure these dogs are well-stimulated so that they don’t get bored. Smart dogs need versatile training techniques. So change the game, the pacing, or the things that are expected of them. In other words, keep it interesting, and don’t overuse the treats as rewards.

Trainability: 5 out of 5

5. Activity

If you want a dog that is not very active and doesn’t need a lot of daily activities, don’t get the Laekenois. These dogs are very active and need at least 2 hours of daily activities. It would be best if you have a large garden for them or live in the countryside, but with proper exercise and mental stimulation, Laekenois can be just as happy in a town.

Laekenois is a dog that thrives in the countryside but can be happy in a city if you give him enough daily mental and physical stimulation

Mental stimulation is equally important. This dog breed was bred to work, and it has been helping people with the sheep and other farm animals/jobs for thousands of years. Their need to do a job is still very high. So, if you don’t need them to take care of the farm animals, give them meaningful tasks, include them in your everyday life, give them interesting toys, or play interesting games with them. Keeping their brains sharp is as important as keeping their bodies healthy. 

Activity needs: at least 2 hours (suited for the country)

6. Feeding

Generally speaking, an adult Belgian Laekenois needs from 2 to 3 cups of kibble food daily. As always, it is best to divide the amount into two meals – one in the morning and the other one in the evening. That way we help maintain a dog’s healthy weight, and we lower the chances of a dog developing Bloat (GDV).

The mentioned amount of food is a general rule. How much food a dog needs depends on various internal and external factors such as health, activity levels, or the type of food they are eating. It is always best to consult a vet if you are having problems deciding what amount is the best for your dog.

An adult Belgian Laekenois needs from 2 to 3 cups of kibble food a day divided into two meals

7. Grooming

The Belgian Laekenois has a medium long wiry and rough coat. They shed quite a lot and need regular weekly brushing to keep the hair away from your furniture. You can use a combination of a slicker and pin brush for the best results. Other than regular brushing, they need an occasional bath and regular nail trimming.

Shedding: A lot

Brushing: Once or twice a week

8. Possible Problems

Even though Belgian Laekenois is, generally speaking, a healthy dog breed they can develop some health issues. The most common are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Epilepsy
• Heart problems 
• Bloat (GDV)

Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Summary 

The Belgian Laekenois is not a very popular dog breed outside of Belgium. Similar to other sheepdogs from this country, they are in the shadow of a well-known Malinois. However, if you happen to come across a Laekenois, you won’t be disappointed. They are hard-working, affectionate towards family, and loyal dogs. They go well with children and other animals but can be reserved toward strange dogs or people. This makes them great watchdogs. But, if you do want to have a Laekenois, don’t forget that they need at least 2 hours of daily exercise and that they shed quite a lot.

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